In healthcare, discharge is the formal process of releasing a patient from hospital care when they no longer require inpatient treatment. Discharge planning begins early in hospitalization, identifying what support patients need to safely return home or transition to other care settings. The process includes medication reconciliation (ensuring patients understand their prescriptions), follow-up appointment scheduling, patient education about ongoing care, and coordination with home care services, rehabilitation facilities, or long-term care when needed. Safe discharge is crucial for patient outcomes—premature discharge can lead to complications and readmission, while delayed discharge (called alternate level of care or ALC) occupies hospital beds needed for acute patients. Healthcare systems track discharge times and readmission rates as quality indicators. Patients have the right to understand their discharge plan and raise concerns about readiness to leave.