Infants Must Be:

• In an open bassinet, having maintained a normal temperature at least 24 hours

• Without apnea or bradycardia requiring intervention for at least 5 days. Infants who will be discharged on an apnea monitor should have equipment available at the time of discharge.

• Stable in room air for at least 24 hours prior to discharge.

• Infants with a chronic stable FiO₂ requirement may be discharged home on nasal cannula oxygen, providing they require < 0.3 LPM of O₂. Infants being sent home on NC O₂ must have appropriate arrangements for home oxygen made. Infants discharged on O₂ should also be on a home apnea monitor.

• Tolerating nipple feedings. Infants may be sent home on orogastric or gastrostomy feeds, if appropriate arrangements for supplies have been made.

• Gaining weight at an appropriate rate.

• Able to maintain adequate oxygen saturation in a car seat for 1 hour. Otherwise, a car bed must be obtained.

Parents Must Be:

• Educated about and competent to feed the infant.

• Competent to give any medications the infant needs. Prescription medications should be obtained prior to discharge.

• Trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (when applicable).

• Informed regarding basic baby care/discharge instructions by the nursing staff.

• Given the option to "Room In" (stay overnight) prior to discharge if medically or socially indicated.

• Aware of their infant’s need for ophthalmologic follow-up and Synagis prophylaxis as indicated and given necessary follow-up appointment dates.

Physicians Must:

• Make sure the newborn state screen has been done on all infants.

• Make sure infants at risk for ROP have had an eye examination.

• Make sure a hearing screen has been performed.

• Make sure infant has had a recent hematocrit checked. The infant’s hematocrit should be stable; and, if anemic, appropriate plans must be made for follow-up.

• Identify whether the infant qualifies for Synagis (RSV prophylaxis). If indicated, the first dose of Synagis should be administered prior to discharge in the RSV season. If discharged outside of the RSV season, recommendations should be made to the family and local pediatrician regarding Synagis administration the following fall.

• Notify the case manager/social worker. Family background should have been assessed, and Plans for home nursing or a Public Health Nurse visit should be made, if appropriate.

• Identify and notify the pediatrician of the pending discharge by telephone.

• Make sure all follow-up appointments and recommendations have been made.

• Record all body measurements (weight, head circumference, length) at the time of discharge.

• Complete a discharge summary and save it to Star Panel.