Discharge Summary: Who must write the reason for discharge?

• A. Nursing staff
• B. Physician
• C. PT
• D. PTA

Answer: (C)

Discharge summaries in physical therapy document why therapy is ending. The reason for discharge is a statement about why PT services are concluded, typically reflecting that progress toward functional goals has been achieved, plateaued with no further progress, medical status changed, or the patient completed the planned course. This rationale comes from the physical therapist because they assess functional changes, determine readiness for discharge, and communicate the outcome to the patient and other providers. The discharge summary should capture the patient’s current function, goals achieved, recommended follow‑up or home program, and safety considerations. The physical therapy assistant can assist in data collection but the formal rationale and signature belong to the PT.