Early discharge from the NICU

Early discharge from the NICU has created much controversy and concern among health care professions and parents. It sparked legislative discussions at the state and federal levels spawned from the legislative mandates for mother/baby discharges of not less than 48 hour for uncomplicated vaginal deliveries. However, unlike the term, healthy newborn and the mother, there are no uniform criteria for NICU discharges. Much of the health care once given in the confines of the NICU has moved into the home. Parents are being expected to provide "high-tech" care with little or no professional help. This article discusses the rationale for the health care delivery changes and the need for guidelines for safe, early NICU discharges. Developmental care and community resources within the context of early intervention programs are discussed and individualized family service plans explained.