is there a specific form that the joint commission requires for discharge summary to home vs acute care vs skilled nursing facil

There is no mandated form, but the Joint Commission does require the following six components for all discharge summaries:

1.  Reason for hospitalization

2.  Significant findings

3.  Procedures and treatment provided

4.  Patient's discharge condition

5.  Patient and family instructions (as appropriate)

6.  Attending physicians signature

In addition, the Joint Commission requires a medication reconcilliation at each hand-off, which includes discharge.  The patient should also receive a complete list of the medications they are on with doeses, times, etc.  For more on this topic go to http://thielst.typepad.com/my_weblog/2006/07/medication_reco_1.html