Homonym: Discharge (Release)
Discharge refers to the process of releasing a patient from a hospital or healthcare facility after they have received treatment. This decision is typically made when the medical team believes the patient is stable and no longer requires inpatient care. Discharge planning often includes instructions for follow-up care, medications, and lifestyle changes to ensure the patient's continued recovery at home.
In legal terms, discharge can also mean the release of a person from obligations, such as debts or contracts. For example, when a debtor is discharged in bankruptcy, they are no longer legally required to pay certain debts, allowing them a fresh start financially.