| Recommended for all HF patients |
| Exacerbating factors addressed |
| Near optimal volume status observed |
| Transition from intravenous to oral diuretic successfully completed |
| Patient and family education completed, including clear discharge instructions |
| Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) documented |
| Smoking cessation counseling initiated |
| Near optimal pharmacologic therapy achieved, including ACE inhibitor and beta blocker (for patients with reduced LVEF), or intolerance documented |
| Follow-up clinic visit scheduled, usually for 7 to 10 days |
| Should be considered for patients with advanced HF or recurrent admissions for HF |
| Oral medication regimen stable for 24 hours |
| No intravenous vasodilator or inotropic agent for 24 hours |
| Ambulation before discharge to assess functional capacity after therapy |
| Plans for postdischarge management (scale present in home, visiting nurse or telephone follow up generally no longer than three days after discharge) |
| Referral for disease management, if available |
