When a child who was discharged within the last 12 months is readmitted, what documentation action is allowed?

• A. Create entirely new admission documentation.
• B. Update the previous admission documentation.
• C. Use a combination of new and old records.
• D. Ignore the prior discharge and start anew.

Answer: (B)

When a child is readmitted within twelve months of discharge, you update the existing admission documentation rather than starting a new file. This maintains a single, continuous record that links the prior discharge to the current readmission, which is essential for tracking the child’s history, placements, services, and any changes in medical or psychosocial status. By adding an addendum or updating the admission file, you preserve the original dates, decisions, and plans while incorporating new information such as the reason for readmission, current placement, updated service plans, and any new risk or safety notes. Creating an entirely new admission would duplicate records and fragment the history, while starting fresh would erase the chronology of care. Ignores of prior discharge would similarly lose important context.