Which policy dictates the discharge clearance process for patients at a military treatment facility?

• A. DOD policy
• B. MPF policy
• C. Air Force policy
• D. Local policy

Answer: (D)

Discharge clearance is managed at the facility level because the process must fit the specific resources, workflows, and patient needs of that site. Local policy spells out the exact steps, who signs off, what forms are used, and how the patient is handed off to follow‑up care or transfer. While higher-level DoD guidance provides the overarching standards, the day-to-day discharge workflow is implemented locally to reflect the facility’s actual capabilities and operations. The other levels set the framework, but the local policy controls how discharge clearance is carried out in that military treatment facility.