Discharge readiness, escort safety, and post-session supervision

The manuals converge on the idea that discharge is a safety decision, not a clock based one. Across the extracts, release is tied to acute effects having resolved, with checks for orientation, alertness, stable or near normal vital signs, safe gait or ambulation, and the absence of significant distress or suicidal ideation. Several sources also emphasise that the participant should feel safe and that the clinician or investigator retains final judgement about readiness to leave. They also broadly agree that discharge planning extends beyond the clinic. The manuals recommend escort home by a caregiver, friend, relative, or designated support person, plus overnight supervision or a responsible adult present in many protocols. Common post-session restrictions include no driving and no hazardous or heavy machinery activity, often for 24 hours or until the next day. Follow-up contact, emergency numbers, and confirmation of safe arrival home are recurring features. The sources differ mainly in how long supervision lasts and how formal the discharge process is. Some protocols require a minimum time on site, such as 4 hours, 120 minutes, or 5 to 6 hours post-dose, while others allow discharge once clinical criteria are met. A few manuals specify overnight clinic stays, next-day integration, or even longer observation for more vulnerable cases, whereas others focus on home-based accompaniment and phone confirmation. The extracts also vary in how much they emphasise structured tools or forms, from readiness checklists and questionnaires to physician verification and release forms.