Case Closure

Clients who are no longer engaged in active case management services should have their cases closed based on the criteria and protocol outlined in a program's Policies and Procedures. A closure summary usually outlines the progress toward meeting identified goals and case disposition.

Common reasons for case closure include:

  • Client lost to care or does not engage in service.
  • Client chooses to terminate service.
  • Client relocates outside of service area.
  • Agency terminates as described in Policies and Procedures.
  • Mutual agreement.
  • Client is no longer in need of service.
  • Client completed case management goals.
  • Client no longer eligible.
  • Client is referred to a program that provides comparable case management services.
Standard Criteria

Upon termination of active case management services, a client case is closed and contains a closure summary documenting the case disposition.

  1. Closed cases include documentation stating the reason for closuer and a closure summary.
  2. Supervisor signs off on closure summary indicating approval.
  3. Policies and Procedures outline the criteria and protocol for case closures.

Best Practices

Providers attempt to reconnect clients lost to care to service. These attempts may include home visits, written/electronic correspondence, and/or telephone calls and may require contact with a client's known medical and human service providers (with prior written consent).

When services are terminated, an exit interview is conducted if appropriate.

Case managers attempt to secure releases that will enable them to share pertinent information with a new provider.

A management review is completed in situations where an agency intends to terminate services related to a client who threatens, harasses or harms staff.

Additional Resources

Sample Case Closure form is available on the New York State Department of Health web siteunder the category “Clinical Guidelines, Standards, and Quality of Care.”