These guidelines were developed to provide a reference for preparing policies on admission and discharge for pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). They represent a consensus opinion of physicians, nurses, and allied health care professionals. By using this document as a framework for developing multidisciplinary admission and discharge policies, utilization of pediatric intensive care units can be optimized and patients can receive the level of care appropriate for their condition. (Crit Care Med 1999; 27: 843-845)