diff --git a/source/administration/replica-sets.txt b/source/administration/replica-sets.txt
index 5ccc7b40f14..b33c985395b 100644
--- a/source/administration/replica-sets.txt
+++ b/source/administration/replica-sets.txt
@@ -378,7 +378,12 @@ For the procedure to add a member to a replica set, see
 Removing Members
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
-You may remove a member of a replica at any time. Use the
+You may remove a member of a replica at any time. You should *shut down*
+the member before removing it. In versions prior to 2.2, you are
+required to shut down the member. Beginning with version 2.2 you are no
+longer required to shut down, but it remains good practice.
+
+To remove a member, use the
 :method:`rs.remove()` method in the :program:`mongo` shell while
 connected to the current :term:`primary`. Issue the
 :method:`db.isMaster()` command when connected to *any* member of the