Guidelines
The Joint Commission defines guidelines for the management of suicide as part of its 2013 National Patient Safety Goals (15.01.01)Link To PDF Document. These guidelines include the following (CDC 1991-2011):
Conduct a risk assessment that identifies specific patient characteristics and environmental features that may increase or decrease the risk for suicide.
Address the patient's immediate safety needs and most appropriate setting for treatment.
When a patient at risk for suicide leaves the care of the hospital, provide suicide prevention information (such as a crisis hotline) to the patient and his or her family.