Screen suicide risk and open a safety plan

Practice the Joint Commission / Zero Suicide order from behavioral-health training. The person is not left alone after a positive screen until the plan and observation level are set.

1. Administer the taught screening tool in a private setting.
2. If positive, complete the full risk assessment the same encounter.
3. Remove or secure immediate means in the environment.
4. Build a written safety plan with warning signs, contacts, and 988.
5. Set the observation or disposition level with the licensed clinician.
6. Do not discharge on a positive high-risk screen without that plan and a warm handoff.