Citation

Simon R, Shuman DW. CNS Spectr. 2006; 11(6): 442-445.

Affiliation

Program in Psychiatry and Law, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, MBL Communications)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

16816783

Abstract

Suicide risk assessment is now a core competency requirement in the residency training of psychiatrists. The purpose of suicide risk assessment is to identify modifiable or treatable acute, high-risk suicide factors, and available protective factors that inform patient treatment and safety management. The standard of care varies according to state statutory definitions. Heretofore, most states adopted an average physician or "ordinarily employed standard." Currently, more states are adopting a "reasonable, prudent physician" standard. No single source or authority defines the standard of care for suicide risk assessment. Evidence-based psychiatry can inform clinicians' suicide risk assessments. Carefully documented risk assessments will assist the courts in evaluating clinicians' decision-making process.

Language: en