The Joint Commission revises definition of suicide in Sentinel Event Policy

Editor's Note

Starting January 1, healthcare organizations must consider an expanded timeframe and range of care services when reporting patient suicide as a sentinel event to The Joint Commission. According to the December 13 announcement of the change to the organization’s Sentinel Event Policy, the revised definition “better reflects current data and literature.”

The previous definition focused on inpatient and care settings with constant care, or suicides within 72 hours of discharge. In contrast, the revised definition covers death by self-inflicted, injurious behavior under a wider range of conditions, including:

• while in a healthcare setting
• within 7 days of discharge from inpatient services or emergency department
• while receiving care or within 7 days of discharge from a behavioral health facility
• while in a day treatment, partial hospitalization, or intensive outpatient program; or in a residential, group home or transitional support environment. 

The revised definition applies to all Joint Commission accreditation and certification programs with the following exceptions: Health Care Staffing Services Certification, Integrated Care Certification, Sustainable Healthcare Certification, and Maternal Levels of Care Verification programs.

According to the organization, this policy change aligns criteria with times of highest risk for suicide; fosters a shared mental model among stakeholders throughout treatment; and highlights its continued responsibility of ongoing assessment throughout an individual’s treatment plan.