R3 Report Issue 18: National Patient Safety Goal for Suicide Prevention
Effective July 1, 2019, seven new and revised elements of performance (EPs) were applicable to all Joint Commission-accredited hospitals and behavioral health care organizations. Effective July 1, 2020, these requirements also will be applicable to Joint Commission-accredited critical access hospitals. These new requirements are at National Patient Safety Goal (NPSG) 15.01.01 and are designed to improve the quality and safety of care for those who are being treated for behavioral health conditions and those who are identified as high risk for suicide. Because there has been no improvement in suicide rates in the U.S., and since suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the country, The Joint Commission re-evaluated the NPSG in light of current practices relative to suicide prevention.