Manual:
Critical Access Hospital
Chapter:
National Patient Safety Goals NPSG
Topic:
Ligature and/or Suicide Risk Reduction - Emergency Department - Safe Rooms (Designated Spaces)
Does every emergency department need to have a "safe room"?
Any examples are for illustrative purposes only.
No, The Joint Commission does not mandate "safe rooms" in emergency departments. Spaces/rooms designated ONLY for the treatment of patients with behavioral health conditions within an emergency department or other area should follow the Recommendations for Suicide Prevention in Healthcare Settings for inpatient psychiatric units.
Note: TJC does not define "safe room" in its glossary, however in the context of the FAQ this moniker is used to describe a "designated space" as a room and/or area that is dedicated to the evaluation and/or treatment of patients with behavioral conditions. Designated and non-designated are the descriptors used to identify these spaces.
Additional Resource
Suicide Prevention Portal
No, The Joint Commission does not mandate "safe rooms" in emergency departments. Spaces/rooms designated ONLY for the treatment of patients with behavioral health conditions within an emergency department or other area should follow the Recommendations for Suicide Prevention in Healthcare Settings for inpatient psychiatric units.
Note: TJC does not define "safe room" in its glossary, however in the context of the FAQ this moniker is used to describe a "designated space" as a room and/or area that is dedicated to the evaluation and/or treatment of patients with behavioral conditions. Designated and non-designated are the descriptors used to identify these spaces.
Additional Resource
Suicide Prevention Portal
Last updated on January 29, 2024
with update notes of: Editorial changes only
First Published Date: June 27, 2018
Last Reviewed Date: February 01, 2022