Indications: Risk of patient hurting self (active SI with intent and or plan) or others (active HI or psychosis with aggressive/violent thoughts) OR patient unwilling to comply with recommendations (such as a voluntary evaluation /admission to psych).
Patients must be evaluated by an attending physician
Complete suicide risk assessment (.suicideimascreen) OR the violence risk assessment in docflowsheets.
Call security for observation
Have an MA or nursing staff member wait with patient until security arrives.
Call the Psych ED to review the case 212-241-5637 (45637)
If Psych ED evaluation needed – call 911 for ambulance and police for transport.
If patient at risk for elopement wait until security and/or police on the scene to inform patient.
Call the ED referral line 212-241-3611 (43611) to notify that the patient is coming and will need a 1 to 1 observation while being triaged before going to the Psych ED for evaluation
If imminently dangerous patient leaves clinic, call 911 and Mobile Crisis (800) 543-3638 and contact the Psych ED attending to discuss SAFE Act reporting
Special considerations
- For employees: consider contacting employee assistance for further guidance
- For students/residents: consider contacting student mental health for guidance