Ligature and/or Suicide Risk Reduction - Inpatient Psychiatric Units - Shower Curtains
What type of shower curtains are allowable in an inpatient psychiatric unit ?
Any examples are for illustrative purposes only.
The Joint Commission will not advise or recommend any particular type of shower curtain, but shower curtains are considered a risk. The expectation is that shower curtains must be noted on an environmental risk assessment and the organization must have a mitigation plan for monitoring any high-risk patients near the curtain or area where this risk is present. Shower curtains must be installed, inspected, maintained, and tested per Manufacturer's Instructions for Use to ensure proper functioning (e.g. breakaway features).
Additional Resources
Suicide Prevention Portal
The Joint Commission will not advise or recommend any particular type of shower curtain, but shower curtains are considered a risk. The expectation is that shower curtains must be noted on an environmental risk assessment and the organization must have a mitigation plan for monitoring any high-risk patients near the curtain or area where this risk is present. Shower curtains must be installed, inspected, maintained, and tested per Manufacturer's Instructions for Use to ensure proper functioning (e.g. breakaway features).
Additional Resources
Suicide Prevention Portal
Manual:
Behavioral Health
Chapter:
National Patient Safety Goals NPSG
Last reviewed by Standards Interpretation: February 01, 2022
Represents the most recent date that the FAQ was reviewed (e.g. annual review).
First published date: June 27, 2018
This Standards FAQ was first published on this date.
This page was last updated on January 29, 2024
with update notes of: Editorial changes only
Types of changes and an explanation of change type:
Editorial changes only: Format changes only. No changes to content. |
Review only, FAQ is current: Periodic review completed, no changes to content. |
Reflects new or updated requirements: Changes represent new or revised requirements.
Get Extra Help with Books and E-books
Browse our gallery of books and e-books to find trusted prep and readiness resources, practical checklists and toolkits, and resources on specialized health care topics.
Stay Informed with Online Education
Online education is the most convenient and cost-effective way to educate your staff and minimize expenses without the need to leave your organization.
Reach Your Safety Goals with eProducts
Assessing and sustaining compliance with accreditation standards or CMS CoPs can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. Rely on our proven software solutions developed by our team of industry experts.
Joint Commission Virtual Assistant