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 should 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 should 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
Last updated on March 11, 2021
Manual:
Critical Access Hospital
Chapter:
National Patient Safety Goals NPSG
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