Attachment D.14 - Risk ID Staff Specific Guidance.pdf

1 December 13, 2022

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Suicide Risk Identification Strategy Staff Specific Guidance

The Columbia - Suicide Severity Rating Scale Screener (C-SSRS Screener) and Comprehensive Suicide Risk Evaluation (CSRE) should be completed according to staff scope of practice; local leadership retains the ability to place limitations on who can complete the C-SSRS. A provider completing the CSRE, which contains a detailed assessment and disposition, must be a VHA Health Care Provider who is a licensed independent provider (LIP) or advanced practice provider employed in the job series associated with said license. See below for further detail.

C-SSRS Screener CSRE MD/DO1 Yes Yes Licensed Psychologist (PhD/PsyD)2 Yes Yes Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner Yes† Yes LCSW/LMSW/LISW3 Yes Yes LMFT4 Yes Yes LPMHC5 Yes Yes Addiction Therapist Yes No LPN6 Yes No RN7 Yes No APRN: NP/CNS8 Yes Yes PA9 Yes Yes Peer Specialist Yes No UAP10 Yes No RT and MIT11 Yes No PT/OT/KT12 Yes No Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist Yes No Rehabilitation Counselor Yes No†† Psych Tech (psychometrician) Yes No Chaplain Yes No Associated Health Provider13 Yes No

†No for Clin. Pharm. Pract. performing anticoagulation only; ††Yes for Rehabilitation Counselors who hold state licensure and are included in local bylaws as an independent practitioner

1Medical Doctor/Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine; 2Doctor of Philosophy/Doctor of Psychology; 3Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Licensed Master of Social Work/Licensed Independent Social Worker; 4Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist;

5Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor; 6Licensed Practical Nurse; 7Registered Nurse; 8Advanced Practice Registered Nurse: Nurse Practitioner/Clinical Nurse Specialist; 9Physician Assistant; 10Unlicensed Assistive Personnel, including Health Tech, Medical Assistant, and Nursing Assistant; 11Respiratory Therapist and Medical Instrument Technologists; 12Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Kinesiotherapist; 13 Any staff not listed above who provides direct patient care and has access to CPRS.

Notes: 1) A trainee in ANY of these categories may complete each step marked with a “Yes”, following their discipline specific supervision and signatory requirements. 2) Facilities need to ensure adequate training in the administration of the C-SSRS and CSRE. 3.) Peer Specialists are not required to complete the universal screen (annual clinical reminder).

Please visit the Risk ID SharePoint for resources. Email the Risk ID team with questions: VHARiskIDSupport@va.gov https://dvagov.sharepoint.com/sites/ECH/srsa/SitePages/Risk-ID-Resources.aspx mailto:VHARiskIDSupport@va.gov