D.21 36C26126R0014 Suicide Risk Identification Strategy.pdf
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- Community Based Outpatient Clinic - Yreka, CA
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- 36c26126r0014
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This is a staff-specific guidance document issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on December 13, 2022, establishing authorization protocols for administering suicide risk identification assessments. The document delineates which VA staff categories are permitted to complete the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale Screener (C-SSRS Screener) and the Comprehensive Suicide Risk Evaluation (CSRE) based on their professional licenses and scope of practice.
The document presents a detailed authorization matrix across 24 staff categories, with all listed staff authorized to complete the C-SSRS Screener, while CSRE completion is restricted to licensed independent providers (LIPs) and advanced practice providers. Staff authorized for both assessments include MDs/DOs, licensed psychologists, clinical pharmacist practitioners, LCSWs/LMSWs/LISWs, LMFTs, LPMHCs, APRNs (NPs/CNSs), and PAs. Staff restricted to the C-SSRS Screener only include addiction therapists, LPNs, RNs, peer specialists, UAPs, RTs/MITs, PT/OT/KTs, vocational rehabilitation specialists, psych technicians, chaplains, and associated health providers. Local facility leadership retains discretion to impose additional limitations on screener completion. The guidance notes that trainees in any authorized category may perform authorized functions under discipline-specific supervision, facilities must ensure adequate staff training, and peer specialists are exempt from the universal screening requirement. The VA Risk ID Support team provides additional resources via SharePoint and email support.
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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
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