Suicide in correctional settings: assessment, prevention, and professional liability.

This article reviews important details of the suicide risk assessment procedure as it pertains to incarcerated individuals. Research on correctional suicide risk factors is briefly outlined as a prelude to discussing current methods of clinical suicide risk assessment and prevention in correctional settings. A comprehensive and reliable procedure for eliciting suicidal ideation, behavior, planning, desire, and intent is described. Recommendations for formulating an individualized suicide risk reduction plan are presented, along with key principles of suicide risk assessment documentation. Finally, issues related to professional liability for suicide in corrections are discussed.