What are suicide precautions?

Inpatient orders: Generally these are orders written on an inpatient unit when the patient has expressed suicidal intent or has previous self-harm actions. Nursing staff monitors the patient each 15 minutes, with documentation. Patient cannot leave the unit without accompaniment. Belongings carefully inspected, etc. Need for ongoing precautions is reviewed daily, until psychiatrist feels they can be lifted.

In hospital?: In hospital suicide precautions can include removal of sharp objects, belts etc. It can include checks every 15min or constant one on one observation.

Suicide watch: Depending on seriousness of the intent, patients can be placed on "eye contact" , 1 on 1, or "close watch" observation level.