Mental Health Care Experts Opine on Unattended Patient Suicide

Case Overview

This case involves a male mental healthcare patient who was a member of a community-based addiction and mental health recovery center in Mississippi. He had been sent to the facility for depression. He had reported thoughts of suicide, and had attempted suicide before. The man was evaluated upon admission, noting his history of suicide attempts and suicidal ideation, he was considered at a high risk of suicide. However, he was only undergoing light therapy at the time, while considering medications such as Lexapro or Effexor. About two weeks into the program, the center transported the patient to an outside facility for a medical test. On the way back from the study, the driver stopped to use the restroom and permitted the man to exit the vehicle. The driver then left him unattended. In the driver’s absence, the man walked down the street and threw himself off an overpass onto the highway below. He died shortly after arriving at the hospital.

Questions to the Psychiatry expert and their responses

Do you have extensive experience working as director or in a managerial position at a behavior treatment center?

I have previously served as the Director of a large state hospital.

Do you have experience working with suicidal patients /residents?

I have had extensive contact with suicidal patients and experience minimizing the risk they pose to themselves.

Are you familiar with the steps and protocols that need to be followed when transporting a patient?

Over the course of my career, I have become familiar with the appropriate transport protocols for psychiatric patients and treatment center residents. The protocol used by the facility in question must have been inadequate, ignored, or non-existent. The patient should have had an attendant with him at all times; furthermore, the driver should avoid taking breaks during transit and patients should not be kept waiting.

About the expert

This highly qualified and triple board certified psychiatrist earned his BS and MD at the University of Kansas where also completed internship and residency training. He completed fellowship training at Johns Hopkins. This expert is a member of the American Medical Association, American Psychiatric Association, and several other professional organizations. Formerly he was the Clinical Director of the South Mississippi State Hospital. Currently, he is the Medical Director and attending physician at a private practice.