Clinical quick reference

The steps, when you need them fast.

Short reminders for the moment. They don’t replace your training, the full policy, or a call to your supervisor. In any emergency, call 911 first.

[Draft: have the Clinical Director review and approve before use.]

Suicide risk

Policy 06.004

Ask directly. “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” Asking does not plant the idea.
Screen with our standard screening tool in the EHR, and document what the person tells you.
If the risk is imminent, do not leave the person alone. Call 911, and get your supervisor.
If not imminent, complete a safety plan together, including reasons for living, coping steps, contacts, and reducing access to lethal means.
Tell your supervisor the same day and follow up as the plan says.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text; veterans press 1)911 Imminent danger

Policies 03.002, 07.001

Stay calm and give space. Keep a relaxed stance, at least an arm’s length away, with a clear exit for both of you.
One voice. One staff member talks. Speak slowly, quietly, and simply.
Listen and name the feeling. “It sounds like you feel ignored.” Don’t argue or correct.
Offer real choices and set clear, respectful limits. Avoid power struggles.
Get help early. If there is a weapon, threats, or violence, leave the area and call 911.
Afterward, check on everyone involved, debrief, and file an incident report.

Policy 07.004

Call 911. Check if the person responds to their name or a firm sternum rub.
Give naloxone. Nasal spray: tip in one nostril, press the plunger. Don’t test the device first.
Support breathing. Give rescue breaths if trained, or roll the person into the recovery position.
No response in 2 to 3 minutes? Give another dose, and keep supporting breathing.
Stay with them until help arrives. Naloxone can wear off before the opioids do, so the overdose can come back.
Afterward, restock the naloxone kit and file an incident report.

Policy 10.003

Child abuse or neglect: in Indiana, anyone who suspects it must report it right away. Call the DCS hotline. You don’t need proof.
Endangered adult: report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an adult to Adult Protective Services.
Immediate danger: call 911 first.
Tell your supervisor and document the report in the EHR. Share only what the report needs. 42 CFR Part 2 allows reports of suspected child abuse and neglect.

1-800-800-5556 Indiana DCS Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline (24/7)1-800-992-6978 Indiana Adult Protective Services

Sources: Indiana DCS, Indiana APS. Last verified Oct 23, 2026

Policy 02.003

The ASAM Criteria group care into four broad levels. Decimals show intensity within a level.

Level	What it is	At Demo
1	Outpatient. The 4th edition adds Level 1.0 for remission monitoring.	Outpatient (OP)
2.1	Intensive outpatient	Intensive Outpatient (IOP)
2.5	Partial hospitalization / high-intensity outpatient	PHP (coming soon)
3	Residential (3.1, 3.5, 3.7)	Refer out
4	Medically managed intensive inpatient	Refer out

Source: ASAM Criteria, 4th edition. Confirm placement decisions with your clinical director. Last verified Oct 23, 2026