HR-74 RESPONSE TO SUICIDE THREATS AND ATTEMPTS AMONG FACULTY, ACADEMIC PROFESSIONALS AND STAFF 

Purpose

To set forth the response to a suicide, attempted suicide, or threat of suicide by a faculty or staff member.

Scope

This policy applies to all employees.

Authority

Office of the Chancellor

Policy

Faculty and staff are expected to report to the Faculty/Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) all incidents of suicidal threats and suicide attempts by university employees. In accordance with the procedures accompanying this policy, FSAP will respond to a credible report that an employee has threatened or attempted suicide, has engaged in efforts to prepare to commit suicide or has expressed a preoccupation with suicide.

Processes/Procedures/Guidelines

Responding To A Medical Emergency

The appropriate response to a medical emergency or to a situation of imminent suicidal risk is to call 911.

Responding to Non-Emergency Suicide Threats and Attempts

In the event a faculty or staff member receives a credible report of a suicide threat or attempt that has occurred in the past three months, at work or away from the workplace, the expectation is to consult with FSAP to develop a plan of support.

Contact Information for Faculty/Staff Assistance Program

Website: http://fsap.illinois.edu

Phone: (217) 244-5312 (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.); (217) 244-7739 (24-hour crisis line)

Responding to Reported Incidents of Threats and/or Attempts of Suicide

1. Face-to-Face Evaluation to Determine Lethality

   Upon receiving a report of an employee’s threatened or attempted suicide, the FSAP staff will contact the employee of concern to meet in person as soon as practicable to assess the imminence and lethality of the threatened or attempted suicide. This assessment will include:

   1. gathering information about the nature and severity of the current situation;
   2. identifying the recommended level of intervention needed; and
   3. offering to begin counseling at FSAP and/or referral to an appropriate community resource.

2. Three Additional Sessions FSAP will offer any employee who is reported to have made a suicide threat or attempt a minimum of three counseling sessions at FSAP over the course of the following 30 days. The employee may choose to attend sessions with the employee’s ongoing mental health professional in lieu of FSAP at the employee’s expense. The employee is encouraged to attend these sessions, regardless of whether the precipitating situation appears to be resolved or if the employee denies the presence of ongoing suicidal intent.

3. Notification of Employee’s Mental Health Professional In accordance with state and federal laws regarding confidentiality, if the FSAP staff has reason to believe that the employee is in ongoing treatment with a mental health professional, the FSAP staff will attempt to contact such mental health professional and provide them with a report to facilitate continuity of care.

4. Services Are Confidential and Voluntary All records associated with the reported incident are protected by federal and state laws regarding confidentiality. Although use of FSAP services is voluntary, employees are strongly encouraged to use these services.

Responding to Those Affected by a Completed Suicide

In the tragic event of an employee suicide, the University will provide supportive services to co-workers, employees, bystanders and any other member of the University community affected by the employee’s death.

Exceptions

None

Contact

Director, Faculty/Staff Assistance Program, (217) 244-5312