Suicide Prevention CE for Nurses

Suicide prevention CE covers screening, risk assessment, safety planning, and lethal-means counseling. Most courses use validated instruments — the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), PHQ-9 Item 9, Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ) — and emphasize evidence-based interventions.

Why states require it

Research shows roughly 45% of people who die by suicide visit a primary care provider in the month before their death. Nurses across emergency, primary care, and behavioral health are often the first and most frequent point of clinical contact. Washington led the field with its 2012 legislation; Utah, Connecticut, and Kentucky followed with their own state mandates.

States that require it (4)

• Connecticut

  · 2 hrs

  Mental Health Screening & Suicide Prevention

• Kentucky

  · 2 hrs

  Suicide Prevention (One-Time)

• Utah

  · 1 hr

  Suicide Prevention Training

• Washington

  · 6 hrs

  Suicide Prevention

What approved courses cover

• Risk factors and warning signs
• Validated screening tools (C-SSRS, PHQ-9 Item 9, ASQ)
• Collaborative safety planning
• Lethal-means counseling — especially firearms
• Crisis intervention protocols
• Postvention and provider self-care

Courses we've verified

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• Suicide Assessment and Prevention

  NetCE · 6 hr · Included with $85/yr All Access

Related guides

• Suicide Prevention Ce Requirements Nurses