Presents a policy, taught to nurses, to protect suicidal patients from themselves & hospitals from lawsuits. Gives signs of at-risk patients such as a recent loss or a previous attempt. Advises the nurse to ask direct questions of suicidal patients. Describes 3 levels of monitoring a patient, ranging from Level 1 for a patient who has vague thoughts of suicide, but no serious intentions, to Level 3, used for patients who have a specific plan. (0 refs.) (KM)