Suicide risk assessment is a core competency requirement in the residency training of psychiatrists. The purpose of suicide risk assessment is to identify high-risk suicide factors, & available protective factors that inform patient treatment & safety management. The standard of care varies according to state statutory definitions & no single source or authority defines standard of care for suicide risk assessment. Carefully documented risk assessments will assist the courts in evaluating cliniciansÕ decision-making process. (25 refs)