If the DDS needs to develop a case to evaluate if there is an appropriate basis for considering potential suicide or homicide issues, take the following actions:

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  Contact medical source to obtain additional information. If information regarding the potential suicide or homicide threat became known as a result of a consultative examination (CE), send a copy of the CE report to the medical source according to the instructions in DI 22510.065 – Sending the CE Report to the Claimant’s Medical Source;

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  If a CE is scheduled, contact the CE source and advise of the situation. The CE source will address the issue in the examination. Provide all relevant information, (e.g., medical evidence of record or prior CEs) to the CE source prior to the examination;

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  If no medical source exists, determine whether it is appropriate to contact the claimant’s family members;

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  Document all development of potential suicidal or homicidal activity on Form SSA-5002 (Report of Contact) and place Form SSA-5002 in electronic or paper folder.

Take the following actions when evaluating impairment severity:

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  Consider and document potential suicide or homicide issues in the overall assessment of impairment severity;

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  Refer the claim to the designated authority within the DDS (e.g., the DDS administrator, or his or her designee);

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  If the DDS designated authority believes further consultation is necessary to resolve the issue(s), he or she should contact the Regional Medical Officer (through the appropriate regional Center for Disability) for assistance. The Regional Medical Officer may contact the Office of Disability Policy in Baltimore Maryland, if necessary.

For additional adjudication instructions, please see the evaluation criteria on mental disorders in DI 34001.032 – Mental Disorders and the specific medical evaluation instructions in DI 24515.000 – Specific Medical Evaluation Instructions.