The presentation describes cases involving a competent clinical assessment of suicide risk during which the patient assured the clinician that they were not thinking of harming or killing themselves, yet within seven days committed suicide. The correctional clinician who experiences a "lethal suicide denier" should expect criticism and questioning. The presenters will discuss how humility and recognizing our lack of omniscience is the best strategy in the event of a law suit or other consequences. 

Educational Objectives:

• Discuss the reality of false negatives in suicide prediction and prevention
• Describe the limits of behavioral predictions concerning suicidality
• Identify ways to cope with an investigation or lawsuit resulting from a false negative assessment for acute suicide