Reporting homicidal patients

[DrCOVID, DNP]

Hey everyone :)

So I am in a PMHNP program and I am looking for some advice on an assignment. I need to answer this question regarding a patient that has expressed wishes to commit homicide. Before we can stop them from leaving the office, they say they have a gun and know where the people are that the want to kill. As an APRN, we have to report this behavior correct? I know this should be reported, but to whom? and what is the law or regulation that governs this?

I was hoping someone could point me in the correct direction as far as what law/policy/statute/regulation governs these types of things!

Thanks!

[elkpark]

The original case that established a duty to warn was Tarasoff v. Regents. That was many years (decades) ago. At this point, different states have different specific standards and requirements. You need to find the specific regulations for your state (and, as you change states over the years in your practice, find out what your legal obligations are in whatever state you're in). Reviewing the mental health statutes for your state would be a good start. Usually, the state codes are accessible on line.