Joint Commission FAQ - Acceptable Replacements for Solid Ceilings

Ligature and Suicide Risk Reduction – Ceiling Systems

What ceiling systems are allowable as a replacement for a solid ceiling?

A monolithic ceiling must either be a solid structure or use a concealed grid system that meets the following requirements:

• No exposed components of the ceiling system can be used as a ligature attachment point (i.e. rails, tees, mains)

• Panels can in no way be removed by the patient.

• No impact will dislodge the panel(s)

Source: National Patient Safety Goals (NPSG) (Behavioral Health / Behavioral Health Care) – Issued July 22, 2019