The Joint Commission published a clarification for Critical Access Hospitals and other mental health facilities in the care of patients identified as high risk for suicide.

The subject matter of video monitoring or using electronic sitters to follow patient activity was brought up, and the Joint Commission recommended that a one-on-one visual observation is used instead. 

Visual observation is a term carefully used by the Joint Commission to describe human attendance to the video observation equipment, and in-person monitoring of patient activity around the clock including the times of rest and personal care. It is not recommended that facilities rely on electronic or video monitoring, alluding to any non-human operated activity, as those would omit the opportunity of the staff member to immediately intervene should the patient attempt self-harm. The video monitoring equipment should be placed in areas that are not in the direct line of sight or in areas that are unsafe for other patients or caregivers. They went further to elaborate that electronic or video monitoring can complement manned observation, but would not be acceptable as a sole resource.