Which statement correctly reflects safety planning prior to or during treatment?

• A. Documenting safety plan in chart
• B. Calibrating alarm system
• C. Establishing a crash cart on site
• D. Disposing of any means and/or handing off to a responsible party for the duration of treatment, or disposing of completely

Answer: (D)

Safety planning before or during treatment focuses on reducing immediate risk by removing access to potential means of harm and ensuring a trusted person is available to supervise or intervene. Disposing of any means and/or handing off to a responsible party for the duration of treatment, or disposing of them completely, directly implements this protective step. It minimizes opportunities for impulsive harm and provides a concrete, actionable plan for safety.

Documenting a safety plan in the chart is important for record-keeping and continuity of care, but it does not by itself prevent access to means. Calibrating an alarm system or establishing a crash cart are facility-level safety measures more relevant to in-patient or medical settings than to outpatient mental health safety planning.