The three main reasons to set standards are to promote humane conditions of confinement, reduce liability in case of a lawsuit, and improve organizational efficiency and the professionalization of corrections. Correctional standards are not legally binding and do not set constitutional requirements, although they do provide guidelines for court assessments of correctional conditions. The American Medical Association, American Correctional Association, Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, American Public Health Association, and National Commission of Correctional Health Care have all developed standards for suicide prevention in jails. However, a recent survey of all 50 States found that only 36 States currently have either voluntary or mandatory jail standards. Finally, the suicide rate for inmates in the Maryland prison system is nearly twice that of the State's general population. Chart and list of jail suicide prevention materials