This a new one on me. I have heard proposals for doctors screening people who own guns and may be a danger to themselves, but this one proposes that Massachusetts Health and Human Services establish a program where doctors to screen all patients for the mere presence of guns in the home and then give those patients who "screen positively" for firearms in the home to get safety counseling from the doctor.
Now, I know this is just another crackpot piece of legislation, but since it is a real bill up for consideration in a real state legislature and it has been referred to the House Committee on Public Health and it has been concurred by the Senate, this one might have legs. The MA legislature has veto proof Dem majorities in both chambers and the gov. is a "Liberal Republican." Even if it doesn't fly, it is another example of the anti-gun ideas that are out there.
Bill H.2005
SECTION 1. Chapter 111 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 236 the following section:-
Section 237. The director shall establish a program for firearm screening and counseling. Such program shall systematically screen all patients for the presence of firearms in the home. The director shall, after consultation with recognized professional medical groups and such other sources as the director deems appropriate, promulgate regulations establishing (1) the means by which and the intervals at which patients shall be screened for the presence of firearms in the home and (2) guidelines for safety counseling for individuals that screen positive for the presence of firearms in the home.
Now, I know this is just another crackpot piece of legislation, but since it is a real bill up for consideration in a real state legislature and it has been referred to the House Committee on Public Health and it has been concurred by the Senate, this one might have legs. The MA legislature has veto proof Dem majorities in both chambers and the gov. is a "Liberal Republican." Even if it doesn't fly, it is another example of the anti-gun ideas that are out there.
Bill H.2005
SECTION 1. Chapter 111 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 236 the following section:-
Section 237. The director shall establish a program for firearm screening and counseling. Such program shall systematically screen all patients for the presence of firearms in the home. The director shall, after consultation with recognized professional medical groups and such other sources as the director deems appropriate, promulgate regulations establishing (1) the means by which and the intervals at which patients shall be screened for the presence of firearms in the home and (2) guidelines for safety counseling for individuals that screen positive for the presence of firearms in the home.