Posted on 02/23/2006 6:47:11 AM PST by SWO
CHESAPEAKE - A pediatrician who asks a child's parent about firearms in their home could lose his or her license or be disciplined under legislation being considered by a Senate committee today.
The bill would prohibit health care professionals from asking a patient about gun possession, ownership or storage unless the patient is being treated for an injury related to guns or asks for safety counseling about them.
Sponsored by Del. Ward Armstrong, D-Martinsville, the bill sailed through the House by a vote of 88 to 11 last week. A message seeking comment was left for the delegate; he did not return the call.
The legislation is opposed by The Virginia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics because it blocks a common practice by medical professionals to inquire about gun ownership and safety when they go over a safety checklist with parents during a child's regular checkups from birth to puberty.
"We saw the bill but presumed no one in their right mind would put it through," said Dr. Leslie Ellwood, chapter president. "We thought it was such an unusual bill that anyone with common sense wouldn't pass it."
The national group is closely watching the bill now.
Some local medical professionals are incensed by the bill and the rapid way it is moving through the General Assembly.
The bill also is opposed by several medical groups, including The Medic al Society of Virginia and nurse associations.
The National Rifle Association supports the bill because it will protect gun owners "from intrusive, unnecessary questions from medical professionals," according to the NRA Institute for Legislative Action Web site.
"We don't have an opinion or issue an opinion on guns," Ellwood said. "We don't say it is a bad thing to have around children. Our plan is always to find out how the guns are managed in the household so they are safe."
The national pediatric group puts out a guide on safety counseling for pediatricians under its injury prevention program.
The state-endorsed guidelines are used by not just doctors and nurses but by others whose jobs involve children.
Medical professionals are encouraged to use the routine safety survey to counsel parents about everything from car safety seats and child-proofing a house and backyard pool to bicycle helmets and fire safety once the child reaches the appropriate age.
Pediatricians use the checklist to curtail preventable injuries, such as poisoning by household cleaning products, not to be intrusive, say Virginia physicians.
"The bill hits at the heart and core of prevention and protecting our children," said Dr. Nancy Welch, Chesapeake Health Department director. "I am just amazed that it has gone this far and seems to be flying under the radar."
A board-certified pediatrician, Welch e-mailed three committee members from the South Hampton Roads delegation after being notified about the Senate committee meeting today.
Sen. Harry Blevins, R-Chesapeake, has a policy of giving each bill a fair hearing before commenting on it, said his legislative assistant, Karen Papasodora-Cochrane.
Sen. Frederick Quayle, R-Chesapeake could not be reached for comment.
Sen. L. Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, said she thinks it's a bad bill.
"I don't know how it even got out of the House because a person who is practicing the healing arts, if they really have a child's safety in mind, would ask that question and others," she said.
If parents think the question is intrusive, Lucas said they can always tell the health care provider: "It's none of your business."
THE POLL TO DATE:
Should the state disallow pediatricians from asking parents about gun ownership?
Yes 49.25%
No 48.88%
Undecided 1.88% Total: 800 votes
Reach Janette Rodrigues at (757) 222-5208 or janette.rodrigues@pilotonline.com.
© 2006 HamptonRoads.com/PilotOnline.com
Should the state disallow pediatricians from asking parents about gun ownership?
Yes
50.04%
No
47.84%
Undecided
2.13%
Total: 1363 votes
When our oldest daughter took her 1st child in (about four years ago) the Pediatrician asked the gun question. Our daughter was somewhat taken aback but told the truth and said no.
However, it's a good thing the Doc didn't ask about Samurai Swords, 'Ninja' and assorted edged weapons, as our S-I-L has a boat load of those. To paraphrase Beatrix Kiddo (the Bride) in Kill Bill Vol 2,
"He is proficient in the exquisite art of the Samurai Sword."
Needless to say we get along just fine. No wussies for my daughters :-)
Good for you. It's none of their business.
The first doctor that asks me that invasive question will receive a double-barrelled answer, "That is NONE of your G-d damned business!". Then I will abruptly leave and find another doctor.
Same dang gun - 1938 Red Rider.
The other guy said go with an airgun, but this is an airgun.
"My sister and her 12 year old son recently moved into my home after her recent divorce. Her son came down with an ear infection and had to go to the Dr and because I was off that day, I took him to see the DR. Within three minutes I got the gun questions. Do you have guns in your home? How many guns do you have? How are they stored? Do they have gunlocks on them?"
Answer:
Don't worry, juinior's been carefully trained to only shoot nosy people.
Thanks for the link. My brother (in his 60's) was lamenting the fact that he gave up his original Red Ryder so I'm going to get him one!
Heh heh heh. Then did you have to pick her up off the floor?
That is great! Thanks!
No, skip the Red Ryder. Spend $10.00 more and get a Daisy Grizzly. It has a much smoother trigger. Then push gun safety.
BTW, my doctor knows I have guns ever since I had to be treated for bad powder burns after a real wierd misfire. (don't ask, but I'll blame it on bad ammo)
All he said was "Well, now you've got a good story."
LOL
Fortunately, I don't feel that I need that form. My Doc knows what types of firearms I own. He is very qualified to lecture me on firearm safety. I would willingly trade all of my guns, including a family heirloom pump 12 gauge, for just the ones he has mentioned in passing. I would love to see his whole collection.
If he asked me about guns it would be for my opinion on one he was considering buying.
To be honest, I don't really see why government should get involved in the conversations between a doctor and patient.
If you feel that your doctor is too nosy, either tell him that you don't want to talk about such a subject, or get another doctor.
But a government mandate banning such a topic of discussion? That's even more intrusive, IMO.
There might be a very good reason why a doctor might suggest to a patient that they keep guns locked up. For example, what if the doctor knows that the patient has a child with mental problems? A good doctor would suggest increased steps to keep the guns out of the kid's hands.
Maybe they can change the way they approach the issue. Instead of asking, "Do you have guns?" what if they instead said, "And please remember, in the event you have guns, to handle them safely." I think that would go over better.
The real solution when a doc asks an irrelevant private question that will become part of your government file in the long run is to stand up and leave.
Going back to the article, the proposed law is an unconstitutional infringement of free speech. The legislature has no right to pass a law that restricts what people can talk about. Everyone on this thread is so worried about their losing 2nd amendment rights that they want take away other poeple's 1st amendment rights. It's disgusting!
Since the origin of the question was with an anti-gun physicians group, they ARE "being politically incorrect", or accomplices to that.
If ANY physician ever asks me that question, I will tell them it's none of their damned business, immediately leave their office, and find another practicioner.
Thus far, no doctor ever has (my primary care physician has lots of "Outdoor Life" and similar hunting mags in his wating room).
Sounds like my Doc. See my post#51.
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