Florida Doctors Upset over Gun Bill

Doctors in Florida are upset over a new gun-rights bill that would prohibit doctors from asking patients if they own guns.  The purpose of the bill, according to supporters, is to prohibit doctors from questioning patients and having their responses recorded by insurance companies.   It's also an invasion of your personal privacy and when done routinely, has nothing to do with your medical needs.

"We feel that physicians will be reluctant to ask about guns in the home as a result of this legislation. As a result we expect that, unfortunately, there will be an increase in injury and death of children and adolescents due to improperly stored guns," said Dr. Louis St. Petery, a pediatrician in Tallahassee, Fla., and executive vice president of the Florida Pediatric Society.


I've long known that doctors seem to be risk-adverse people and view any activity with a hint of dangers are "high risk behavior".   Surfing, scuba diving, backpacking, motorcycling and anything involving guns are classed as "risky".  The AMA is staunchly anti-gun, as are most other medical associations.  This pushes many doctors to adopt their strategies and propaganda campaigns.

This bill does not prohibit doctors from offering advice. It only prohibits them from making inquiries about gun ownership.  Nor does it prohibit doctors from advising patients and care givers that certain medications may cause depression, mood swings and thoughts of suicide and users of the drugs should be watched and kept away from guns, knives and tall buildings.

Let's suppose you're a concerned doctor who follows this law. Nothing will prevent you from placing educational pamphlets (AMA propaganda) in your waiting room.  Nothing will prevent you from advising the family of a suicidal teen to lock up guns, sharp objects and medications.  Nor are you prevented from saying "This drug can cause mood swings and if you have firearms around, it would be best to lock them up while taking it." 

Why all the hub-bub about doctors asking?  Doctors collect information for insurance companies so the bills are paid.  If the insurance company wants to know if the person is single or married, the doctors will record that. Likewise with guns.  The more insurance companies know about your life to more opportunity (excuses) they have raise your premium rates.

If your doctor checks a box that says "smoker" the insurance companies may raise your rates.  If you tell your doctor you own guns, the insurance company can claim a "higher risk" and raise your rates.  Under a national healthcare program, it could be so expensive to own firearms that you can't afford it.  All neatly done to discourage ownship. 

And that's the real goal



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