Pediatricians asking parents about gun ownership

[terryg]

I have huge mixed feelings on this topic. Our Ped asked, we said yes. He asked if they were secured at home, we said yes and that was that - done and no big deal. In theory, I don't have a problem with it if it is for educational purposes only - as Pediatricians are a source of knowledge for many issues for many families. Seat belts, reminding people about mop buckets (kids drown in mop buckets), etc.

But then I learned (mostly here in previous threads) about the source, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the political motivations of such questions, and I obviously have huge reservations about it.

I don't think, as many others do, that it is none of his/her business - again, assuming it is kept to strictly educational information. I don't see any problems with giving parents safety reminders on many of life's risks to little ones. Or, as I like to say, I never complain about having too much information.

But add in political agenda and possible insurance records, and it becomes a huge issue.

If my kids were younger now and I had to deal with it, I would probably ask why they wanted to know ... and then decide what to answer. As it is, we have a lot of trust in our pediatrician, we had too - circumstances forced that upon us - so I would still likely answer honestly. "Yes, and yes they are secured - thank you for your concern."

[Divided Attention]

This is all part of new "recommendations/study" by the JAAP. This has been going on for several years. You have the right to decline questioning, just like you have the right to refuse care and question the care you are receiving.

[jlw02tx]

Thanks everyone. Sorry it took so long to respond, I don't have time to get on as often as I would like.

After typing it out and re-reading it I realize that I really do just need a new ped. I haven't been comfortable with the doctor for a few months now and it is just time to part ways. If the question comes up at the new doctor I will decline to answer. I still have a problem with them asking but I guess as long as I don't have to answer then I won't be too concerned.

[RSJ]

I wouldn't mind taking the case to challenge this! This is outrageous!

[MasterOfNone]

Are they also asking about trees, pools, and other kids in the neighborhood? I'm sure these things cause a lot more injuries to children than guns do.

[jlw02tx]

They do actually ask about pools and pets. I don't have a pool so I don't know what they say if you answer yes to that question but if you say you have pets you then are asked to list how many, what kind and their behavior towards the kids. I don't think any of this is their business but the questions about firearms in the home just seemed the most intrusive. They also ask where your kid sleeps and what position you put them to bed in (which is another angry topic for me). It really bothered me in the beginning because I felt like they were questioning my authority as the parent and questioning my judgement but I've had several friends say that theirs did the same thing (minus the gun question) and they didn't seem to mind so I was starting to think I was making too much of it. Glad to see I'm not alone in this opinion.

[C-dub]

They do actually ask about pools and pets. I don't have a pool so I don't know what they say if you answer yes to that question but if you say you have pets you then are asked to list how many, what kind and their behavior towards the kids. I don't think any of this is their business but the questions about firearms in the home just seemed the most intrusive. They also ask where your kid sleeps and what position you put them to bed in (which is another angry topic for me). It really bothered me in the beginning because I felt like they were questioning my authority as the parent and questioning my judgement but I've had several friends say that theirs did the same thing (minus the gun question) and they didn't seem to mind so I was starting to think I was making too much of it. Glad to see I'm not alone in this opinion.

The sleeping position, as I'm sure you now know, but some new, about to be, or future parents may not know, has to do with SIDS and reducing the probability of an infant dying.

[jimlongley]

I have fired a doctor because I felt she was anti-rights, and except for unplanned emergency room visits, this form goes with me to every doctor visit, just in case.

Physician
Qualifications and Liability

Firearms Safety Counseling Representation: Physician Qualifications and Liability
Part One: Qualifications
I, _______________________________ affirm that I am certified to offer my patient __________________________________ hereafter referred to as "the Patient," qualified advice about firearms safety in the home, having received the following training (specify course(s) of study):
___________________________________ ___________________________________
From (specify institution(s)):
___________________________________ ___________________________________
On (specify course completion date(s)):
___________________________________ ___________________________________ Resulting in (specify accreditation(s), certification(s), license(s) etc.):
___________________________________ ___________________________________

For Physician
Initial one, as appropriate:
______I represent that I have reviewed applicable scientific literature pertaining to defensive gun use, safety, storage, and beneficial results of private firearms ownership. I further represent that I have reviewed all other home safety issues with the Patient, including those relating to drains, disposals, compactors, doors, driveway safety, pool safety, pool fence codes and special locks for pool gates, auto safety, gas, broken glass, stored cleaning chemicals, buckets, toilets, sharp objects, garden tools, home tools, power tools, lawnmowers, lawn chemicals, scissors, needles, forks, knives, etc.
I also acknowledge that by receiving this document. I have been made aware that, in his inaugural address before the American Medical Association on June 20, 2001, new president Richard Corlin, MD, admitted "What we don't know about violence and guns is literally killing us . . . researchers do not have the data to tell how kids get guns, if trigger locks work, what the warning signs of violence in schools and at the workplace are, and other critical questions due to lack of research funding." (UPI).
In spite of this admission, I represent that I have sufficient data and expertise to provide expert and clinically sound advice to patients regarding firearms in the home.
or
___ I am knowingly engaging in Home/Firearms Safety Counseling without certification, license or formal training in Risk Management, and; I have not reviewed applicable scientific literature pertaining to defensive gun use, safety, storage, and beneficial results of private firearms ownership.

Part Two: Liability
I have determined, from a review of my medical malpractice insurance, that if I engage in an activity for which I am not certified, such as Firearms Safety Counseling, the carrier (check one as appropriate):

___will ___ will not

cover lawsuits resulting from neglect, lack of qualification, etc.
Insurance Carrier name, address and policy number insuring me for firearms safety expertise:

___________________________________

___________________________________

I further warrant that, should the Patient follow my firearm safety counseling and remove from the home and/or disable firearms with trigger locks or other mechanisms, and if the patient or a family member, friend or visitor is subsequently injured or killed as a result of said removal or disabling, that my malpractice insurance and/or personal assets will cover all actual and punitive damages resulting from a lawsuit initiated by the patient, the patient's legal representative or the patient's survivors.
Signature of attesting physician and date:

___________________________________

___________________________________

Name of attesting physician (please print):

___________________________________

___________________________________

Signature of patient and date:

___________________________________

___________________________________
Name of patient (please print):

___________________________________

Patient should indicate if physician REFUSED TO SIGN by initialing here:_____

[C-dub]

Any doc sign that form yet Jim?

[jimlongley]

Any doc sign that form yet Jim?

Nope, but I have refused to go farther with one, and fired another.

[Zoti]

I will simply say no. It's non of the Dr. Business and have no bearing on how he treats my kids.

[Topbuilder]

I don't know why they ask that question but I wouldn't worry about it to much. It ain't a prelude to taking our guns. If it bothers you then ask the doctor why he or she ask that question. A gun of any kind is made for one reason and that is to kill , safety is first and formost.

Let's see, I have guns designed to punch paper . I have guns designed to break clays. Are guns designed for self defence designed to kill? Seems a strange way to word it. Like it came out of the brady bill or something...

[howdy]

I would have to ask the "Medical Professional" why (s)he was asking such a question. If the Professional was to say it was for my childs safety, I would suggest they instruct their fellow medical professionals to start off by washing their hands and practicing patient infection prevention. I would also suggest that THEY are much more of a threat to my child than a gun. I believe that would just about end our Doctor/Patient relationship. About 200,000 people die each year from hospital aquired infections and medical mistakes. That is like 2 wide body aircraft crashing each day with everyone on board being killed. Most Physicians do an outstanding job but I have very little patience for the pompous jerks that litter the Physicians ranks. (don't get me going girl........ok..off the soap box)

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[jmorris]

I went to my family physician that we have used for 15 years now for my annual physical. At the beginning of the exam I had to fill out a questionnaire that was provided by his supporting hospital that asked if I felt safe at home, and if not why. No gun questions but a first step maybe.

Answer: No
Why: I fear that I'm not as well armed as the goblins.