rockin'robin
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Florida Health Care Providers Say Law Violates Right To Free Speech
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- House Bill 155, which Gov. Rick Scott signed into law last week, is triggering a lot of debate from gun advocates and doctors alike.
In part, the bill prevents doctors from asking patients about gun ownership unless they "in good faith believe that this information is relevant to the patient's medical care or safety, or the safety of others."
"Those are the only reasons they should have for asking what personal property you own," said Marion Hammer, of the National Rifle Association. "They should not be asking if you own a gun. They should not be asking how much money you have in your checking account."
Health care providers said the law is unconstitutional and violates their First Amendment rights to free speech.
Video: Lawsuit Challenges New Law
A number of health care providers have banded together and filed suit, seeking a permanent injunction on the new law.
Some said the language of the bill is vague, and it has many doctors concerned, specifically pediatricians, who have a vested interest in educating children and their parents on wellness, including the importance of gun safety.
"Water safety, motor-scooter safety, seat belt safety -- as pediatricians, we talk about safety all the time," Dr. Mobeen Rathore said.
Reaction from the community regarding the new law is split.
"No. 1, it's not the doctor's business. Two, parents should take care of that," said Linda Ritch, who supports the law.
"I think it's a good thing to have doctors ask those questions," said Lucas Harling, who opposes the law. "It raises awareness on how to properly handle guns. They are a dangerous thing, and people running around not knowing how to use them, people can get hurt."
New Law: Docs Can't Ask About Guns - Jacksonville News Story - WJXT Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- House Bill 155, which Gov. Rick Scott signed into law last week, is triggering a lot of debate from gun advocates and doctors alike.
In part, the bill prevents doctors from asking patients about gun ownership unless they "in good faith believe that this information is relevant to the patient's medical care or safety, or the safety of others."
"Those are the only reasons they should have for asking what personal property you own," said Marion Hammer, of the National Rifle Association. "They should not be asking if you own a gun. They should not be asking how much money you have in your checking account."
Health care providers said the law is unconstitutional and violates their First Amendment rights to free speech.
Video: Lawsuit Challenges New Law
A number of health care providers have banded together and filed suit, seeking a permanent injunction on the new law.
Some said the language of the bill is vague, and it has many doctors concerned, specifically pediatricians, who have a vested interest in educating children and their parents on wellness, including the importance of gun safety.
"Water safety, motor-scooter safety, seat belt safety -- as pediatricians, we talk about safety all the time," Dr. Mobeen Rathore said.
Reaction from the community regarding the new law is split.
"No. 1, it's not the doctor's business. Two, parents should take care of that," said Linda Ritch, who supports the law.
"I think it's a good thing to have doctors ask those questions," said Lucas Harling, who opposes the law. "It raises awareness on how to properly handle guns. They are a dangerous thing, and people running around not knowing how to use them, people can get hurt."
New Law: Docs Can't Ask About Guns - Jacksonville News Story - WJXT Jacksonville
