Risk alert: New referral system of medical suitability of gun owners
Post date: 05/04/2016 | Time to read article: 1 minsThe information within this article was correct at the time of publishing. Last updated 04/07/2019
At the start of April 2016 a new system for firearms licensing was introduced to improve information sharing between GPs and police and to reduce the risk that a medically unfit person may have a firearm or shotgun certificate.
From 1 April 2016
- Police will ask every firearm applicant’s GP if the patient suffers from specific health issues, such as depression or dementia.
- GPs will be asked to place a firearm reminder code on the patient’s record. This means the GP will know the person is a gun owner, and they can inform the police licensing department if the patient’s health deteriorates after the gun licence is issued.
- New guidance will be published to help GPs and police operate the new system. Responsibility for deciding if a person is suitable to hold a firearm certificate remains with the police.
Action points for GP practices
Practices should ensure that all GPs and staff are aware of the new system, how the firearm reminder code works and their responsibilities regarding this.
GPs and staff should also be reminded that this new system does not override their responsibility to follow GMC guidance on confidentiality. This means:
- Practices should be satisfied that they have the patient’s consent before releasing any information from their medical record in regards to their firearms application.
- Information should be limited to what is relevant and necessary for the purposes of the police being able to determine the appropriateness of issuing a license.
- If a GP becomes concerned about the health of a patient with a firearm reminder code in their record they should consider notifying the police of this concern. In keeping with current GMC guidance they should still seek consent to disclose this information (unless there is a reason not too, for example putting the patient or others at risk of serious harm to their mental or physical health).
- If the patient withholds consent the GP could still consider disclosure in the public interest. All discussions and reasons behind this decision should be documented.
If members find themselves in this situation and need advice or guidance they should contact one of our medicolegal consultants.
