Some U.S. jurisdictions are now requiring a doctor’s OK for people to carry a concealed gun, but a new survey suggests many doctors aren’t comfortable with that role.
The survey, of 222 North Carolina doctors, found that 21 percent had been asked in the past year to sign “competency permits” for patients to carry a concealed weapon. By signing, the doctor attests to the patient’s mental and physical ability to safely carry a firearm.
The problem, experts say, is that there are no standard definitions of physical or mental “competence,” and doctors have been left to make those calls on their own.
“There are no guidelines on this,” said Dr. Adam Goldstein, the senior researcher on the study and a professor of family medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Laws vary, but in many U.S. states people who apply for a permit to carry a concealed weapon have to be deemed physically and mentally competent. In some jurisdictions, the sheriff’s office contacts the applicant’s primary care doctor.
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All I need to know about that magazine. No place for comments that I could find.
I didn't know you had to get a note from your doctor to get a carry permit in NC. Is that true?
Terry
Fla.
This is the first I heard of this. I guess some commie sheriffs took it upon themselves to run these through their doctors. I would assume it is few and far between.
DeleteSeems reasonable. Doctors have no competency in to that. They cannot claim to be professionals if they attempt practicing outside their competency. But for that matter, local law enforcement are not competent to judge this either. baring being confined for mental or criminal behaviors, there is no reason why anyone should be denied the ability to keep weapons.
ReplyDeleteYes, our Natural Right.
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