Physician groups are requesting that a federal appeals court reconsider a ruling that upholds a Florida law restricting what doctors can ask patients about guns. On July 28, a federal court lifted an injunction on the law filed by a consortium of physician groups representing some 11,000 medical providers after the bill was signed into law in 2011. The law, which has been dubbed, “Docs. Vs. Glocks,” prevents doctors from asking patients about gun ownership or recording such information in a patient’s medical record. The law contains exceptions including instances in which gun ownership would be relevant to a patient’s medical care, safety or the safety of others.
The measure was sponsored by Rep. Jason Brodeur, R-Sandford, and Sen. Greg Evers, R-Pensacola. Supporters of the law say it prevents medical providers from discriminating against or harassing patients about firearm ownership, and keeps insurance companies from denying coverage or charging higher premiums to gun owners. Opponents say the law restricts physicians’ free speech and could set a dangerous precedent. The case could be appealed up to the U.S. Supreme Court. We’ll hear from both sides as we explore potential impacts of the law.
Guests:
State Rep. Jason Brodeur, R-Sanford
Dan Gross, President, Brady Campaign and Center to Prevent Gun Violence
Bernd Wollschlaeger, MD, Family Physician with Aventura Family Health Center / Plaintiff
