No, there is no one named “Doctor Gun Gag,” he’s not part duck, so he doesn’t have a bill. I refer to the just-passed Florida bill HB 155, the NRA-sponsored legislation restricting Florida doctors from discussing firearms with their patients. No really. “Inquiries regarding firearm ownership or possession should not be made by licensed health care practitioners or health care facilities; providing an exception for emergency medical technicians and paramedics.” I couldn’t give a rat’s ass if my Doctor asks me about firearms (which he has) but . . .
I do care if the government tells my doctor what he can and can not discuss with his patients. This bone-headed bill trampling doctors’ First Amendment rights could well make it onto the governor’s desk and into law.
The only good part? The bill is toothless. According to the Miami Herald, the whole felony with big fines deal has been walked down to a self-regulating slap on the wrist at best (worst?). To wit . . .
In debate, Brodeur said the law would be enforced by patients who complain to the state Board of Medicine. The board then could investigate and administratively discipline doctors.
So what’s the point—other than political grandstanding? None.
“This is purely a political attack on the right to own a firearm,” [Republican Rep Frank] Artiles said. “People are not reporting it, but it’s happening.”
After the vote, [former NRA Prez and current lobbyist Marion] Hammer told reporters she knew of other instances similar to the pediatrician in Ocala but could not say how many.
As Brodeur said later, “That’s an impossible number to know, (but) I don’t think there needs to be more than one occurrence.”
Shame on the NRA.