Has anybody ever carried to their doctor's office?

[CharlesAFerg]

A physician's office is just like any other business. Perhaps they need clear signage indicating they have a no firearms policy but even if they don't if they say please leave it in the car my opinion is that you do that out of respect for their business.



You know they don't want firearms in their office and yet you carry anyway? Why? I personally have a real problem with those who think the rules don't apply to them. You don't have to agree with the policy but out of respect for that business rules I would think that you, as a gun owner who respects and obeys the rules and laws in general would respect that physicians office wishes in terms of no firearms.

If you're going to make a comment assuming I didn't put it in my car, and demonize me for it, more power to you. Yes, I put it in the car, and that's what upsets me.

Rules? Follow the rules? Are you assuming there was a sign on the door as well? I didn't mention it for that very reason, there was no sign. There is a difference between "rules," and the "law." It's not illegal, and I will take my business elsewhere. I wasn't carrying to make a point, I had it on me from where I was previously, and didn't feel the need to remove it.

Besides, if I always followed the "rules," I wouldn't get very far in life.

 

[CharlesAFerg]

concealed means REALLY concealed.

Nowadays, people don't even know what concealed means. I wouldn't go demonizing anyone who doesn't. It's not in our best interest. Not the normal guys, which make up the vast, vast majority of them.

 

[Stomper]

A physician's office is just like any other business. Perhaps they need clear signage indicating they have a no firearms policy but even if they don't if they say please leave it in the car my opinion is that you do that out of respect for their business.



You know they don't want firearms in their office and yet you carry anyway? Why? I personally have a real problem with those who think the rules don't apply to them. You don't have to agree with the policy but out of respect for that business rules I would think that you, as a gun owner who respects and obeys the rules and laws in general would respect that physicians office wishes in terms of no firearms.

Man... if you would just get HALF AS UPSET over the refusal of government officials to enforce standing immigration laws I'd actually be impressed.

 

[Sawdust]

Kind of a funny story. I would usually lock my pistol in my car when in my doctor's office only because of the off chance that if I had to leave the exam room while disrobed I did not want my weapon "unsecured". Anyway about a two years ago I went to see the doc about a ear/sinus issue. Thinking that there would be no need to disrobe and that my doc would only need to look in nose and ears I kept my pistol on. So the exam is going fine when without comment my doc lifts up my shirt to listen to my lungs. Without a hint of concern and not missing a beat as he listens to my lungs he asks "What kind is that? A .45?" To which I reply "Yes. That's my Kimber." His answer..........."Those are nice. Too much for me. I just carry a Glock."

I'm staying with my doc. Great guy.

 

[Kevatc]

If you're going to make a comment assuming I didn't put it in my car, and demonize me for it, more power to you. Yes, I put it in the car, and that's what upsets me.

Rules? Follow the rules? Are you assuming there was a sign on the door as well? I didn't mention it for that very reason, there was no sign. There is a difference between "rules," and the "law." It's not illegal, and I will take my business elsewhere. I wasn't carrying to make a point, I had it on me from where I was previously, and didn't feel the need to remove it.

Besides, if I always followed the "rules," I wouldn't get very far in life.

Go back and read and do the "I said, then he said" routine. I said nothing about rules. I even suggested perhaps the doc's office needed more signage if they didn't want guns in their office. I could be wrong but if a business asks you to leave your gun in the car and you still bring it in anyway then you could be nailed for trespassing. And if you elect to carry in a business after being told not to then you are at the very least guilty of being dumb.

 

[ernurse]

As a Emergency Room Nurse I have no problem whatsoever with peoples right to bear arms, because I carry everywhere I go. Sometimes patients get really freaky when u ask about their gun, but soon as they know you carry concealed all the time also they lighten up. As far as I know only the VA has the rules about no carry because its owned by the feds. I carry to my doctors office, and respect my patients who carry to mine. I have never heard of a hospital that could legally ban firearms legally carried. I f patients go for exams I always offer to secure their weapon for them and keep others from fingering it, never once had a problem.

 

[Mark W.]

A pound or two of gun isn't going to make a difference on your BMI.

hey I'm sesitive about my weight

 

[Asp]

Kind of a funny story. I would usually lock my pistol in my car when in my doctor's office only because of the off chance that if I had to leave the exam room while disrobed I did not want my weapon "unsecured".

I had a MRI done, and the cabinet I used for my clothes had a lock and key. So I'd say it just depends. I know my mileage varied. Yet my x-rays were a different beast, and I ended up having to leave my things in my patient room "unsecured" as you put it.
+1 to you and your Doc

Anytime I'd have my weight taken, always I'd be required to remove keys, belts, pants, shoes, etc. and wear those ugly shorts.

 

[darkminstrel]

yea.. had a smith airweight on my hip when i went into the ER at the Portland VAMC.

And this is the only time a civilian can carry on VA property. The cops up there are, for the most part, great guys.

To the OP: My wife was concerned about taking her carry piece when going to get a CT. The problem was not if she should but where on her person it should be. She has a shoulder bag with a hidden compartment so she doesn't have to go unarmed.

 

[toywin12]

Go back and read and do the "I said, then he said" routine. I said nothing about rules. I even suggested perhaps the doc's office needed more signage if they didn't want guns in their office. I could be wrong but if a business asks you to leave your gun in the car and you still bring it in anyway then you could be nailed for trespassing. And if you elect to carry in a business after being told not to then you are at the very least guilty of being dumb.

You can only be trespassed if they have already asked you to leave...not for not complying with their request to leave your firearm in your vehicle. Carrying his firearm into his doctor's office, regardless of "prohibitive signage" is NOT ILLEGAL. Don't call someone dumb because they DIDN'T break any laws and aren't comfortable with someone asking them to give up their right to self preservation just because it makes someone else uncomfortable.

To the OP: I would continue on as you are and if you are ever asked by the management to leave then simply asked to be refunded your money(for services not rendered) and move on to a different doctor.

 

[TCOV]

I haven't been to a real doctor since the mid '80s but often have to piss test for a job. A few years ago I was in a clinic for a pre employment drug test and in the little room the lady giving the test asked that I remove everything from my pockets. She seemed uncomfortable that something might be left in my left front pocket but didn't say anything. Finally I told her I had a 32 auto in my pocket and would put on the counter if she wanted or just leave it in my pocket. She said to leave it in my pocket and seemed to relax after that. I heard her telling the receptionist at the front desk that she had to go to lunch as I was leaving. It seems my coworker testing before me had declared his 38 to her. They were really busy that day and she was normally office staff and wasn't prepared for what goes in the testing room. We had a good laugh after that.

 

[U201494]

I personally have a real problem with those who think the rules don't apply to them. You don't have to agree with the policy but out of respect for that business rules I would think that you, as a gun owner who respects and obeys the rules and laws in general would respect that physicians office wishes in terms of no firearms.

So you have a "real problem" ? Really chaffes your delicate areas to know there are people that don't comply with this, doesn't it?

chafe (chf)
v. chafed, chaf·ing, chafes
v.tr.
Middle English chafen, from Old French chaufer, to warm, from Vulgar Latin *calefre, alteration of Latin calefacere : calre, to be warm; see kel-1 in Indo-European roots + facere, to make; see dh- in Indo-European roots
v.intr.
1. To rub and cause irritation or friction: The high collar chafed against my neck.
2. To become worn or sore from rubbing.
3. To feel irritated or impatient:
i.e., Chafing often occurs on the inner thigh, groin area, armpits, etc. as a result of meeting resistance when trying to make people see things your way.
Synonyms: chafe, abrade, excoriate, fret1, gall2
These verbs mean to wear down or rub away a surface by or as if by scraping: chafed my skin; water abrading the canyon walls; metal bristles that excoriated her scalp; rope that fretted a groove in the post; stone steps galled by years of heavy use.

Tuff S, I don't have to do anything that I don't want to do. I understand the consequences of my decisions and act based on that. I respect business owners, but I enjoy being alive and ambulatory more than I respect some business owners; my choice, not yours.

 

[Stomper]

I personally have a real problem with those that personally have a real problem when there is no real problem.

Wait.. what? There was one?

 

[m1gunr]

Just an FYI - Group Health does have a policy of No Firearms. They can go so far as to cancel your insurance coverage with them.....

 

[Asp]

Just an FYI - Group Health does have a policy of No Firearms. They can go so far as to cancel your insurance coverage with them.....

Post a link about this policy.

 

[Kevatc]

I haven't been to a real doctor since the mid '80s but often have to piss test for a job.

Not sure how old you are but the fact that you haven't been to a "real doctor" since the 80's tells me you're old enough that you should go to a doctor for a checkup. My checkup in April caught prostate cancer just about as late as it could be without spreading and all with just some annoying urination symptoms. If you don't want to go and get a physical for yourself then at least do it for your loved ones. Could be the difference between catching things in the nick of time and not.

And now back to our regularly scheduled programming.

 

[m1gunr]

Post a link about this policy.

Firearms and Dangerous Weapons in GHC Facilities
Policy Number: F-07-008

Adopted: 9/22/81
Revised: 12/18/00

POLICY
This policy prohibits the presence of firearms and dangerous weapons within GHC facilities and establishes that all facilities owned or managed by Group Health Cooperative shall be GUN FREE ZONES. Under this policy any employee in possession of a firearm within a GHC facility may face disciplinary action including termination. A consumer in violation of this policy may be removed from the premises or terminated from enrollment. Visitors to GHC facilities, in violation of this policy, will be reported to police authorities.

Firearms and Dangerous Weapons in GHC Facilities
Procedures for: F-07-008
Adopted: 9/22/81
Revised: 12/18/00

PROCEDURES
Implementing Policy F-07-008

Note: These procedures provide additional information related to Policy F-07-008, but are separate and distinct from that policy. The authorized Vice President retains discretion in implementing these procedures and can change them at any time, with or without notice.

Explanation:
This GUN AND WEAPONS FREE ZONE policy is designed to insure the delivery of quality services to GHC consumers in a safe environment and to enhance workplace safety for GHC employees.

Applicability:
This policy applies to all GHC consumers, employees, contracted service providers and visitors to GHC facilities.

Exemptions: This policy does not apply to any person engaged in military activities sponsored by the Federal or State government, while engaged in official duty, law enforcement personnel, and Security personnel engaged in official duties.

Possession of a valid concealed weapons permit authorized by the State of Washington is not an exemption under this policy.

Scope:
This policy implements the Anti-Violence Resolution recommended by the Board of Trustees at the 1994 Annual Meeting and subsequently adopted by the membership. That resolution requires that GHC shall develop a community-wide plan to prevent intentional injuries and acts of violence. This policy further supports the intent and requirements of the Revised Code of Washington chapter 49.19 regarding the prevention of incidents of Workplace Violence.

Responsibilities:
All GHC consumers, employees, contracted service providers and visitors to GHC facilities shall comply with the guns and weapons free zone policy by not carrying a weapon or by requesting the removal of any weapon they encounter.

Definitions:
"Firearm" means a weapon of device from which a projectile may be fired by an explosive such as gunpowder or any simulated firearm operated by gas, compressed air, or tension.
"Dangerous weapon" means any instrument or weapon that can be used as a club and poses a reasonable risk of injury; also, any instrument of the kind usually known as a sling shot; sand club; or metal knuckles. A "dangerous weapon" can be a spring blade knife - or any knife, the blade of which opens, falls, or is ejected into position by the force of gravity or by an outward, downward or centrifugal thrust or movement - or any straight or fixed blade knife other than that specifically required for the performance of job responsibilities. A "dangerous weapon" also includes mace, pepper spray and stun guns.

Selected Policies and Documents:
GHC Policy A-03-001(5)
GHC Policy F-02-015
Revised Code of Washington Chapter 49.19

Guidelines:
"GUN AND WEAPONS FREE ZONE" signs shall be conspicuously posted within all GHC facilities and in parking areas and grounds surrounding GHC facilities, stating that "Firearms and other dangerous weapons are a health hazard and may not be carried inside any Group Health facility.
Consumers: Any Group Health Cooperative consumer who is found to have a firearm or dangerous weapon on their person or in their control shall remove the weapon upon request of Group Health Cooperative personnel.

Non-Emergency Consumers: Any consumer found in possession of any firearm or other dangerous weapon as defined above will be informed of the policy and required to remove the weapon prior to obtaining any services. Group Health Cooperative Security, or staff, will notify local law enforcement authorities if the consumer fails to comply with the request to remove a firearm or dangerous weapon. Consumers refusing to remove weapons after notice may be subject to termination from coverage as provided under GHC Policy A-03-001(5).

Emergency Consumers: Group Health Cooperative Security Officers shall be notified when any consumer seeking emergency treatment is found in possession of a firearm or dangerous weapon. Security is responsible for notifying local law enforcement authorities to obtain necessary assistance.

Visitors: Staff or security personnel shall request any visitor found in possession of a firearm or dangerous weapon to remove it from the facility and local law enforcement personnel will be promptly notified.

Contracted Service Providers: Staff or security personnel shall request any visitor found in possession of a firearm or dangerous weapon to remove it from the facility and local law enforcement personnel will be promptly notified. Management representatives from the contracted service provider's company will also be promptly notified.

Employees: Employees found in possession or control of a firearm or other dangerous weapon on any property under the control of Group Health Cooperative will remove the weapon upon request. Employees in violation of this policy are subject to disciplinary actions set forth in Group Health Cooperative policy F-02-015. Any employee concerned about personal safety may request an escort (e.g. to a parking lot off premises) or other appropriate intervention by security personnel at sites where available.

GHC will make educational materials available to consumers regarding this policy and the magnitude of the firearm injury problem in the United States including its effect on health care costs.

GHC will make training available to staff on crisis intervention and management techniques to facilitate implementation of this policy.

Authorized Vice President: Scott Armstrong
Designated Content Expert: Dave Pennington

 

[krkruse]

SO... basically its illegal, to carry if in a DRs office, unless you are rushed there in an emerengcy

 

[Kevatc]

Well now. Should be interesting to see how some of the members who seem to have balls of stone respond to this. Are you willing to risk your insurance (hypothetically speaking)?

Firearms and Dangerous Weapons in GHC Facilities
Policy Number: F-07-008

Adopted: 9/22/81
Revised: 12/18/00

POLICY
This policy prohibits the presence of firearms and dangerous weapons within GHC facilities and establishes that all facilities owned or managed by Group Health Cooperative shall be GUN FREE ZONES. Under this policy any employee in possession of a firearm within a GHC facility may face disciplinary action including termination. A consumer in violation of this policy may be removed from the premises or terminated from enrollment. Visitors to GHC facilities, in violation of this policy, will be reported to police authorities.

Firearms and Dangerous Weapons in GHC Facilities
Procedures for: F-07-008
Adopted: 9/22/81
Revised: 12/18/00

PROCEDURES
Implementing Policy F-07-008

Note: These procedures provide additional information related to Policy F-07-008, but are separate and distinct from that policy. The authorized Vice President retains discretion in implementing these procedures and can change them at any time, with or without notice.

Explanation:
This GUN AND WEAPONS FREE ZONE policy is designed to insure the delivery of quality services to GHC consumers in a safe environment and to enhance workplace safety for GHC employees.

Applicability:
This policy applies to all GHC consumers, employees, contracted service providers and visitors to GHC facilities.

Exemptions: This policy does not apply to any person engaged in military activities sponsored by the Federal or State government, while engaged in official duty, law enforcement personnel, and Security personnel engaged in official duties.

Possession of a valid concealed weapons permit authorized by the State of Washington is not an exemption under this policy.

Scope:
This policy implements the Anti-Violence Resolution recommended by the Board of Trustees at the 1994 Annual Meeting and subsequently adopted by the membership. That resolution requires that GHC shall develop a community-wide plan to prevent intentional injuries and acts of violence. This policy further supports the intent and requirements of the Revised Code of Washington chapter 49.19 regarding the prevention of incidents of Workplace Violence.

Responsibilities:
All GHC consumers, employees, contracted service providers and visitors to GHC facilities shall comply with the guns and weapons free zone policy by not carrying a weapon or by requesting the removal of any weapon they encounter.

Definitions:
"Firearm" means a weapon of device from which a projectile may be fired by an explosive such as gunpowder or any simulated firearm operated by gas, compressed air, or tension.
"Dangerous weapon" means any instrument or weapon that can be used as a club and poses a reasonable risk of injury; also, any instrument of the kind usually known as a sling shot; sand club; or metal knuckles. A "dangerous weapon" can be a spring blade knife - or any knife, the blade of which opens, falls, or is ejected into position by the force of gravity or by an outward, downward or centrifugal thrust or movement - or any straight or fixed blade knife other than that specifically required for the performance of job responsibilities. A "dangerous weapon" also includes mace, pepper spray and stun guns.

Selected Policies and Documents:
GHC Policy A-03-001(5)
GHC Policy F-02-015
Revised Code of Washington Chapter 49.19

Guidelines:
"GUN AND WEAPONS FREE ZONE" signs shall be conspicuously posted within all GHC facilities and in parking areas and grounds surrounding GHC facilities, stating that "Firearms and other dangerous weapons are a health hazard and may not be carried inside any Group Health facility.
Consumers: Any Group Health Cooperative consumer who is found to have a firearm or dangerous weapon on their person or in their control shall remove the weapon upon request of Group Health Cooperative personnel.

Non-Emergency Consumers: Any consumer found in possession of any firearm or other dangerous weapon as defined above will be informed of the policy and required to remove the weapon prior to obtaining any services. Group Health Cooperative Security, or staff, will notify local law enforcement authorities if the consumer fails to comply with the request to remove a firearm or dangerous weapon. Consumers refusing to remove weapons after notice may be subject to termination from coverage as provided under GHC Policy A-03-001(5).

Emergency Consumers: Group Health Cooperative Security Officers shall be notified when any consumer seeking emergency treatment is found in possession of a firearm or dangerous weapon. Security is responsible for notifying local law enforcement authorities to obtain necessary assistance.

Visitors: Staff or security personnel shall request any visitor found in possession of a firearm or dangerous weapon to remove it from the facility and local law enforcement personnel will be promptly notified.

Contracted Service Providers: Staff or security personnel shall request any visitor found in possession of a firearm or dangerous weapon to remove it from the facility and local law enforcement personnel will be promptly notified. Management representatives from the contracted service provider's company will also be promptly notified.

Employees: Employees found in possession or control of a firearm or other dangerous weapon on any property under the control of Group Health Cooperative will remove the weapon upon request. Employees in violation of this policy are subject to disciplinary actions set forth in Group Health Cooperative policy F-02-015. Any employee concerned about personal safety may request an escort (e.g. to a parking lot off premises) or other appropriate intervention by security personnel at sites where available.

GHC will make educational materials available to consumers regarding this policy and the magnitude of the firearm injury problem in the United States including its effect on health care costs.

GHC will make training available to staff on crisis intervention and management techniques to facilitate implementation of this policy.

Authorized Vice President: Scott Armstrong
Designated Content Expert: Dave Pennington

 

[m1gunr]

Until I got laid off, I carried every time I went to the doctor. Reason... they had to notify me to remove it and until then I am breaking no laws. Once I refuse to remove my firearm, I am trespassing.

I know for a fact in Washington state that in 2000 the state L&I mandated that the hospitals & clinics find a way to reduce violence in the workplace, they all came up with this idea that they should ban firearms. Most hospitals are privately funded and thus private property, however those that are publicly funded should fall under preemption but like the stadiums in Seattle if they find you with a firearm , you will be asked to leave.