Firearm Counseling by Physicians: Coverage under Medical Liability Insurance Policies

Author: Paola, Frederick A.
Publication: Southern Medical Journal
Topics: Education/Counseling Legislation and Policy Medical
Keywords: COUNSELING firearm insurer medical malpractice
Bibliographic information +

The author reports the results of a survey about medical malpractice insurers’ experience and policies regarding firearms counseling by physicians. Of 100 mailed surveys, 14 were returned; of these, 8 respondents said that negligent firearms counseling would not be covered under their policies and 6 respondents said it would be covered. The author suggests that physicians who want to offer firearms counseling should ensure they are covered under their medical malpractice insurance.