Studies have demonstrated that in states with CAP laws, the selleck inhibitor rate of unintentional firearm deaths are lower than in states with no CAP laws. More importantly, unintentional firearm death rates decreased significantly in those states enacting CAP laws (when comparing a 5-year pre-CAP rate with a 5-year post-CAP rate).35 Other researchers have demonstrated a more modest (but not statistically significant) post-CAP decline in unintentional firearms deaths of children.36 Additional research is warranted to clearly

establish the efficacy of these laws. APSA supports legislative efforts, such as CAP laws, to limit the access to firearms by children. Counseling patients and their families about the potential risks of firearm ownership (as outlined here) is important. Just as it is important to know if a there is a firearm present in the home of a patient assessed to be clinically depressed, or in a home with reported domestic violence, so too is it important for parents to know the risk of keeping a firearm in the presence of a child. A full understanding of the potential risk of a firearm in the home and understanding ways to mitigate that risk should be proactively discussed ABT-199 chemical structure by doctors with their patients. However, such previously inviolate physician–patient discussions have been imperiled by federal and state legislation. Language incorporated

in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act limits conversations between physicians and their patients. (c) PROTECTION Ergoloid OF SECOND AMENDMENT GUN RIGHTS. Several states have enacted (or are considering) legislation banning discussion between a physician and his or her patients about the presence of firearms in the home. In Florida, in 2011, the legislature passed and the governor signed a bill stating that: A health care provider or health care facility shall respect a patient’s right to privacy and should refrain from making a written inquiry or asking questions concerning the ownership of a firearm or

ammunition by the patient or by a family member of the patient, or the presence of a firearm in a private home or other domicile of the patient or a family member of the patient.38 The penalty for violation of this law could include loss of license to practice medicine and a fine of up to $10,000. The language of this bill was subsequently struck down as unconstitutional (violation of free speech). The relationship between physician and patient (family) should not be limited. APSA recommends removal or clarification of language in the Affordable Care Act limiting discussion about the presence of firearms in homes with children. APSA opposes, in the strongest possible terms, state-level legislation infringing on the physician–patient relationship. In light of the Sandy Hook murders, there has been consideration of placing armed guards or armed school personnel (eg, teachers) in the schools. To limit the risk of injury by firearms, one must limit the exposure of children to firearms.