Sick Bay

[Chik a Boom]

What are the rules on hospitals? I just learned that the local hospital frowns big time on weapons at visiting hours. I don't recall seeing anyone mention local or state laws on this matter so I thought I would ask the experts. What information do you all have about carrying in medical centers? Thanks.

[Spotteddog]

It's always a can of worms!
Some city hospitals have (with good reason!) a gauntlet of guards and/or metal detectors. Every state is likely to have their own spin on the statutes. I DO know that in the local hospitals (I'm in a medium/large suburb of Seattle) the hospitals at the entry doors refer to patients "needing treatment and found to be carrying, will have their weapon secured by police". But we're a "shall issue" state and until medical facilities "officially" become governmental entities (can't wait for that!) the whole thing appears to be hospital rules here? At least I've never seen a quote of the RCW that covers it on any of those hospital signs?

[Smith Pistol]

Chik-a-boom: It's going to vary state-by-state. It may also vary by municipality within each state. There's no one hard and fast rule that can be applied nation-wide.

Here's a link to a resource about Arizona Carry Laws. http://www.handgunlaw.us/states/arizona.pdf

It's a good place to start for information about each of the states, but I wouldn't bet my freedom just on the information they provide. I'd confirm anything I read with a relaible source within your state.

[flop-shank]

Check the Arizona state police/highway patrol and Attorney General's websites.

[OKFC05]

Federal hospitals ban carry by Federal rules.
Other than that, it is a state matter, and varies widely by state.

[BarbC]

When my husband was suddenly hospitalized in Norfolk General Hospital, VA, they "frowned big time" on weapons being brought in.

Well, I "frowned big time" on being assaulted in a dangerous city parking garage at night and while walking through the lot.

If there's no metal detectors, you weigh which means more to you - your safety or a bureaucratic policy.

[safearm]

I work with Trauma Centers on a daily basis. Some prohibit any firearms and have the stickers on the doors as well as monitored metal detectors. Others don't seem to address the issue. Every Trauma Center has security and they seem to be the most visible around the emergency room. This is normally the area where there are problems. At one center, there was a gun battle between a patient's "family" and the individuals whose original actions put the patient in the hospital. Luckily, no one was hit, either shooters or bystanders, but the walls had to be patched.

[jimmyj]

Good Morning:
BarbC has cut though the fog and un-decision. All one has to do is decide which is most important-your well-being or a rule.
Go Girl!
Jimmy

[Evil One]

If there are no detectors or searches... I carry everywhere I go.


Jim

[safearm]

While I agree with Barb's opinion, I know of one hospital that is absolutely serious about no firearms. If you attempt to bring one through the metal detector, you will be refused entry. If you try a second time, you will be arrested. All of the security people are off duty/retired LEOs, and the chief of security is the retired chief deputy of the sheriff's department.

[self protection]

I would say if its posted at the entry doors, dont do it . If not go for it!!

[BarbC]

If an institution such as a hospital strictly enforces a No Carry policy, even by lawfully permitted weapons carriers, and I am assaulted while on their property and have no means to defend myself due to that policy, you better bet I'm going to sue on the grounds that by removing my means of self protection, they had a duty to protect me and they failed in that duty.

[Chik a Boom]

Thanks, everyone for the input. This was one subject I hadn't seen discussed before, so I was curious to know the wisdom on the matter. Barb, I'm with you and others that say unless there is some sort of metal detection, I will be carrying defense.

Thanks for the link, Smith Pistol.