In April 2016, a new information-sharing process between GPs and police was introduced to help mitigate the risk of individuals who are medically unfit being granted a firearm or shotgun certificate. This process was further refined in November 2021 with updated statutory guidance outlining the roles and responsibilities of GPs in firearms licensing.
The licensing authority conducts a thorough vetting process before granting a firearm or shotgun certificate. This process typically includes:
Interviews with the applicant
Property visits to assess security and suitability
Criminal record checks
Character references from individuals deemed of ‘good character’
Consultation with the applicant’s GP
As part of the application process, the police will contact the applicant’s GP to determine whether there are any relevant medical conditions or concerns regarding the applicant’s suitability to hold a firearm or shotgun certificate. GPs are required to:
Review the patient’s medical records and provide a factual response to the police regarding any relevant conditions.
Place an encoded reminder onto the patient’s record for the duration of the certificate’s validity.
Consider notifying the police should the patient’s medical health change in a way that raises concerns about their continued possession of firearms.
Deactivate the encoded reminder upon cancellation of the certificate, as notified by the police.
The following medical conditions are regarded as potentially impacting an individual’s fitness to hold a firearm:
Mental Health Conditions:
Acute Stress Reaction or trauma-related conditions
Suicidal ideation or self-harm
Depression or anxiety disorders
Dementia
Mania, bipolar disorder, or psychotic illnesses
Personality disorders
Neurological Conditions:
Multiple Sclerosis
Parkinson’s disease
Huntington’s disease
Epilepsy
Substance Use Issues:
Alcohol or drug-related abuse
Any other condition (mental or physical) that could impair the safe possession of firearms
Yes. The administrative tasks involved in responding to the police request, including reviewing patient records, identifying relevant concerns, and adding the required code to the medical record, do not fall under essential NHS services. GPs can charge a fee for this work and may withhold the provision of information until payment has been received.
GPs have a duty to cooperate with statutory processes where they have a prescribed role. It is not acceptable for a GP to simply disregard the request or to unduly delay a response. Failure to engage could lead to professional or legal repercussions.
General Medical Council (GMC) guidance states that doctors may choose to opt out of specific procedures due to personal beliefs, provided that this does not lead to direct or indirect discrimination against patients. While GPs may refuse to engage on moral or ethical grounds, they must ensure an alternative process is in place to avoid delaying or obstructing the licensing procedure.
The firearm certificate application form requires applicants to provide consent for the sharing of factual medical information between their GP and the police. However, should a GP have serious concerns about an individual posing a significant risk to themselves or others, they can disclose relevant medical information without consent under the principles of public safety and duty of care.
If an applicant has declared a relevant medical condition, the police may request a detailed medical report, which the applicant must arrange and pay for. This report should ideally be submitted to the police within one month of the request. If an additional medical assessment is required, the police will cover the cost of this further report.
GPs play a crucial role in the firearms licensing process, helping to ensure that only medically fit individuals are granted the right to own a firearm or shotgun. While participation in the process is statutory, GPs are entitled to charge for their services. They must ensure a timely and professional response to police requests and maintain vigilance regarding changes in a certificate holder’s medical status.
For further information or support, GPs are encouraged to contact the Local Medical Committee (LMC) for guidance on best practices and legal considerations in handling firearms licensing requests.