DOCTOR WONT SIGN FAC RENEWAL

[dax17 6]

My doctor has just informed me that all members in the practice have taken a stance and are no longer signing FAC applications and or renewals

 

anyone else had same issue and any advice ??

[bob.243 8,547]

As far as I'm led to believe, it's because their not getting paid for it.

 

[dax17 6]

he was offerred money but claims its a stance all docs in the practice are taking

i did ask him if there had been an issue with someone else and he said no 

[bob.243 8,547]

Have a look here, if there is nothing mentally wrong with you, you won't have a problem.

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=7&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjMrpP44JHZAhWkAcAKHYdVAooQFghOMAY&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rifleshootermagazine.co.uk%2Ffeatures%2Fguidance-on-firearms-licensing-to-pay-the-gp-or-not-to-pay-the-gp-1-5029808&usg=AOvVaw1QO6bzI0OmEz4z-v2Q8Nme

[Mark_mjs93 164]

1 hour ago, bob.243 said:

Have a look here, if there is nothing mentally wrong with you, you won't have a problem.

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=7&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjMrpP44JHZAhWkAcAKHYdVAooQFghOMAY&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rifleshootermagazine.co.uk%2Ffeatures%2Fguidance-on-firearms-licensing-to-pay-the-gp-or-not-to-pay-the-gp-1-5029808&usg=AOvVaw1QO6bzI0OmEz4z-v2Q8Nme

Not to be negative or anything but I have a bit of a question on that link. They say in that article you are required to pay for the doctors letter? I appreciate this is a hot topic (and I don’t want to open that can of worms) but I thought BASC and a few other shooting organisations were telling members to refuse to pay for this as it’s the polices respinsbility to pay if there is an associated charge. The question I have is it says ‘you are only required to pay if you have a pre-existing condition’ wouldn’t that amount to discrimination? And in a case were someone were physically disabled could the argument of disability discrimination be made? ‘I am disabled and am obligated to pay a charge but he who is not disabled doesn’t?’ Just a question more than anything. Also, I personally wouldn’t say a GP Practice can refuse it, if they do that’s their problem not yours. I mean, if we are to be penalised because they don’t want to do something then what the f**k is the point?! Surely that is for the police to fanny about with and not you, it’s not like your referee is refusing? Alternatively, seek advice from your shooting org. I’m sure they could advise.

im no expert, don’t even have my FAC yet, but I thought the idea was that the police write to the GP to ask for the info, if they don’t reply surely they can’t see that as your fault? More thinking out loud than anything and I’m sure the guys who have done this stuff over and over will have more useful input. I’d say chat to your shooting org they’ll be able to advise. 

[comanche 2,934]

It probably is either because some of the practice partners are not in favour of shooting or its a policy to avoid the situation where they could be connected with someone they've endorsed doing something wrong that could reflect on the surgery.

As the days when a certificate application had to be endorsed by someone of "standing " like a doctor,lawyer,priest or teacher are long gone its not a big deal.

As for medical endorsement ;its up to the police to request it if they feel a need. You just have to put the name of the surgery on the application.

Edited February 6, 2018 by comanche

[j316 119]

I have never had to have my applications signed by doctor minister or any upstanding member of the community don't know what the law is in your neck of the woods 

[j j m 6,533]

our doctors charge you for most things you need signed these days

[The one 8,463]

Theres a printed list in our waiting room 

[Alsone 789]

I believe by signing you mean supplying a report? 

I believe I've read that if it's a renewal, as an applicant, it's up for the police to pay the fee to the doctor. If they refuse, as they will, then they cannot refuse to grant your certificate for lack of a report. Your responsibility is simply to sign to give them permission and make all the necessary declarations.

Best to check the current position with the BASC though, as there's a lot of contrary and conflicting information out there.

[The one 8,463]

I always thought you couldn't pay anybody to sign your certs so isnt this in the same line ??

[Mark_mjs93 164]

https://basc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2016/03/Firearms-licensing-medical-process-fact-sheet.pdf here is some BASC info. They state in there 

"What happens if my GP does not want to operate the new system? Another GP in the practice can provide the information. If this is not possible, you should discuss this with the police firearms licensing department. Applicants and certificate holders should not be disadvantaged if their GP does not provide the information needed."

[bob.243 8,547]

Some more info,

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwj0i_Xd65nZAhVpIsAKHexYANAQFggqMAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bma.org.uk%2Fadvice%2Femployment%2Fethics%2Fethics-a-to-z%2Ffirearms&usg=AOvVaw0WY5WKi1_RePmQHwEVI6xU

[Gav 1,708]

SACS Have  deliberated this with government and can help, contact them, it's been an ongoing concern over the last few years and shouldn't affect your renewal/application!

Edited February 9, 2018 by Gav
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[Gav 1,708]

This infuriates me, there is nothing needs signing! It's a disclosure. It means, if asked your GP can disclose anything which may prevent you owning a firearm!

It is not a signituare to grant a firearm.

Edited February 9, 2018 by Gav
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