SB 474

This bill prohibits a healthcare provider from doing any of the following:  Inquir ing as to the patient's ownership, possession of, or access to firearm ammunition or firearm accessories .  Requir ing information described above to be disclosed before providing treatment to the patient .  Deny ing future treatment of a patient based upon a patient's ownership or control of a firearm, firearm ammunition, or firearm accessories .  Enter ing , or have another enter ing , information described above into a patient's record unless the information is relevant to the patient's medical care or safety or the safety of others .  Shar ing the information described above with an insurer. As used in this bill, a "healthcare provider"" includes an employee, assistant, or contractor of such professional, establishment, or facility; and d oes not include a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist. This bill prohibits a healthcare provider from di scriminat ing against a patient based upon the patient's exercise of the constitutional right to own and possess a firearm, firearm ammunition, or firearm accessories. If a healthcare provider does inquire as to the patient's ownership, possession of, or a ccess to firearm ammunition or firearm accessories, then the healthcare provider must provide written notice to the patient that the patient has no duty to respond to the inquiry. This bill provides that a healthcare provider who violates this bill is guilty of unethical conduct and is subject to (i) d isciplinary action by the healthcare provider's licensing authority; and ( ii ) a fine of $1, 000 per violation. In addition to other penalties available to the provider's licensing authority, the health care provider's licensing authority may take disciplinary action and seek injunctive or other relief as appropriate against that healthcare provider or an entity for a violation of this bill ."