OHA State Advocacy Center

State Health Care Issues

Concealed Carry
During the 125th Ohio General Assembly, House Bill 12, legislation allowing for certain Ohioans to carry concealed handguns if they obtain a state-issued license, was passed. Governor Bob Taft signed the legislation into law on Jan. 8, 2004, and it became effective on April 8, 2004.

The legislation includes a limited list of exemptions where handguns are not permitted including public buildings, day care centers and establishments serving alcohol. While OHA sought an exemption for hospitals, state lawmakers, at the bill sponsor's request, opted to not include a laundry list of exempted facilities. However, the legislation does permit hospitals and other private entities to determine whether to allow concealed handguns in their facilities. OHA has developed this section of its Web site to assist member hospitals in better understanding and implementing the new law.

HB 12
LSC analysis of Concealed Carry legislation
View which Representatives and Senators voted for or against HB 12
View information about other states' concealed carry laws.

Form that must be faxed to the Attorney General's office when a patient is involuntarily admitted.

**Explanation by the law firm of Bricker and Eckler of Chief Clinical Officer as used in HB 12 and Involuntary Admit Form

Resources
Examples from Middletown Regional Hospital of their:

Current Concealed Carry Weapon Policy

Fact sheet explaining the Concealed Carry Weapon process at Middletown Regional Hospital

Sample letter sent to law enforcement agencies in their area

Sample email used for their Concealed Carry Weapons internal Emergency Management drill conducted at Middletown Regional Health System

View research by the law firm of Bricker and Eckler as to whether HIPAA is violated when hospitals comply with Ohio's mandatory reporting requirements for patients that have been adjudicated a mentally ill person subject to hospitalization or when otherwise involuntarily committed for purposes other than observation.

State Adopts Rules on Concealed Guns-Akron Beacon Journal, April 27, 2004

Ohio Attorney General Web site to assist the public in understanding the new Concealed Carry Laws

OHA Bulletin 04-004 with answers to questions on concealed carry implementation.

Additional answers to questions including:

Banning guns in parking lots & garages; Prohibiting the public from carrying concealed weapons in your hospital, while permitting employees to carry them

View letter detailing hospitals reporting obligations regarding persons who have been committed to psychiatric units or psychiatric hospitals.

Template News Release developed by an OHA member hospital to communicate to the public your hospitals policies on weapons. Add hospital-specific information as needed.

View a message board including tips and strategies others have used to ban concealed carry in their facilities. Post your own comments on the message board.

Contacts
Bridget Gargan, Vice President, State Policy & Advocacy, bridgetg@ohanet.org

Related OHA Articles
Involuntary Admission Form Now Required 4.2.04
Hospitals Can Access Concealed Carry Info 2.6.04
Concealed Carry Bill Includes Opt Out Provision 1.13.04

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