Doctors asking patients about guns in home

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - The next time you're at the pediatrician's office you may get asked a surprising question about guns in your home.

Holyoke Medical Center's Chief of Pediatrics, Dr. Dorothy Kelly told 22News, “When they first come into the practice whether it's a newborn or a patient that's transferring in, we'll ask if there are guns in the home."

Dr. Kelly said the  conversation is part of ensuring the health of their patients and prevent accidents.

"There are a number of children every year that are injured and killed by guns in this country. Most of these incidents are done in the home or by family members and many are accidental,” she explained.

But parents react very differently to the question.

Arrien Schiltkemp told 22news, “I think any place is the right place to talk about guns and how to protect kids and everyone else for that matter."

Local parent, David McNelly, said, “I would think that's a bit of an invasion of privacy. I don't think it's the right place to have that conversation, I think its best left at home."

In 2011, Florida passed legislation making it illegal for a doctor to ask families about guns in the home.

But a year later, a U.S. District Judge issued a permanent injunction banning the state from enforcing the law.