Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
House Moves To Scrap Rule Banning Guns From Mentally Disabled Americans
USA Today: House Votes To Strike Rule Banning Guns For Some Deemed Mentally Impaired
The House of Representatives approved its first effort of the new Congress to roll back gun regulations, voting to overturn a rule that would bar gun ownership by some who have been deemed mentally impaired by the Social Security Administration. The House voted 235-180 largely along party lines Thursday to repeal an Obama-era rule requiring the Social Security Administration to send records of some beneficiaries to the federal firearms background check system after they’ve been deemed mentally incapable of managing their financial affairs. (Gaudiano, 2/2)
The Associated Press: Rule On Guns And Mentally Ill People Faces A GOP Rollback
Gun-control advocates say the rule was meant to affect only those found to have a mental illness that makes them a danger to themselves or others, but was written too broadly. The rule didn’t make certain people ineligible to buy a firearm, but was designed to ensure the background check system was comprehensive, accurate and flagged those already deemed ineligible. “We would oppose any efforts to undermine that,” said Kristin Brown, chief strategy officer for the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. (Pane, 2/3)
In other news —
Kansas City Star: KU Health System Tries To Keep Guns Out Of Its Buildings
Leading members of the University of Kansas Health System asked Kansas lawmakers Thursday to let them continue banning concealed handguns from the Kansas City, Kan., hospital and other buildings where they treat patients. Those guns will be allowed in the health system’s buildings starting in July unless the law is changed. (Woodall, 2/2)
KCUR: New Survey Shows Big Majority Wants To Keep Guns Out Of Kansas Hospitals
The University of Kansas Hospital today will go it alone in trying to get the Legislature to roll back a law that would allow almost anyone to carry a concealed gun in almost any public building. The hospital is backing a bill (HB 2150) that carves out the facility in Kansas City, Kansas, even if lawmakers decide to let the concealed carry bill take effect on July 1. The measure does not carve out the adjoining KU Medical Center campus. (Zeff, 2/2)
