Despite intense publicity for the AAP's Stop program and similar initiatives, most doctors shy away from scrutinizing their patients' gun ownership. In a recent study 91 percent of surveyed doctors felt that firearm violence is a public health issue. But only 3 percent said they frequently talk to patients about firearms in the home. This may indicate that although they are generally concerned about firearm injuries, doctors do not see politically motivated patient counseling as appropriate professional conduct. The kit's authors seem to anticipate their audiences may recognize its political nature.
Patients do have remedies for the boundary-crossing doctor.
In today's competitive health care market most patients can choose from many doctors. Changing doctors is the simplest solution. A written complaint to the health plan's membership services department can send a powerful message that boundary violations by doctors will not be tolerated. If the problem persists, patients can file a complaint with the doctor's state licensing board. Medical licensing boards are increasingly aware of the problem of boundary violations.