imported post
Washintonian_For_Liberty wrote:
M1Gunr wrote:
I can tell you that Group Health has a policy of no weapons and in fact state that they can terminate coverage.
Of whom? Explain this statement a little better please.
I have a type written copy given to me by their security team after a visit to their version of the ER one night.
Firearms and Dangerous Weapons in GHC Facilities
Policy Number: F-07-008
Adopted: 9/22/81
Revised: 12/18/00
POLICY
This policy prohibits the presence of firearms and dangerous weapons within GHC facilities and establishes that all facilities owned or managed by Group Health Cooperative shall be GUN FREE ZONES. Under this policy any employee in possession of a firearm within a GHC facility may face disciplinary action including termination. A consumer in violation of this policy may be removed from the premises or terminated from enrollment. Visitors to GHC facilities, in violation of this policy, will be reported to police authorities.
Firearms and Dangerous Weapons in GHC Facilities
Procedures for: F-07-008
Adopted: 9/22/81
Revised: 12/18/00
PROCEDURES
Implementing Policy F-07-008
Note: These procedures provide additional information related to Policy F-07-008, but are separate and distinct from that policy. The authorized Vice President retains discretion in implementing these procedures and can change them at any time, with or without notice.
Explanation:
This GUN AND WEAPONS FREE ZONE policy is designed to insure the delivery of quality services to GHC consumers in a safe environment and to enhance workplace safety for GHC employees.
Applicability:
This policy applies to all GHC consumers, employees, contracted service providers and visitors to GHC facilities.
Exemptions: This policy does not apply to any person engaged in military activities sponsored by the Federal or State government, while engaged in official duty, law enforcement personnel, and Security personnel engaged in official duties.
Possession of a valid concealed weapons permit authorized by the State of Washington is not an exemption under this policy.
Scope:
This policy implements the Anti-Violence Resolution recommended by the Board of Trustees at the 1994 Annual Meeting and subsequently adopted by the membership. That resolution requires that GHC shall develop a community-wide plan to prevent intentional injuries and acts of violence. This policy further supports the intent and requirements of the Revised Code of Washington chapter 49.19 regarding the prevention of incidents of Workplace Violence.
Responsibilities:
All GHC consumers, employees, contracted service providers and visitors to GHC facilities shall comply with the guns and weapons free zone policy by not carrying a weapon or by requesting the removal of any weapon they encounter.
Definitions:
"Firearm" means a weapon of device from which a projectile may be fired by an explosive such as gunpowder or any simulated firearm operated by gas, compressed air, or tension.
"Dangerous weapon" means any instrument or weapon that can be used as a club and poses a reasonable risk of injury; also, any instrument of the kind usually known as a sling shot; sand club; or metal knuckles. A "dangerous weapon" can be a spring blade knife - or any knife, the blade of which opens, falls, or is ejected into position by the force of gravity or by an outward, downward or centrifugal thrust or movement - or any straight or fixed blade knife other than that specifically required for the performance of job responsibilities. A "dangerous weapon" also includes mace, pepper spray and stun guns.
Selected Policies and Documents:
GHC Policy A-03-001(5)
GHC Policy F-02-015
Revised Code of Washington Chapter 49.19
Guidelines:
"GUN AND WEAPONS FREE ZONE" signs shall be conspicuously posted within all GHC facilities and in parking areas and grounds surrounding GHC facilities, stating that "Firearms and other dangerous weapons are a health hazard and may not be carried inside any Group Health facility.
Consumers: Any Group Health Cooperative consumer who is found to have a firearm or dangerous weapon on their person or in their control shall remove the weapon upon request of Group Health Cooperative personnel.
Non-Emergency Consumers: Any consumer found in possession of any firearm or other dangerous weapon as defined above will be informed of the policy and required to remove the weapon prior to obtaining any services. Group Health Cooperative Security, or staff, will notify local law enforcement authorities if the consumer fails to comply with the request to remove a firearm or dangerous weapon. Consumers refusing to remove weapons after notice may be subject to termination from coverage as provided under GHC Policy A-03-001(5).
Emergency Consumers: Group Health Cooperative Security Officers shall be notified when any consumer seeking emergency treatment is found in possession of a firearm or dangerous weapon. Security is responsible for notifying local law enforcement authorities to obtain necessary assistance.
Visitors: Staff or security personnel shall request any visitor found in possession of a firearm or dangerous weapon to remove it from the facility and local law enforcement personnel will be promptly notified.
Contracted Service Providers: Staff or security personnel shall request any visitor found in possession of a firearm or dangerous weapon to remove it from the facility and local law enforcement personnel will be promptly notified. Management representatives from the contracted service provider's company will also be promptly notified.
Employees: Employees found in possession or control of a firearm or other dangerous weapon on any property under the control of Group Health Cooperative will remove the weapon upon request. Employees in violation of this policy are subject to disciplinary actions set forth in Group Health Cooperative policy F-02-015. Any employee concerned about personal safety may request an escort (e.g. to a parking lot off premises) or other appropriate intervention by security personnel at sites where available.
GHC will make educational materials available to consumers regarding this policy and the magnitude of the firearm injury problem in the United States including its effect on health care costs.
GHC will make training available to staff on crisis intervention and management techniques to facilitate implementation of this policy.
Authorized Vice President: Scott Armstrong
Designated Content Expert: Dave Pennington
