Firearm and Shotgun Licensing Protocol

Person responsible for review of this protocol: Practice Manager 
Date of last review:  October 2020 
Date of next review:  October 2022

Purpose 

The purpose of the protocol is to set out the types of information that should be obtained, recorded and given to patients when Woodlands Medical Centre are asked for information or to complete an application for the firearm and shotgun process.

This protocol is relevant to all employers and healthcare professionals who work at Woodlands Medical Centre. 

This protocol will be reviewed every 2 years or sooner if guidelines become available to ensure that it remains effective and relevant. 

Importance of the Firearm and shotgun licensing protocol 

From 1 April 2016 new information sharing processes between GPs and police were introduced by the Home Office in an attempt to reduce the risk that a medically unfit person may be able to possess a firearm or shotgun. 

Cost for applications:

• £60 for a renewal
• £90 for a new application

Payment must be made via bacs; any application won’t be started until payment has been received. 

Reference: Please use full name followed by ‘FASA’
Sort code: 20-01-09
Account Number: 20840092
Account Name: Woodlands Medical Centre 

Other payment options available on request.

The patient must provide two types of identification when the application is brought to the practice. These may be:

• Birth Certificate
• Passport
• Driving Licence
• Medical Card
• Staff ID badge (for members of staff only)

The patient must provide a stamped addressed envelope for the practice to send the application back to patient once the application has been completed.

Please be aware applications can take up to 20 working days to complete.

Obligations for all healthcare professionals 

All healthcare professionals must: 

1. Ensure relevant medical conditions and information is recorded; 
2. relevant medical conditions:

• Acute Stress Reaction or an acute reaction to the stress caused by a trauma
• Suicidal thoughts or self-harm
• Depression or anxiety
• Dementia
• Mania, bipolar disorder or a psychotic illness
• A personality disorder
• A neurological condition: for example, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s or Huntington’s diseases, or
• epilepsy
• Alcohol or drug related abuse
• Or any other condition, mental or physical, which might affect the safe possession of firearms
• If any of the relevant medical conditions become apparent after the application has been completed than the usual GP must inform the firearms licensing unit of the local police force

An extensive range of guidance can be accessed by clicking here  or by visiting NHS England.