Politics

Proposed NY Gun Law Could Hamper Mental Healthcare

Mandates therapists to contact law enforcement if a patient poses a threat to himself and others, and could lead to confiscation of guns

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Mental health experts say a new tougher New York state gun control law might interfere with treatment of potentially dangerous people and even discourage them from seeking help.

The law would require therapists, doctors, nurses and social workers to tell government authorities if they believe a patient is likely to harm himself or others. That could lead to revoking the patient's gun permit and seizing any guns.