Mandatory gunshot reporting bill hits Nova Scotia legislature

Today, following yesterday's speech from the throne, the Conservative government of Nova Scotia introduced a bill in the legislature to make it mandatory that medical professionals call the cops when a person seeks treatment for a gunshot or stabbing wound. I hope to see some sensible debate about this. Already, a leading physician from the IWK Health Centre (our childrens' hospital) is saying he's concerned that it will discourage hurt young people from seeking treatment (see: Doctor pans mandatory reporting plan).

Personally, I am concerned that this may have the tendency to impair the critical relationship of trust between patients and physicians. As professionals are forced to be agents of the state -- and law enforcement in particular -- patients can trust them less with their confidences.