Can I Concealed Carry In a Hospital? (2024)

Can I Concealed Carry In a Hospital? (1)

Concealed Carry In A Hospital Is Possible

Concealed carry in a hospital is similar to any other concern about location and legality of CCWs. Outside the Second Amendment’s straightforward, albeit debated, language, there are multiple state and local laws that dictate when and where one may or may not carry a concealed firearm.

There is not a blanket statement across the board applicable in every state that affords the right to carry a firearm in one location like a hospital.

Concealed carry legalities differentiate between each individual state in the U.S. and this article isn’t formal legal advice. Before deciding to carry a firearm in a hospital, research local and state laws in a given location.

Prior to carrying a concealed weapon in a hospital, consider whether the state has deemed that location as a gun free zone. Some states have no law barring firearms from hospitals, many differentiate between hospitals and mental health facilities and other states afford businesses and buildings the right to post signage deeming a location a “Gun Free Zone” -- as with Texas’ 30.06 signage.

Difference Between Federal And State Gun-Free Zones

Can I Concealed Carry In a Hospital? (2)

Hospitals are not considered a federal Gun Free Zone. Federal limitations are applicable to areas like school zones -- 1,000 feet in any direction around a public, parochial or private school, with certain caveats within that space. These limitations on firearms are outlined in the Gun Control Act of 1968 and Gun Free School Zones Act of 1995.

There are other limitations on civilians carrying firearms in federal facilities, and doing so may result in a fine and imprisonment for no more than one year.

However, hospitals, like establishments that serve alcohol, are subject to state and local laws prohibiting firearms on the premises.

Those establishments that serve alcohol are just one of many examples of state gun-free zones. For example, Orlando’s nightclub Pulse -- the location of one of the bloodiest terrorist acts on U.S. soil -- was designated a state gun-free zone due to the fact that it served alcohol, according to Florida statute.

Hospitals, likewise, are subject to similar statutes.

State Laws That Prohibit Carry In A Hospital?

Can I Concealed Carry In a Hospital? (3)

Simply put, yes, there are locations that either prohibit concealed carry in a hospital, or otherwise allow owners to post signage that restricts firearms owners from carrying a pistol or long gun on the premises.

The consequences of disregarding the signage could vary from being asked to leave the facilities to the facilities contacting law enforcement officers.

Alaska allows the owners or management of hospitals to restrict or deny concealed carry within the premises of the building. Noncompliance with their restrictions or denial to abide by them could result in a violation of trespass statutes, according to Alaska state law on firearms.

South Carolina firearms laws specify that concealed carry permit holders may not carry a CCW in a “hospital, medical clinic, doctor’s office, or any other facility where medical services or procedures are performed unless expressly authorized by the employer.”

Similarly, Nebraska permit holders may not carry a concealed handgun in a hospital, emergency room or trauma center.

The Michigan Penal Code prohibits possession of a firearm on hospital premises as well.

Washington state makes a point of distinction in its weapons laws, requiring that weapons may not be carried in public mental health facilities certified by its department of social and health services for inpatient hospital care and at institutions for the mentally ill.

Utah makes the same prohibition on firearms in their mental health facilities as does Florida with theirs, which only makes sense, partially because when making firearms purchases, federal background checks through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System incorporate measures to ward against those with a mental defective adjudication or an involuntary commitment to a mental institution.

Barring weapons from mental health facilities, therefore, seems to be an extension of that methodology and a precaution against otherwise unsound frames of mind.

These states are just like many others in the U.S. that have specific legislation and statutes aimed at carrying firearms in a hospital. Research your own state’s laws before voluntarily visiting a hospital or mental health facility while carrying a concealed weapon.

External Factors May Bar Handing Over Guns In hospitals

Can I Concealed Carry In a Hospital? (4)

There are, of course, always extenuating circ*mstances that may bar someone from handing over guns in hospitals.

This boils down to the concealed carrier being unintentionally incapacitated and transported to the hospital with the weapon equipped and concealed.

Emergency response teams are trained to respond to firearms found on patients, no matter if they’re law enforcement, criminals or law-abiding citizens.

In Ohio, for example, Emergency Medical Services personnel are trained to safely react to and potentially store handguns regardless of whether or not the patient has a permit, according to the Ohio Board of Emergency Medical, Fire, and Transportation Services.

In Nebraska, if the concealed carrier is driving with an equipped CCW and they get into an accident, resulting in an obligatory ambulance ride to the hospital, the handgun must be turned over to a peace officer as soon as it feasible to do so. The officer in question will provide a receipt for the firearm.

If the concealed carrier is found unconscious, emergency response teams are generally trained to involve law enforcement personnel or safely disarm the patient, but it depends on the community and organization.

If there are no prohibitions or regulations in a state’s laws that bar concealed carry in a hospital, appropriately exercise those Second Amendment rights. Just follow the law when concealed carrying.

Can I Concealed Carry In a Hospital? (5)

About The Author

Jake Smith (@notjakesmith) is a copywriter and photographer based in the Pacific Northwest. He graduated from the University of Idaho with degrees in public relations and apparel.

Can I Concealed Carry In a Hospital? (2024)

FAQs

Where can you not conceal carry in Virginia? ›

Virginia prohibits the carrying of certain kinds of loaded firearms on or about the person, openly or concealed, on any public street, road, alley, sidewalk, public right-of-way, or in any public park or any other place of whatever nature that is open to the public in certain cities.

Where are guns not allowed in Oklahoma? ›

Any courthouse, courtroom, prison, jail, detention facility, or any facility used to process, hold, or house arrested persons, prisoners, or people alleged delinquent or adjudicated delinquent (except as provided in 57 O.S. § 21);

Is it illegal to conceal carry in a hospital in Florida? ›

Can I Conceal Carry in a Hospital in Florida? Yes, except carry is not allowed in any hospital providing mental health services.

Can you carry a concealed weapon in a hospital in Texas? ›

No, but it is recommended that hospitals and healthcare facilities post signage anyway to be absolutely certain that everyone entering the premises receives actual or constructive notice of the prohibition against weapons on the premises to the fullest extent of the law.

Can you conceal carry in a mall in Virginia? ›

Open carry is legal in Virginia in most places with or without a concealed handgun permit for anyone who is at least 18 years old and legally entitled to carry a firearm. However, since shopping malls are private property, they may post to prohibit firearms.

Can you conceal carry in a movie theater in VA? ›

Can I Conceal Carry In A Movie Theater In Virginia? Movie theater chain Regal Cinemas prohibits people from bringing firearms into its theaters, a policy that's in effect nationwide. All Virginians who hold a concealed weapon permit can legally carry their firearms, however certain exceptions are required.

Can you carry a gun in a bank in Oklahoma? ›

Carry of firearms is prohibited by Oklahoma law in any structure, building or office space owned or leased by a city, town, county, state or federal governmental authority for the purpose of conducting business with the public.

Can I conceal carry in a church in Oklahoma? ›

C. A property owner, tenant, employer, place of worship or business entity may prohibit any person from carrying a concealed or unconcealed firearm on the property.

Can you carry a gun into a casino in Oklahoma? ›

Overall, Oklahomans still can't carry guns in schools, casinos and government buildings unless they allow it or on private property where the owner says no. Below is a list of places people still won't be allowed to carry a gun.

Can I conceal carry in Walmart in Florida? ›

No limits on concealed guns

Walmart is not changing its policy on customers carrying concealed guns with permits. "It's not a ban on our part," a Walmart spokesperson told CBS MoneyWatch. Certain state laws "prohibit us from doing a complete ban," even though Walmart stores are private property, the spokesperson added.

Can you drink alcohol while carrying a concealed weapon in Florida? ›

Can You Drink Alcohol While Carrying a Concealed Weapon in Florida? No, you cannot drink alcohol while carrying a concealed weapon in Florida. Florida law 790.151 prohibits carrying a firearm while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage.

Can you conceal carry in a movie theater in Florida? ›

In Florida, where state records show there are about 1 million residents licensed to have a concealed weapon, there's no ban on taking guns into movie theaters.

Where can I not conceal carry in Texas? ›

Places in Texas Where It's Illegal to Carry a Gun

wherever sporting events are being held (whether professional, school, or interscholastic) at businesses that get more than half of their income from on-premises sale of alcohol. at hospitals and nursing homes. at polling places during elections or early voting.

Can I carry my gun in the mall in Texas? ›

A new law (HB 1927) took effect on September 1st, 2021. Now, people who qualify under the law can carry a handgun in a public place in Texas without a license to carry (LTC).

What is the 51 law in Texas? ›

Red Handgun Warning Sign

Alcoholic beverage retailers that derive 51% or more of its income from the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption must post the red sign. The red sign has 51% in large red letters superimposed over a warning that says possession of a handgun on the premises is unlawful.

Can I carry a gun hiking in Virginia? ›

In accordance with 16 USC 1a-7b, in any national park, a person may possess a firearm if such possession is in compliance with the laws of the State in which the national park area is located. Therefore, in any national park in the State of Virginia, Virginia's laws would apply.

Can you conceal carry in a bar in Virginia? ›

A person who carries a concealed handgun onto the premises of such a restaurant or club and consumes alcoholic beverages is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Is Virginia a stand your ground state? ›

Virginia and “Stand Your Ground”

Virginia does not have a “stand your ground” statute. Instead, case law has carved out a “no retreat” rule under certain circ*mstances. If you did not provoke the aggressive behavior, you do not have to retreat before protecting yourself.

Can you carry a gun in a state park? ›

Generally, firearms are prohibited in State Parks unless you are there to hunt. 14 CCR § 4313(c) seems to imply the prohibition on (a) would not apply if locked in your vehicle or kept at your campsite. Licensees may carry concealed.

Can you open carry without a holster in Virginia? ›

Virginia does not require a permit to "open carry." Anyone 18 or older who can legally own a gun can carry it loaded in public as long as the gun is holstered and visible. Guns are OK in a vehicle as well, as long as they are placed in plain view on the dashboard or seat.

What states can you carry a gun without a permit 2022? ›

This means that anyone that can legally carry a weapon may do so without a permit. The Constitutional Carry states are: Alaska (residents only), Arizona, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, Vermont (does not issue permits), West Virginia (residents only), and Wyoming.

Can you carry a loaded gun in your car in Oklahoma? ›

Effective November 1, 2021, Oklahoma law generally authorizes a person who is not otherwise legally prohibited from possessing or purchasing firearms to transport both loaded and unloaded firearms “in or on a vehicle,” provided they are not carrying or transporting the firearm in furtherance of a crime.

Can I shoot on my property in Oklahoma? ›

In Oklahoma, allowing force in self-defense is taken a step further than in many other states: Oklahoma law allows a person the right to use deadly force against an intruder in his or her home, place of work, and even a personal vehicle.

Does Oklahoma have stand your ground law? ›

The castle doctrine or stand your ground laws are in force in Oklahoma and allow a person to defend themselves against threats to personal safety.

Can you have one in the chamber in Oklahoma? ›

You may transport a rifle or shotgun open or concealed in a motor vehicle so long as you're not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing a firearm. It cannot be chamber loaded.

Can you open carry an AR 15 in Oklahoma? ›

Is open carry permitted in Oklahoma? Yes, with a license for anyone at least 18 years old. Open carry is defined as a loaded or unloaded pistol or handgun carried upon the person in a holster where the firearm is visible, or carried upon the person using a scabbard, sling or case designed for carrying firearms.

What states honor Oklahoma concealed carry? ›

According to the OSBI, the following states honor Oklahoma's handgun licenses: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North ...

Can I carry a knife in Oklahoma? ›

Oklahoma Knife Laws Length

Oklahoma law imposes no restrictions or prohibitions on knife length or knife-blade length. All knives of any length may be legally owned, and those types of knives that are legal to carry, both open and concealed, have no length restrictions.

Can you conceal carry in Oklahoma State Parks? ›

In summary, Oklahoma licensed holders are permitted to concealed or open carry in Oklahoma National Parks but not inside buildings within the park, and in all state and municipal parks.

Can Oklahoma teachers carry guns? ›

Under existing law, school boards decide which educators can carry. An educator must complete certified law enforcement or armed security guard training. Schools boards set the policy about whether a firearm can be worn and how it needs to be secured.

How many rounds can you carry in Florida? ›

Florida does not have a restriction on magazine size.

Can you carry a concealed weapon in a church in Florida? ›

House Bill 259 amended Florida Statute § 790.06 by adding subsection (13). This new subsection now allows a CWFL holder to carry a concealed weapon or firearm onto the property of a religious institution for the expressed purposes of safety, security, personal protection, or any other lawful purpose.

Can you conceal carry at work in Florida? ›

If you have a Florida concealed carry license, taking your handgun to work is simple. If the business has not given you notice or is not a prohibited place, you should be clear of any potential criminal charges.

Can I conceal carry at Disney World? ›

Guests are prohibited from bringing firearms, ammunition or any weapons to its properties, per Disney policy.

Can you carry in a restaurant in Florida? ›

Under Florida Law, a person is not allowed to carry firearms inside an establishment whose main purpose is to sell alcohol. For example, if you go into a restaurant with a bar you cannot carry a firearm in the bar area, only the dining area.

Is it legal to carry a gun while drinking? ›

It is almost always a crime to possess a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance. Many states also prohibit people from carrying a firearm into establishments that serve liquor (such as bars and nightclubs), even with a concealed carry permit, and even if you are not drinking.

Should I carry with one in the chamber? ›

The answer is "yes." Milliseconds count. When the term “loaded” means a round in the chamber and you need to carry, either open carry or concealed, with an unloaded gun, training to be faster with your draw will be very important. Carrying this way isn't for everybody though.

What is the penalty for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit in Florida? ›

In Florida, it is a felony offense for a person knowingly to carry a concealed firearm without having a valid concealed carry license. The offense includes penalties of up to 5 years in prison or 5 years of probation.

Can you have a gun in your car on school property in Florida? ›

Florida Statute 790.25(5) does allow you to have a firearm in your vehicle while driving on school board property, if you don't park and get out — contrary to what the signs on campus say.

Can you conceal carry in a bar in Virginia? ›

A person who carries a concealed handgun onto the premises of such a restaurant or club and consumes alcoholic beverages is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Can you carry a gun in church in Virginia? ›

Virginia law allows carrying a weapon in a place of worship “with good and sufficient reason." A church, just like any other private property owner, can choose to prohibit carrying a firearm on its property.

Is va a stand your ground state? ›

Virginia does not have a “stand your ground” statute. Instead, case law has carved out a “no retreat” rule under certain circ*mstances. If you did not provoke the aggressive behavior, you do not have to retreat before protecting yourself. However, if you were at fault, you must retreat and cannot “stand your ground.”

Can you open carry without a holster in Virginia? ›

Virginia does not require a permit to "open carry." Anyone 18 or older who can legally own a gun can carry it loaded in public as long as the gun is holstered and visible. Guns are OK in a vehicle as well, as long as they are placed in plain view on the dashboard or seat.

How many rounds can you carry in VA? ›

There are no magazine capacity limitations, except that a concealed handgun permit (CHP) is required in order to carry magazines with more than 20 rounds in some urban, public areas.

Can you drink as a passenger in VA? ›

Unlike many other states, Virginia does not have a law that expressly prohibits passengers in a vehicle from having an open container of alcohol. However, if an open container is found in your vehicle and you are driving, you may face severe consequences under Virginia's open container law.

Can I walk around with a beer in Virginia? ›

A bill allowing drinkers to leave a restaurant carrying an alcoholic beverage and walk around with that beverage and into another establishment (that's not a restaurant) is now legal in Virginia during licensed events and in designated areas.

Can you carry a knife in Virginia? ›

In the Commonwealth of Virginia: It is legal to own any type of knife. It is also legal to open carry any type of knife. The state restrictions deal with what you can and cannot conceal carry when moving about Virginia.

Can you have a 30 round magazine in Virginia? ›

Virginia has no law restricting large capacity ammunition magazines.

Can you carry a gun in a state park? ›

Generally, firearms are prohibited in State Parks unless you are there to hunt. 14 CCR § 4313(c) seems to imply the prohibition on (a) would not apply if locked in your vehicle or kept at your campsite. Licensees may carry concealed.

Can I have a loaded gun in my car in VA? ›

According to Virginia law, vehicle carry of a loaded handgun is allowed in a secured compartment, or plainly visible without a permit.

Are brass knuckles illegal in VA? ›

It is illegal to carry brass knuckles in Virginia without a concealed weapon permit. Failure to adhere to this law will result in a misdemeanor punishable by up to $2,500 in fines and up to one year in prison. Second-time offenders will face a felony charge.

What size knife is legal to carry in Virginia? ›

Virginia state knife law imposes few restrictions on non-automatic pocketknives which have a folding metal blade less than three inches in length. Conceal carry restrictions apply to “dirks,” “switchblade knives,” and “bowie knives.”

What counts as open carry in Virginia? ›

Virginia does not require a permit for what's known as “open carry,” which means the gun is in its holster and visible and is in the possession of someone at least 18 years of age. The same law applies to a gun carried in a vehicle as long as it is in plain view on the seat.

What states can you carry a gun without a permit 2022? ›

This means that anyone that can legally carry a weapon may do so without a permit. The Constitutional Carry states are: Alaska (residents only), Arizona, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, Vermont (does not issue permits), West Virginia (residents only), and Wyoming.

Can you walk around with a gun in your hand? ›

Five states and the District of Columbia, generally prohibit people from openly carrying handguns in public places. More than 30 states allow the open carrying of a handgun without any license or permit, although in some cases the gun must be unloaded.

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