Clinical Scorecard: Exploring the Impact of Firearm Purchaser Licensing Beyond Comprehensive Background Checks

At a Glance

Key Highlights

• Over 93,000 firearm homicide deaths in the US from 2020 to 2024.
• No clear association found between comprehensive background check (CBC) policies and firearm homicide rates at the county level.
• FPL laws involve rigorous screening processes, including in-person applications and fingerprint checks.
• Equity concerns exist regarding the implementation of FPL laws, particularly for low-income and minority communities.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

• Assess the need for firearm access regulations based on local homicide rates.

Management

• Consider implementing FPL laws.

Monitoring & Follow-up

• Evaluate the impact of FPL laws on firearm homicide rates.

Risks

• Potential barriers to access for low-income individuals and minority communities due to stringent licensing requirements.

Patient & Prescribing Data

FPL laws may reduce illegal firearm access.

Clinical Best Practices

• Standardize issuing practices to minimize discrimination in the licensing process.

Related Resources & Content

• Schleimer et al.
• Villareal et al.
• Crifasi et al.
• Kagawa et al.