GL2020
NES Member
I’ve seen questions here like this before, but the one that gave the specific answer had a broken-link to a thread that goes nowhere. Let me begin by saying I was a lifelong MA resident until 2 years ago. From the time I was 15 (1978) I had an FID. It was the old paper FID with nothing but a name, address, and signature and “Valid until suspended or revoked” at the bottom. That was obviously negated when laws changed. The PD in my hometown can find no record of it of course.
Now my girlfriend and I are considering moving back to MA from RI. I do have guns now (purchased in RI). I know I’ll need to apply for an LTC/FID within 60 days if we do move (and that I don't have to disclose).
So onto the meat of the question(s):
Plain and simple, “What constitutes commitment to a psych facility” in MA as it relates to the LTC/FID application? I believe the circumstances I speak of are a kinda-sorta-gray area.
In 2004 I was suffering from undiagnosed Addison’s disease. It caused wide mood swings and serious/dangerous depression. Gratefully, it’s easily treatable and I’ve been fine ever since. However, I did end up in an ER and “pink-slipped” as a “danger to myself”. Back then it was easy to just say the right words and be sent to a psych ward…. not so much recently. The ER confirmed they do not notify DMH of such events.
I knew from memory (and confirmed with records) my legal status at the facility was “voluntary” once I was evaluated. The only part that was involuntary was the evaluation and first 72 hours if I did not cooperate (but I did). My understanding is that being “pink slipped” is just a lawful way to compel an evaluation and possible admission. It bears mentioning, I was NOT in a DMH (i.e. state run) hospital. I’ve read other state courts have ruled that a 72-hour observation hold does not constitute “committed” even though in some states it’s involuntary “observation”.
Will this show up on a background check for CLT check in MA (I won’t live in the town I did in 2004 )? I’ve read that info from private facilities is not available to background checks, only DHM facilities. So I don’t know what to believe.
When I applied in RI to buy my first rifle, I was told by the dealer “Unless you were ordered by a judge to detox or psych hospital, you’re fine”. I had no issues with NICS check.
I did also have a voluntary admission to a DHM facility (Bridgewater) for substance abuse (alcohol) back in 1991. Back then I was basically homeless….there was no MassHealth, and it was my only option. I’ve been sober since then (29+ years happily living as a 3%-er life in the burbs)…I’m hoping that will not trip me up (they finger printed me).
Hoping to get feedback from people knowledgeable in this area. I’ve heard multiple answers, but mostly speculation
Now my girlfriend and I are considering moving back to MA from RI. I do have guns now (purchased in RI). I know I’ll need to apply for an LTC/FID within 60 days if we do move (and that I don't have to disclose).
So onto the meat of the question(s):
Plain and simple, “What constitutes commitment to a psych facility” in MA as it relates to the LTC/FID application? I believe the circumstances I speak of are a kinda-sorta-gray area.
In 2004 I was suffering from undiagnosed Addison’s disease. It caused wide mood swings and serious/dangerous depression. Gratefully, it’s easily treatable and I’ve been fine ever since. However, I did end up in an ER and “pink-slipped” as a “danger to myself”. Back then it was easy to just say the right words and be sent to a psych ward…. not so much recently. The ER confirmed they do not notify DMH of such events.
I knew from memory (and confirmed with records) my legal status at the facility was “voluntary” once I was evaluated. The only part that was involuntary was the evaluation and first 72 hours if I did not cooperate (but I did). My understanding is that being “pink slipped” is just a lawful way to compel an evaluation and possible admission. It bears mentioning, I was NOT in a DMH (i.e. state run) hospital. I’ve read other state courts have ruled that a 72-hour observation hold does not constitute “committed” even though in some states it’s involuntary “observation”.
Will this show up on a background check for CLT check in MA (I won’t live in the town I did in 2004 )? I’ve read that info from private facilities is not available to background checks, only DHM facilities. So I don’t know what to believe.
When I applied in RI to buy my first rifle, I was told by the dealer “Unless you were ordered by a judge to detox or psych hospital, you’re fine”. I had no issues with NICS check.
I did also have a voluntary admission to a DHM facility (Bridgewater) for substance abuse (alcohol) back in 1991. Back then I was basically homeless….there was no MassHealth, and it was my only option. I’ve been sober since then (29+ years happily living as a 3%-er life in the burbs)…I’m hoping that will not trip me up (they finger printed me).
Hoping to get feedback from people knowledgeable in this area. I’ve heard multiple answers, but mostly speculation
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