Massachusetts § 5N - Professional development training module on suicide prevention through reduction of access to lethal means
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 5N — Professional development training module on suicide prevention through reduction of access to lethal means, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5N. Professional development training module on suicide prevention through reduction of access to lethal means
Section 5N. The board of registration in medicine established pursuant to section 5B shall, in collaboration with experts in violence and injury prevention, and in coordination with relevant training accreditation bodies, develop or provide for, and make available for voluntary participation by any physician, a professional development training module on suicide prevention through reduction of access to lethal means. The goal of the training module shall be to encourage physicians to speak with their patients and patients' families about the risk posed by access to lethal means in the home, and to increase a physician's ability and comfort in having such discussions with patients and families in a legally, ethically and medically appropriate manner. The training module shall include information on:
(i) rates of attempted and completed suicides, including demographics, trends in mental health histories of suicide victims and trends in rates of reattempts by survivors;
(ii) the impact of lethal means reduction in reducing rates of completed suicides, and on best practices, separate and distinct from behavioral health treatment, that may impact suicide rates through the reduction of environmental safety risks;
(iii) the role of firearms, including firearms ownership and access to household firearms, in impacting rates of attempted and completed suicides;
(iv) strategies for discussions with patients, the patient's family or legal guardians concerning safety assessments and securing or removing firearms and other lethal means of suicide from the home during high risk periods; and
(v) other appropriate and relevant information, as determined by the board, for the purpose of the training.
The training module developed shall be accepted by the board as up to 2 continuing professional development credits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 5N
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 5N cover?
Section 5N ("Professional development training module on suicide prevention through reduction of access to lethal means") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Massachusetts § 5N?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 5N" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 5N apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.