Concealed carry mental health database receives reports

Posted on February 11, 2015

Illinois became the 50th state to approve concealed carry. (Photo by Stephanie Pawlowksi/WJBC)

By Metro News Service

SPRINGFIELD – The state's FOID mental health reporting system is receiving thousands of reports. 

Veronica Vera with the Illinois Department of Human Services says the concealed carry law requires clinicians and other health professionals to register with the state system and report patients who are a danger to themselves or others.

"Part of keeping the public safe is making sure someone who should not have a firearm due to mental instability – diagnosed and documented – does not have a firearm," Vera said.

So far, nearly 1,300 clinicians have registered in the program and reported more than 4,000 cases. Hospitals and mental health facilities reported another 138,000 to the FOID system.

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