[wiretwister]

I posted this a long time ago but left so much out the answers I got were not helpful, PLEASE let me try again.
I take boyscouts, shotgun shooting every year. I have done this for six years and have helpers, I am certificated by the NRA. I am the "legal" agent responsible for the entire outing. The BSA authorizes this and provides insurance. My adult application for the BSA has an "anything else question" on the form, I did not fill out the form so nothing is noted about my dx. The adults of the troop DO NOT know of my dx neither does the NRA because I have now talked to either since being dxed. This fall will be the first outing since being dxed.
The question is do they need to know ? Would the insurance pay off if there was an injury or would my dx somehow be seen as an out. Does a dx of bipolar "mental illness" limit your rights somehow.
This is really worrying me and I may cancel which would be a shame for the kids. I am seeking a moral as well as legal answer thanks Randy

[Skittles56]

I think you're right about the insurance companies. It's a sad fact, but they are always looking for anything that keeps them from paying out. They would probably say that the Boy Scouts should have known about your condition.

My advice would be to let the Boy Scouts know that you are diagnosed, but you are on medication and have not had an episode since then (if that is true). Then let them take it from there.

Hope this helps.

[Victoria'smom]

you've had this disorder way before you were diagnosed. So unless you specifically asked I would not say anything.

[wiretwister]

But the problem is I am dxed now, I do know. I am afraid it would open the sponsoring church to legal action also. I think my decision is do I out myself or just not do the shoot. A little scared to out myself,, no such thing as a secret in church they live on gossip

[Yoda]

I say keep it private unless it interferes with your ability to do your job.

[~Christina]

There is no point assuming you are going to be asked .. Continue doing what you have always done.

[wildflowerchild25]

I've lied about it to people I don't feel need to know (the dentist, for instance). Would not say anything unless specifically asked, and I also second Christina - I've assumed my job will ask me specifics about my hospitalizations but they never have. So don't spend too much time worrying about it. As long as you feel stable and able to take on the project, that's what matters.

[polesapart]

I think the legal side of it could be a problem. Although I agree with the philosophy that people don't need to know unless asked, in this case you don't know what the terms of the insurance are. The worst case scenario is that a kid gets injured and insurance refuses to pay because the policy doesn't cover you if you have a known mental illness. Personally, that's not a risk I would be willing to take.

You could ask to see a copy of the policy to check what "outs" the insurance company has. I'm not sure if BSA has a legal person that you could call and ask, rather than having to ask the people you work with. As to whether you out yourself, or don't go that's completely your decision.

Good luck, and I hope it works out for you.

[Yoda]

If an injury was the direct or indirect result of the OP's mental illness I would agree that compensation was appropriate. Otherwise I would ask that the judge dismiss the case. (Me playing defense attorney)

The question as I see it - are you any less capable to instruct people in the use of firearms focused on safety, education and responsibility than you were prior to being diagnosed? I don't know but I would suspect that after being placed on appropriate medication you are now more competent.

[wiretwister]

thanks everyone,, I think I will call bsa headquarters, not identify myself and ask hypotheicly about mental illness. If I get negative reactions no shoot. No reaction then tell no one and shoot. My issue is to climb high enough up the ladder to get a worthy answer. Will not say this concerns a shoot just would mental illness prevent any volunteer from working with the boys. thanks again.

[wiretwister]

finally having a plan has released the stress man do I feel good..now if I could just sleep

[Yoda]

Originally Posted by wiretwister

thanks everyone,, I think I will call bsa headquarters, not identify myself and ask hypotheicly about mental illness. If I get negative reactions no shoot. No reaction then tell no one and shoot. My issue is to climb high enough up the ladder to get a worthy answer. Will not say this concerns a shoot just would mental illness prevent any volunteer from working with the boys. thanks again.

It is your dime but I would ask my pdoc's opinion rather than BSA. Do not expect a random non-medically educated person who answers the phone for BSA to understand the difference between psychosis and bipolar and ptsd. You will get an answer but I don't know how informed and worthy that answer will be.

Good luck.

[wiretwister]

I ask my t and my pdoc both about this with neither offering an answer to me.