Mandatory Firearms Authority Health Assessments for WA

New legislation introduced in Western Australia, effective 31 March 2025, includes the introduction of a mandatory Firearm Authority Health Assessment (FAHA).

A FAHA must be undertaken by an AHPRA registered medical practitioner for all new Firearm Licence applicants, and existing licence holders, repeated at least every five years (annually for those aged 80 years of age and older).

Given the large number of gun licences in the WA, FAHAs for existing firearm authority holders will be staggered over the next five years.

It is important to note:

• A FAHA is only one component of an overall assessment; a medical practitioner is not the decision-maker in relation to the firearm authority being granted.
• A medical practitioner is not obligated to carry out a FAFA. However, WA Police prefer the assessment be carried out by a medical practitioner who knows the applicant/licence holder.
• The assessments are not covered by Medicare, so medical practitioners/practices will need to determine an appropriate private fee for conducting a FAHA.
• There are protections in place for voluntarily reporting of concerns about the safety or unsuitability of an individual to access firearms.

Further information can be found at:

• FAHA Guidance Notes for Health Practitioners
• FAHA Medical Practitioner Leaflet
• Firearm Authority Health Standards Information Sheet

If you have any concerns or queries, contact your medical defence organisation for advice and guidance.

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This blog contains general information only. We recommend you contact your medical defence organisation or insurer when you require specific advice in relation to medico-legal matters. The MDA National Group is made up of MDA National Limited ABN 67 055 801 771 and MDA National Insurance Pty Ltd ABN 56 058 271 417 AFS Licence No. 238073.