Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) has confirmed that it handed over the medical records of transgender patients to the Tennessee Attorney General’s office. According to John Howser, the chief communications officer for VUMC, the center received requests from the state attorney general’s office regarding “transgender care” at VUMC. He emphasized that VUMC fully complies with all health care privacy and security requirements, including HIPPA.
Howser explained that VUMC was obligated to comply with the requests and provided complete copies of patient medical records that were relevant to the investigation. The Nashville Tennessean was the first to report that Vanderbilt had handed over the records. The investigation is focused on “billing for transgender care services” provided to individuals enrolled in insurance plans sponsored by the state.
In response to the news, Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti’s office expressed surprise at VUMC’s decision to scare its patients. However, they clarified that the investigation is solely focused on VUMC and not the patients themselves.
Vanderbilt previously faced criticism from lawmakers and state officials, leading them to pause gender-affirming surgeries for minors in order to review their practices. In March, Republican Governor Bill Lee signed a bill banning gender-affirming health care for individuals under 18, resulting in LGBTQ rights groups suing the state of Tennessee.
The Hill has reached out to the Tennessee attorney general’s office for comment.
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