Justice Department Seeks Medical Records of Transgender Minors Through Grand Jury Subpoenas

Federal prosecutors in Texas have issued grand jury subpoenas to hospitals seeking detailed medical records of transgender minors who received gender-affirming care. The subpoenas request billing records, insurance claims, diagnostic codes, and documents identifying every patient who underwent the procedures over the past six years.

They also seek parental authorization records for minor patients.

A federal judge in San Jose, California, will hold an emergency hearing on Friday to consider whether Stanford University’s Lucile Salter Packard Children’s Hospital must comply with a subpoena regarding six patients. A Maryland judge will consider a similar nationwide request on Tuesday.

A Manhattan judge will hear arguments on Wednesday from patients who received care in New York City seeking to prevent hospitals nationwide from turning over records.

The Justice Department previously issued more than 20 administrative subpoenas last summer. Multiple federal judges appointed by presidents of both parties blocked those requests, describing them as fishing expeditions. Prosecutors stated they are examining possible off-label drug use, fraudulent billing, and false statements related to the treatments.

NYU Langone Hospitals and Stanford’s Lucile Salter Packard Children’s Hospital have confirmed receipt of grand jury subpoenas. Parents of several children filed suit in New York seeking to block disclosure of their children’s records. One parent identified as Riley Roe stated in court papers a fear that releasing the child’s identity could lead to investigation by an administration hostile to transgender people.