Feds probing release of transgender medical records to Tennessee attorney general

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is reportedly investigating the handing over of transgender patients’ records by Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) to the Tennessee attorney general’s office.

VUMC confirmed in late June to The Hill that it handed over the records because it received requests about “transgender care” from the state attorney general’s office. However, about a month later, two of the patients who received care from VUMC sued the facility in Nashville chancery court, saying it violated their privacy.

In a statement obtained by CNN, John Howser, the chief communications officer for VUMC, said HHS’s Office for Civil Rights had contacted the hospital.

“We have been contacted by and are working with the Office of Civil Rights,” John Howser told CNN. “We have no further comment since this is an ongoing investigation.”

Last fall, Vanderbilt announced they were pausing gender-affirming surgeries amid pressure from state officials and lawmakers. Gov. Bill Lee (R) also signed a bill banning gender-affirming care for transgender youth in March. 

The Hill has reached out to VUMC and HHS for comment.