Seattle Children's Hospital Takes Legal Action Against Texas AG Over Trans Patient Records

Seattle Children's Hospital has filed a lawsuit against the Texas Office of the Attorney General to block the release of patient information after receiving a subpoena demanding records of Texas residents who have received transition-related care. The hospital argues that producing the information would violate federal and state health care privacy laws and that the Texas attorney general's office does not have jurisdiction over the Washington-based hospital system. The hospital also highlights Washington's "Shield Law" and asserts that the demands are an unconstitutional attempt to investigate and restrict potential travel by Texas residents seeking healthcare in another state. The attorney general's office has not responded to questions about the subpoena and lawsuit.