Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti’s Office released a statement reacting to reports that Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) turned over medical records of transgender patients to the state’s highest legal office.
On Tuesday, The Tennessean reported that it had reviewed a notice from VUMC informing patients of the transfer of records, which, according to the outlet, the facility said was the result of an investigation into “billing for transgender care services provided to individuals enrolled in State-sponsored insurance plans.”
In a statement following the outlet’s report, Skrmetti’s chief of staff, Brandon Smith, confirmed the request for records while clarifying that the office’s investigation is solely into the institution, not patients.
Smith said, “We are surprised that VUMC has deliberately chosen to frighten its patients like this. The Office of the Tennessee Attorney General has been investigating potential medical billing fraud by VUMC and certain related providers since September 2022. VUMC began providing patient records to the Office in December 2022.”
Smith added, “The Office does not publicize fraud investigations to preserve the integrity of the investigative process. The Office maintains patient records in the strictest confidence, as required by law.”
“The investigation is focused solely on VUMC and certain related providers, not patients, as VUMC is well aware,” Smith said.
In an emailed statement to multiple news outlets, John Howser, chief communications officer for VUMC, described the request for records from the state’s attorney general’s office, saying, “VUMC received requests from the Office of the Tennessee Attorney General as part of its investigation seeking information about transgender care at VUMC.”
“The Tennessee Attorney General has legal authority in an investigation to require that VUMC provide complete copies of patient medical records that are relevant to its investigation. VUMC was obligated to comply and did so,” Howser added, failing to clarify the specificity in regards to the office’s records request.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network.
Photo “Doctor” by Thirdman.
If Vanderbilt thinks it will endear itself to the Government Overreach Party (G.O.P.) in the Tennessee Legislature and Governor’s Mansion, it is sadly mistaken. Rather, it will alienate many of its progressive supporters and LGBT patients who will want to sue Vandy for breach of patient privacy. By failing to stand up to right-wing Republicans, Vanderbilt could end up making major enemies from BOTH spectrums of the ideological divide!