Judge temporarily blocks Trump officials from accessing NYC trans kids’ medical records
A federal judge in Manhattan has blocked the U.S. Department of Justice from using grand jury subpoenas to obtain the health records of minors who received gender-affirming care at NYU Langone, Mount Sinai, and other New York City hospitals. Judge Katherine Polk Failla issued the temporary restraining order Wednesday in a class-action lawsuit filed by transgender New Yorkers.
Why did the judge block the DOJ subpoenas?
Judge Katherine Polk Failla granted the injunction after noting that the Trump administration had previously sought similar health information through administrative subpoenas. According to Failla, those previous attempts were either partially or fully rejected in court.
Failla stated that the DOJ, “undeterred by its disastrous showing in the courts,” issued nearly identical requests as grand jury subpoenas. These specific subpoenas emanated from the Northern District of Texas.
What information did the DOJ seek?
The subpoenas issued to NYU Langone sought identifying information about patients and the personnel files of their medical providers. The DOJ also requested records related to billing and coding for gender-affirming services.
The requests focused on services provided to patients under 18, specifically mentioning hormone therapy and puberty blockers. Gothamist reported earlier this month that Mount Sinai Health System received a similar subpoena.
How are the hospitals responding to the order?
Lucia Lee, a spokesperson for Mount Sinai, stated the hospital system would comply with the court’s order. NYU Langone declined to comment on the ruling, and the DOJ did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
NYU Langone previously told the court it reached an agreement with the DOJ to redact identifying information if records had to be shared. However, the hospital noted the DOJ could later request that those records be “unmasked.”
Counsel for NYU Langone argued during a Tuesday hearing that ensuring patient records remain truly anonymous is difficult. They cited the volume of data points in medical records and the capabilities of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence.
What happens next for the patients?
The current injunction will remain in place until at least July 8, when the next hearing is scheduled. The outcome of that hearing could determine if the block on subpoenas becomes permanent or is lifted.
Patients and families expressed continued anxiety Wednesday evening outside Mount Sinai’s Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery. Winter Collins, a 16-year-old from Brooklyn, said the order is “hopeful” but believes records remain in jeopardy.
The legal battle coincides with protests in front of NewYork-Presbyterian, NYU Langone, and Mount Sinai. Some LGBTQ+ advocates have called for the hospitals to be banned from this Sunday’s annual NYC Pride March. This backlash follows decisions by Mount Sinai and NYU Langone to stop providing gender-affirming care for minors earlier this year.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the next court hearing for this case?
The next hearing is scheduled for July 8.
What specific medical records was the DOJ seeking?
The DOJ sought identifying patient information, provider personnel files, and billing and coding records for services like hormone therapy and puberty blockers for patients under 18.
Which hospitals were targeted by the subpoenas?
The subpoenas targeted NYU Langone, Mount Sinai, and other New York City hospitals.
How do you think technology and AI should impact the way medical privacy is handled in legal disputes?