Lawmakers demand info on DOJ deal with CT Children's Medical Center to end transgender care

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Some Connecticut lawmakers are pushing back a month after Connecticut Children's Medical Center stopped transgender services for minors.

The two Democratic chairs of the Human Services Committee say they want a copy of the hospital's agreement with the U.S. Justice Department.

They say Connecticut Children's has a legal duty as a Medicaid provider not to discriminate based on gender.

The lawmakers add the medical center could be breaking that contract by cutting gender-affirming care.

News 12 reached out to the medical center, which responded in a statement that says:

“We are disappointed that serious conclusions about Connecticut Children’s and the circumstances surrounding this settlement were made publicly before Senator Lesser or Representative Gilchrest had an opportunity to speak with our leadership and understand the facts.

Their recent correspondence was the first outreach Connecticut Children’s leadership received from either legislator regarding the settlement. We responded immediately and have a meeting scheduled with both leaders. We welcome that conversation and the opportunity to provide appropriate context.

Throughout this extraordinarily difficult process, protecting our patients and their private health information has been our first and most important obligation. That responsibility guided our decisions during the federal investigation, it guided our approach to the settlement, and it continues to guide how we respond to requests for information today. Importantly, Connecticut Children’s did not turn over any patient protected health information to the federal government during this investigation or settlement process. Protecting that information was a line we would not cross, and safeguarding the privacy of our patients will remain non-negotiable. We will not compromise the privacy of the children and families who entrusted us with their care.

There is an important distinction between transparency about Connecticut Children’s decisions and disclosure of private patient information. We can and will answer appropriate questions about our organization and our decision-making. But patient medical records and protected health information are different. Children and their private medical information should never become collateral damage in a political debate, and Connecticut Children’s will not compromise patient privacy simply to satisfy a demand for public disclosure.

Protecting our physicians and team members and preserving Connecticut Children’s ability to continue caring for children and families across our state were also important considerations throughout this process.

We recognize that elected officials have legitimate questions and oversight responsibilities, and we welcome serious, fact-based conversations with them. We will continue to cooperate appropriately and lawfully while fulfilling our obligations to protect our patients and their information. The settlement itself is a matter of public record, and information regarding it can also be sought from the Department of Justice.

Connecticut’s children deserve thoughtful leadership and responsible dialogue around complicated issues, not conclusions reached through press releases or social media before the facts have been discussed. We look forward to meeting with Senator Lesser and Representative Gilchrest and having a direct, productive conversation focused on the facts and, most importantly, the children and families we all serve.”