Texas Children’s Hospital has been compelled to create the nation’s first “detransition clinic,” as part of an agreement with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Texas Attorney General’s office.
The May 15 agreement, which also includes a promise to pay more than $10 million in damages and civil penalties, came as part of a resolution of a federal investigation into the hospital’s “gender affirming care.”
“The Justice Department will use every weapon at its disposal to end the destructive and discredited practice of so-called ‘gender-affirming care’ for children,” said acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.
“Today’s resolution protects vulnerable children, holds providers accountable, and ensures those harmed receive the care they need.”
According to the DOJ, the agreement includes millions allocated to resolve the allegations that it submitted false billings to secure insurance coverage for “pediatric sex-rejecting procedures.”
The DOJ, however, reported that the hospital deserves credit for taking “significant steps” in cooperation with the agency.
“At all times during the investigation, TCH remained cooperative, proactive, and solution-driven, as highlighted by its multi-million-dollar commitment to providing care to the victims who most need it,” the department said.
The hospital addressed the deal, noting its position that the case has been plagued by “falsehoods and distractions.”
“Today, we made the difficult decision to settle with the Texas Attorney General and the Department of Justice, closing a chapter that has been wrought with falsehoods and distractions,” Texas Children’s Hospital said in a May 15 press release.
“To be clear—we are settling to protect our resources from endless and costly litigation. This settlement will allow us to redirect those precious resources to focus on the life-saving care and groundbreaking discoveries of our exceptional clinicians and scientists.”