Texas Children’s Hospital faced backlash after a doctor’s viral TikTok criticized Gov. Abbott’s executive order on immigration reporting. The hospital reaffirmed compliance as Abbott warned of funding risks.
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Texas Children's Hospital faces scrutiny following a doctor's viral TikTok post criticizing Gov. Greg Abbott's executive order mandating hospitals collect immigration status information from patients. This order is intended to guarantee federal reimbursement for healthcare expenses.
Dr. Tony Pastor's TikTok underscored concerns regarding the policy, emphasizing that patients are not obligated to respond to inquiries regarding their immigration status. The video provoked an online backlash and elicited a stern response from the governor.
On X (formerly Twitter), Governor Abbott warned the facility about the potential repercussions of noncompliance. "Hello, Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine. This physician is jeopardizing your Medicaid and Medicare funding." “There will be repercussions for disregarding the law,” Abbott declared.
A statement was issued by Texas Children's Hospital in response, confirming its compliance with all applicable legal requirements. Governor Abbott's Executive Order is wholly supported by Texas Children's and is fully compliant. Although individual employees may have their own opinions, they do not necessarily align with the hospital's official viewpoint, according to the statement.
The Texas Hospital Association and industry partners collaborated closely with the hospital to ensure compliance with state regulations and emphasize its dedication to patient care.
This controversy emphasizes the increasing tensions between healthcare providers and state immigration policies as hospitals attempt to balance patient advocacy with compliance.
