Judge McElroy Quashes DOJ Subpoena for Rhode Island Hospital

Federal Judge Blocks DOJ from Obtaining Transgender Care Records in Rhode Island Hospital Case A federal judge has issued a sweeping order blocking the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) from seeking or obtaining hospital records related to transgender care in Rhode Island, marking a significant legal setback for the agency’s enforcement efforts. In a ruling issued Wednesday, May 14, 2026, U.S. District Judge Mary S. McElroy of the District of Rhode Island quashed a DOJ administrative subpoena targeting records from a Rhode Island hospital. The judge’s order not only nullified the subpoena but also permanently enjoined the DOJ from pursuing any documents covered by the request, stating that prosecutors had “misrepresented and withheld information” from two district courts. The ruling directly contradicts a prior enforcement order issued by U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor in the Northern District of Texas on April 30, 2026. Judge O’Connor had directed the Rhode Island hospital to comply with the DOJ’s document request, which followed a series of legal losses for the agency in related cases. Judge McElroy’s decision comes as part of an ongoing legal battle over transgender healthcare access, with the DOJ seeking records as part of its enforcement efforts. The judge’s order effectively nullifies the Texas court’s directive, preventing the DOJ from obtaining the requested records through any legal avenue. This development follows a pattern of judicial resistance to the DOJ’s efforts to access healthcare records related to transgender patients. In a separate but related case, Judge McElroy had previously criticized the DOJ’s conduct, stating that prosecutors had “misrepresent[ed] salient facts” under oath. The ruling represents a significant victory for privacy advocates and healthcare providers concerned about government access to sensitive medical records. Legal experts suggest the decision may have broader implications for similar cases across the country, potentially limiting the DOJ’s ability to pursue such records in future enforcement actions. While the DOJ has not yet issued a public statement on the ruling, legal analysts anticipate the agency may appeal the decision or seek alternative legal pathways to obtain the records. The case continues to unfold as courts grapple with the intersection of healthcare privacy rights and federal enforcement authority. For individuals seeking information about their rights regarding medical records or transgender healthcare access, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and local legal aid organizations remain available to provide guidance and support.