A viral TikTok video is creating tension between the Texas Children’s Hospital and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican. The video, posted by one of the hospital’s doctors, criticizes an executive order signed by Abbott that requires Texas public hospitals to collect information on patients’ immigration status and report healthcare costs for undocumented immigrants.
In the video, Dr. Tony Pastor tells patients they are not obligated to answer questions about their citizenship status and says his intent was simply to inform the public.
“My proposal to everyone is just know you don’t have to answer this question,” Pastor said. “And my second proposal, wouldn’t it be amazing if everyone who comes in doesn’t answer it and it really messes with whatever data they’re looking for?”
The video caught the attention of Abbott.
“Hey Texas Children’s Hospital & Baylor College of Medicine, this doctor is putting your Medicaid & Medicare funding at risk,” Abbott said in a post on X. “You better think twice & have crystal clear records. There will be consequences for failing to follow the law in the Order.”
In response, Texas Children’s Hospital issued a statement, emphasizing its full compliance with the executive order.
“Texas Children’s fully supports Governor Abbott’s new Executive Order and is in full compliance,” the statement said. “While we recognize that individuals working at Texas Children’s hold their own personal views on many topics, those opinions do not necessarily reflect the official position of Texas Children’s Hospital.”
The executive order, which went into effect on Nov. 1, requires Texas hospitals to collect information on a migrant’s legal status when they use public healthcare services and report related costs.
Abbott argued that the state should not have to cover the medical expenses of individuals in the country illegally. He is seeking reimbursement from the federal government, blaming the Biden administration’s border policies for forcing Texas taxpayers to cover the costs of migrant healthcare.
The executive order does not prohibit hospitals from treating migrants who are in the country illegally. Abbott said the law is focused on documenting healthcare expenses, and it specifically states that it is not a barrier to treatment.