AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Amid an investigation by the Texas Attorney General's office into potential "illegal activity" performed by a clinic at Dell Children's Medical Center, physicians at the clinic are "departing."
A statement from Dell Children's, which is run by Ascension Seton, says the hospital group's Adolescent Medicine Clinic is not closing.
"While the physicians who previously staffed the clinic will be departing, the clinic remains open and supported by other physicians within Dell Children's Medical Group," the statement reads. "We continue to be advocates for the best possible care and treatment for children in Central Texas."
[shortcode-inline-related expand="1" link="/talk1370/news/local/ag-paxton-targeting-dell-childrens-over-gender-procedures" headline="Texas AG Paxton announces investigation into Dell Children's over "gender transitioning" procedures" image="/media-library/image.jpg?id=64739828"]The statement did not clarify whether the physicians were fired or left voluntarily, or provide a specific reason for their departure.
Paxton announced the investigation into the clinic on May 5. The RTE, or Request to Examine, was based on "a number of recent reports" of potentially illegal activity at the clinic.
At the time, Dell Children's said it was conducting its own review of the situation. "Our organization prohibits surgery and prescribing hormone therapy for the treatment of gender dysphoria for children," the statement read. "To the extent that care provided at our clinic may have been inconsistent with our organization's position on this important issue, we intend to take appropriate action."
The investigation and departures come as the Texas Legislature moves closer to passage of Senate Bill 14, which would prohibit minors from receiving puberty blockers and hormone therapy. The bill passed Friday on initial reading by a 92-48 vote, though a handful of lawmakers said their votes were recorded in error. A final vote is expected on the bill next week.
Pending a final Senate vote, the bill would then go to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott who is expected to sign it.
