East Texas hospitals comply with Gov. Abbott’s citizen status order

TYLER, Texas (KLTV) - Hospitals in East Texas are complying with a gubernatorial order to request citizen statuses from patients.

On Aug. 8, Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order requiring Texas hospitals to collect patients' immigration status to track costs for the care of undocumented migrants. On Nov. 1, the order went into effect, and hospitals across the state are now operating in compliance.

KLTV reached out to East Texas hospitals to ask how the change would affect patients going forward. According to CHRISTUS Health, patients should not see a change to their care regardless of status.

"CHRISTUS Health will comply with the order. We are committed to our mission of extending the healing ministry of Jesus Christ, and as the order states, any response to these information requests will not affect patient care," the hospital said.

UT Health provided a similar statement.

"UT Health East Texas is committed to providing the highest quality care while adhering to all legal and regulatory requirements."