Case: QueerDoc PLLC v. United States Department of Justice

2:25-mc-00042 | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington

Filed Date: July 8, 2025

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

QueerDoc is a telemedicine service that provides gender affirming care to transgender individuals. On June 11, 2025, QueerDoc received a subpoena from the government, signed by Assistant Attorney General Brett Schemata. The government issued the subpoena pursuant to Section 248 of the Health Insurance Portability Act& Accountability Act of 1996, (18 U.S.C. § 3486) ("HIPAA"). The subpoena purported to investigate "Federal health care offenses as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 24(a)," which enumerates mo…

QueerDoc is a telemedicine service that provides gender affirming care to transgender individuals. On June 11, 2025, QueerDoc received a subpoena from the government, signed by Assistant Attorney General Brett Schemata. The government issued the subpoena pursuant to Section 248 of the Health Insurance Portability Act& Accountability Act of 1996, (18 U.S.C. § 3486) ("HIPAA"). The subpoena purported to investigate "Federal health care offenses as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 24(a)," which enumerates more than 20 federal health care offenses. 

The subpoena sought a wide range of documents and data relating to QueerDoc's provisions of gender affirming care. Specifically, the subpoena sought QueerDoc's medical records for every patient prescribed puberty blockers or hormone therapy. When QueerDoc inquired about the specifics of the government's concerns, DOJ attorneys responded that they were "only. . .aware that QueerDoc is a 'prominent' provider of gender affirming care through Telehealth and that it prescribes puberty blockers and hormones 'under the FDCA.'" They added that "there was nothing more of concern, saying 'that's the extent of it.'"

In response, QueerDoc filed this motion to quash the subpoena in the Western District of Washington. The plaintiff alleged that "ending gender affirming care is not a valid statutory purpose of a HIPAA subpoena-yet DOJ has issued the subpoena for precisely that reason." They further allege that the subpoena is impermissibly over broad, unduly burdensome, and a privacy infringement. Judge Jamal N. Whitehead was assigned to this case.

The court granted the motion to quash on October 27, 2025. 2025 WL 3013568. Citing to the Ninth Circuit, the court found that the DOJ's subpoena was "so broad so to be in the nature of a 'fishing expedition'" to justify its "predetermined goal of ending gener-affirming care." Judge Whitehead held that the record before the Court established that the subpoena was issued for a purpose other than to investigation potential violations of the FCA. Therefore, the subpoena has been quashed.

The government immediately appealed.

This case is ongoing.

Summary Authors

Jinan Abufarha (11/9/2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71783827/parties/queerdoc-pllc-v-united-states-department-of-justice/


Attorney for Plaintiff

Asner, Marcus (Washington)

Kleinman, Samuel (Washington)

Lankarani, Shireen (Washington)

Attorney for Defendant

Dahlquist, Scott B (Washington)

Goldstein, Ross S. (Washington)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

2:25-mc-00042

QueerDoc, PLLC's Motion to Quash Subpoena Duces Tecum

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief
29

2:25-mc-00042

Docketing Notice

No Court

Nov. 25, 2025

Nov. 25, 2025

Other

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71783827/queerdoc-pllc-v-united-states-department-of-justice/

Last updated Dec. 3, 2025, 12:22 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

MOTION to Quash Subpoena Duces Tecum filed by Plaintiff QueerDoc PLLC. Oral Argument Requested. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibits to Motion to Quash Including Subpoena, # 2 Civil Cover Sheet, # 3 PROPOSED Order to Quash) Noting Date 7/29/2025 (MIH) (Main Document 1 and attachments 1-3 unsealed per order on 10/28/25) (RE). (Entered: 07/08/2025)

1 Exhibits to Motion to Quash Including Subpoena

View on RECAP

2 Civil Cover Sheet

View on PACER

3 PROPOSED Order to Quash

View on PACER

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Clearinghouse
2

MOTION to Seal Proceedings filed by Plaintiff QueerDoc PLLC. (Attachments: # 1 PROPOSED Order to Seal Proceeding) Noting Date 7/29/2025 (MIH) (Main Document 2 and attachment 1 unsealed per order on 10/28/2025) (RE). (Entered: 07/08/2025)

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

3

CORPORATE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT indicating no Corporate Parents and/or Affiliates. Filed pursuant to Fed.R.Civ.P 7.1(a)(1). Filed by QueerDoc PLLC. (MIH) (Main Document 3 unsealed per order on 10/28/2025) (RE). (Entered: 07/08/2025)

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

4

Notice of Filing Deficiency ***Action Required*** Improper Signature - Secondary Attorney(s).See attached letter for more information and instructions. (MIH)(cc Attorneys Robbins and Lankarani via USPS) (Main Document 4 unsealed per order on 10/28/2025) (RE). (Entered: 07/08/2025)

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

FILING FEE RECEIVED: $ 52.00, receipt number SEA 200007917. (RE)

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

5

NOTICE of Appearance by attorney Patrick R. Runkle on behalf of Defendant United States Department of Justice. (CJS) (Main Document 5 unsealed per order on 10/28/2025) (RE). (Entered: 07/18/2025)

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

6

NOTICE of Appearance by attorney Scott B Dahlquist B. Scott on behalf of Defendant United States Department of Justice. (CJS) Modified on 7/30/2025 correct typo (CDA). (Main Document 6 unsealed per order on 10/28/2025) (RE). (Entered: 07/18/2025)

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

7

NOTICE of Appearance by attorney Goldstein S. Ross S Goldstein on behalf of Defendant United States Department of Justice. (CJS) Modified on 7/30/2025 correct typo (CDA). (Main Document 7 unsealed per order on 10/28/2025) (RE). (Entered: 07/18/2025)

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

8

RESPONSE, by Defendant United States Department of Justice, to 2 MOTION to Seal. (CJS) (Main Document 8 unsealed per order on 10/28/2025) (RE). (Entered: 07/18/2025)

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

9

NOTICE of Appearance by attorney Shireen Lankarani on behalf of Plaintiff QueerDoc PLLC. (TE) (Main Document 9 unsealed per order on 10/28/2025) (RE). (Entered: 07/23/2025)

July 22, 2025

July 22, 2025

10

NOTICE of Appearance by attorney Harry H Schneider, Jr on behalf of Plaintiff QueerDoc PLLC. (TE) (Main Document 10 unsealed per order on 10/28/2025) (RE). (Entered: 07/23/2025)

July 22, 2025

July 22, 2025

11

REPLY, filed by Plaintiff QueerDoc PLLC, in Support of 2 MOTION to Seal Proceedings. (TE) (Main Document 11 unsealed per order on 10/28/2025) (RE). (Entered: 07/23/2025)

July 22, 2025

July 22, 2025

12

RESPONSE, by Defendant United States Department of Justice, to 1 MOTION to Quash. (TE) (Main Document 12 unsealed per order on 10/28/2025) (RE). (Entered: 07/23/2025)

July 22, 2025

July 22, 2025

RECAP
13

REPLY, filed by Plaintiff QueerDoc PLLC, in Support of 1 MOTION to Quash Subpoena Duces Tecum. Noting Date 7/29/2025- Oral Argument Requested. (RE) (Main Document 13 unsealed per order on 10/28/2025) (RE). (Entered: 07/29/2025)

July 29, 2025

July 29, 2025

RECAP
15

APPLICATION OF ATTORNEY Paula Rachel Ramer FOR LEAVE TO APPEAR PRO HAC VICE for Plaintiff QueerDoc PLLC, (Receipt No. SEA 200008060) (HH) (Main Document 15 unsealed per order on 10/28/2025) (RE). (Entered: 07/30/2025)

July 29, 2025

July 29, 2025

16

APPLICATION OF ATTORNEY Brittney M Nagle FOR LEAVE TO APPEAR PRO HAC VICE for Plaintiff QueerDoc PLLC (Receipt No. SEA 200008060) (HH) (Main Document 16 unsealed per order on 10/28/2025) (RE). (Entered: 07/30/2025)

July 29, 2025

July 29, 2025

17

APPLICATION OF ATTORNEY Jaclyn A. Machometa FOR LEAVE TO APPEAR PRO HAC VICE for Plaintiff QueerDoc PLLC (Receipt No. SEA 200008060) (HH) (Main Document 17 replaced on 10/28/2025) (RE). (Entered: 07/30/2025)

July 29, 2025

July 29, 2025

18

APPLICATION OF ATTORNEY Samuel D Kleinman FOR LEAVE TO APPEAR PRO HAC VICE for Plaintiff QueerDoc PLLC (Receipt No. SEA 200008060) (HH) (Main Document 18 unsealed per order on 10/28/2025) (RE). (Entered: 07/30/2025)

July 29, 2025

July 29, 2025

19

APPLICATION OF ATTORNEY Marcus A. Asner FOR LEAVE TO APPEAR PRO HAC VICE for Plaintiff QueerDoc PLLC (Receipt No. SEA 200008060) (HH) (Main Document 19 unsealed on 10/28/2025) (RE). (Entered: 07/30/2025)

July 29, 2025

July 29, 2025

14

Notice of Filing Deficiency re 5 Notice of Appearance, 6 Notice of Appearance. ***Action Required*** Attorney Admission.See attached letter for more information and instructions. cc Attorneys of record (including non- admitted attorneys Dahlquist and Runkle) via US Mail(CDA) (Main Document 14 unsealed per order on 10/28/2025) (RE). (Entered: 07/30/2025)

July 30, 2025

July 30, 2025

RECAP
20

ORDER re 17 Application for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice, 15 Application for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice, 19 Application for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice, 16 Application for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice, 18 Application for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice. The Court ADMITS Attorneys Paula Ramer,Brittney M Nagle,Jaclyn Machometa,Samuel Kleinman,Marcus Asner for QueerDoc PLLC, by Clerk Ravi Subramanian. No document associated with this docket entry, text only.NOTE TO COUNSEL: Local counsel agrees to sign all filings and to be prepared to handle the matter, including the trial thereof, in the event the applicant is unable to be present on any date scheduled by the court, pursuant to LCR 83.1(d). CC all attorneys via US Mail (HH) Modified to add method of notice on 7/30/2025 (HH) (Entered: 07/30/2025)

July 30, 2025

July 30, 2025

21

NOTICE of Appearance by attorney Scott B Dahlquist on behalf of Defendant United States Department of Justice. (TE) (Main Document 21 unsealed per order on 10/28/2025) (RE). (Entered: 08/07/2025)

Aug. 6, 2025

Aug. 6, 2025

22

GOVERNMENT'S NOTICE OF EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA ORDER TO DISCLOSE LITIGATION ; filed by Defendant United States Department of Justice. (RE) (Main Document 22 unsealed per order on 10/28/2025) (RE). (Entered: 09/04/2025)

Sept. 3, 2025

Sept. 3, 2025

RECAP
23

NOTICE of Supplemental Authority, filed by Plaintiff QueerDoc PLLC. (RE) (Main Document 23 unsealed per order on 10/28/2025) (RE). (Entered: 09/10/2025)

Sept. 10, 2025

Sept. 10, 2025

24

STRICKEN GOVERNMENT'S PRAECIPE TO FILE ADDITIONAL DOCUMENT, filed by Defendant United States Department of Justice. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Government Attorney Allan Gordus, # 2 Exhibit 1 to Declaration of Allan Gordus, # 3 Exhibit 2 to Declaration of Allan Gordus, # 4 Exhibit 2 to Declaration of Allan Gordus (Folder 2), # 5 Exhibit 2 to Declaration of Allan Gordus (Folder 3)) (RE) (Main Document 24 and attachments 1-5 unsealed per order on 10/28/2025) (RE). (RE). Modified to strike per dkt. 27 on 10/28/2025 (APH). (Entered: 10/01/2025)

1 Declaration of Government Attorney Allan Gordus

View on RECAP

2 Exhibit 1 to Declaration of Allan Gordus

View on RECAP

3 Exhibit 2 to Declaration of Allan Gordus

View on RECAP

4 Exhibit 2 to Declaration of Allan Gordus (Folder 2)

View on RECAP

5 Exhibit 2 to Declaration of Allan Gordus (Folder 3)

View on RECAP

Sept. 26, 2025

Sept. 26, 2025

RECAP
25

QueerDoc PLLC MOTION to Strike or, in the Alternative, for Leave to File Response for Leave to File, filed by Plaintiff/Movant QueerDoc PLLC. (RE) (Main Document 25 unsealed per order on 10/28/2025) (RE). (Entered: 10/06/2025)

Oct. 3, 2025

Oct. 3, 2025

26

NOTICE of Appearance by attorney Patrick Runkle on behalf of Defendant United States Department of Justice. (RE) (Main Document 26 unsealed per order on 10/28/2025) (RE). (Entered: 10/23/2025)

Oct. 22, 2025

Oct. 22, 2025

27

ORDER: re 1 Motion to Quash Subpoena; 2 Motion to Seal Proceedings, 25 Motion to Strike or in the Alternative, for Leave to File Response for Leave to File. The Court GRANTS the motion to quash, Dkt. No. 1, and DENIES the motion to seal, Dkt. No. 2. The Clerk is INSTRUCTED to unseal the case file and all documents found on the associated case docket. The Court also GRANTS the motion to strike, Dkt. No. 25, and STRIKES DOJ's improper submission at Docket No. 24. Signed by Judge Jamal N Whitehead. (RE) (Main Document 27 unsealed per order on 10/28/2025) (RE). (Entered: 10/28/2025)

Oct. 27, 2025

Oct. 27, 2025

RECAP
28

NOTICE OF APPEAL to Ninth Circuit re 27 Order on Motion to Quash,,, Order on Motion for Leave to File,,, Order on Motion to Seal,, by Defendant United States Department of Justice. No fee required- US Government Party (cc: USCA) (Goldstein, Ross) (Entered: 11/21/2025)

Nov. 21, 2025

Nov. 21, 2025

RECAP

Case Details

State / Territory:

Washington

Case Type(s):

Healthcare Access and Reproductive Issues

Privacy

Special Collection(s):

Trump Administration 2.0: Litigation and Investigations Involving the Government

Key Dates

Filing Date: July 8, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

The plaintiff is QueerDoc PLLC, a Telehealth provider for gender affirming care.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Department of Justice (District of Columbia), Federal

Defendant Type(s):

Law-enforcement

Case Details

Constitutional Clause(s):

Due Process

Other Dockets:

Western District of Washington 2:25-mc-00042

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit 25-07384

Special Case Type(s):

Warrant or subpoena application (or protection)

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff

Relief Sought:

Injunction

Relief Granted:

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Source of Relief:

Litigation

Issues

Affected Sex/Gender(s):

Transgender

Medical/Mental Health Care:

Gender-affirming care