Houston Surgeon Allegedly Fakes Records to Deny Patients’ Liver Transplants
A Houston surgeon faces serious legal repercussions for allegedly falsifying medical records to deny patients vital liver transplants. Dr. John Stevenson Bynon Jr., who served as a director at Memorial Hermann Health System, was indicted by a grand jury on five counts of false statements related to healthcare practices. This indictment was made public by federal prosecutors in Houston.
Details of the Case Against Dr. Bynon
The indictment outlines that Dr. Bynon modified medical records for five patients between March 2023 and March 2024. These alterations rendered three patients ineligible for transplants, leading to dire consequences. Tragically, three of these patients died, while two others managed to secure liver transplants at different facilities.
Impact on Patients
- One patient remained ineligible for a donor organ for approximately 149 days before passing away in February 2024.
- Another patient was ineligible for 69 days and died during surgery in December 2023.
- A third patient, who urgently needed a liver transplant, died two days after Bynon entered false criteria that significantly restricted eligibility for a donor organ.
Families of the deceased patients assert that they were unaware of the falsifications in their loved ones’ medical records, which they believe directly influenced their care and transplant eligibility.
Reactions to the Indictment
U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei commented on the case, stating that Dr. Bynon’s actions represented a grave betrayal of medical ethics. He emphasized that the doctor deprived vulnerable patients of crucial hope and years of life.
Dr. Bynon’s attorney, Samy Khalil, defended him vigorously, claiming that the surgeon has performed over 2,000 successful transplants in his career of four decades. Khalil argues that all actions taken by Bynon were lawful and in good faith. He expressed confidence in proving his client’s innocence.
Consequences of the Allegations
Following the allegations, Memorial Hermann Health System temporarily shut down its liver and kidney transplant programs, later reinstating them a year later. The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network also designated Memorial Hermann as not in good standing, indicating serious lapses in patient safety.
Pursuit of Justice
Multiple lawsuits have been filed against Dr. Bynon by the families of patients who died while waiting for liver transplants. They seek answers regarding whether Bynon’s actions affected the outcomes for their loved ones. If convicted, Bynon could face up to five years in federal prison and fines of $250,000 for each count.
The investigation continues, with officials emphasizing the importance of accountability in healthcare practices to protect the vulnerable patients relying on organ transplants.
