Investigation of Fort Hood OB-GYN behavior includes internal review of clinic policies to protect patients from abuse

The Carl R Darnall Army Medical Center earned its third consecutive “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national organization, focused on health care quality, May 1. The new grade for spring 2025 is a national recognition for commitment to patient safety. (Rodney Jackson/Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center)

As criminal investigators look into allegations that a Fort Hood doctor secretly recorded his exams, base officials said they are also reviewing hospital policies and systems put in place to protect patients from abuse.

A military health care policy requires that doctors accommodate a patient request for a chaperone during exams, yet women who saw Maj. Blaine McGraw, an OB-GYN at Fort Hood, in Texas, have reported he was able to take advantage of them because they were in the room alone during breast or pelvic exams, according to legal filings. Some said McGraw did not provide a medical gown and denied requests to have their spouse or partner in the room with them during exams.

Women have reported that McGraw used his phone to record their appointments without permission, groped them during exams and made inappropriate comments or after-hours phone calls that made them uncomfortable, according to a lawsuit filed in Bell County court and an administrative claim filed directly to the Army. Both were filed on behalf of women each using the anonymous moniker “Jane Doe.”

McGraw, 47, has not been charged with a crime but was suspended Oct. 17 from his position at Fort Hood’s Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center as the Army Criminal Investigation Division investigates the allegations against him.

Systems, clinical processes, policies and other areas related to the situation are also being reviewed, according to a statement from Fort Hood.

“These investigations are intended to ensure that the rigorous standards in place were followed. Fort Hood recognizes the great trust and responsibility inherent in caring for our soldiers, families and beneficiaries and will continue to care for everyone involved throughout this process,” Fort Hood officials said.

The Defense Health Agency policy allows a patient to request a chaperone or standby during physical exams and treatments. The request can specify the chaperone’s gender and, when possible, the medical staff should honor the request or help the patient reschedule the appointment. The policy makes an exception for emergency situations.

The American Medical Association recommends this type of policy, as well as use of appropriate gowns, draping and private facilities for undressing. Doctors should also clearly explain components of the physical exam, according to the association.

Attorney Andrew Cobos filed a lawsuit against McGraw on behalf of a client in Bell County, where Fort Hood is located, and said he wanted to file the suit quickly to get these policies scrutinized.

“That’s the only way change is going to occur,” Cobos said.

Christine Dunn, an attorney representing five patients of McGraw’s who intend to file administrative claims, said policies meant to protect patients are only as good as their enforcement.

“How is someone supposed to know that they should ask for a chaperone if they aren’t being told what their rights are?” she said. “I think a better policy is, ‘We will ask you if you would like a chaperone, and you have the right to say yes or no.’ ”

One client said she thought she remembered a sign on the wall during her appointment explaining the chaperone policy, but Dunn said this again puts the burden on the patient.

An administrative claim filed with the Army last week by attorney Laurie Higginbotham on behalf of a client stated there were “systemic violations” of the chaperone policy and there were no supervisory measures in place to prevent McGraw from isolating patients or to respond to concerning behavior.

“On numerous occasions, patients requested that their husbands or partners be present during examinations, but the Army denied these requests and forced patients to be alone with Dr. McGraw,” according to the claim.

The claim further stated support staff around McGraw were not trained to recognize, report or prevent physician misconduct.

Fort Hood said that criminal investigators arrived within hours on Oct. 17, when officials received the first report from a patient describing misconduct by McGraw, and the doctor was immediately suspended.

Dunn said hospital staff, in general, can be hesitant to report concerning behavior they observe because of the power dynamics that exist in hospitals and because some abusers present themselves well in public. Some of her clients have said that McGraw was personable and generally well-liked. He had positive reviews on medical evaluation websites and was recommended by patients on social media.

“I’ve had at least one client say that this is incredibly hard because it has tainted all of the sweet memories of giving birth to her child,” Dunn said.