AGP Executive Report

Data Privacy & Accountability: A multistate settlement reached with Labcorp over the 2019 AMCA data breach underscores how vendor security failures can still expose patients’ sensitive information. Public Safety & Health Care Access: New Jersey’s health system news includes Valley Hospital installing a next-gen Gamma Knife system, expanding non-surgical brain tumor treatment options. Occupational Health: A new report spotlights the artificial-stone silicosis crisis, warning that workers face preventable but deadly exposure to crystalline silica. Mental Health & Consumer Protection: Polymarket rolled out deposit limits and mental health resources as regulators and lawsuits intensify scrutiny of prediction-market practices. Homelessness Policy: Federal policy is shifting away from “Housing First,” raising concerns that vulnerable people could lose stability and services. Immigration & Health Impacts: Attorney General Tong opposed a DHS rule that would fast-track asylum seekers into removal proceedings without an interview, a change critics say could worsen outcomes for families. Nursing Home Oversight: Massachusetts is moving to tighten nursing home transaction oversight after reporting raised questions about long gaps in enforcement. Community Health & Preparedness: Ocean City assessed storm damage after a nor’easter with major tidal flooding, noting recent beach replenishment helped protect dunes.

School Health Costs: New Jersey’s School Employees Health Benefits Program approved a projected 34.4% premium jump for 300,000 public school and county college workers and families, with increases taking effect in January—raising pressure on districts like Camden and others to cut jobs, transportation, and activities. Blood Supply Strain: After a nor’easter forced blood drive cancellations across New York and New Jersey and cost about 1,000 donations, the New York Blood Center is urging eligible donors to give this week to rebuild supplies. Alcohol Harm Despite Less Drinking: A new study flags a troubling rise in alcohol-impaired deaths in New Jersey even as overall alcohol use declines, citing a sharp increase in alcohol-related road fatalities. Food Safety Questions: A Driscoll’s berry dispute is raising concerns after a whistleblower allegation that pesticide levels on some shipments to Canada exceeded Canadian standards, prompting renewed attention to produce chemical levels. Behavioral Health Funding Stress: Comprehensive Behavioral Health Care in Hackensack filed for Chapter 11, blaming prolonged landlord disputes and facility habitability problems for straining its finances. Data Privacy Enforcement: A multistate coalition announced a settlement with Labcorp tied to a 2019 data breach affecting millions, underscoring vendor-management expectations for HIPAA-covered organizations.

Mental Health Crisis Care: New Jersey is putting $16.4 million into crisis receiving and stabilization centers tied to the 988 hotline, aiming to keep more people out of hospital ERs; sites are planned across Essex, Bergen, Morris, Monmouth and Camden, with Essex expected to open by month’s end. Health Insurance Protections: CMS is tightening HealthCare.gov rules for agents and brokers ahead of the Nov. 1 open enrollment start, including new identity checks and consent requirements—urging NJ consumers to review their accounts and any listed broker before Nov. 1. Drug Safety Recall: Inventia Healthcare is recalling more than 25,000 bottles of chlorthalidone tablets after dissolution testing failures, with NJ among distribution states. Public Health & Food Safety: Sempio Korean ginseng chicken stew (about 4,596 pounds) is recalled in multiple states, including New Jersey, due to missed import reinspection. Sports Medicine Access: Alliance Orthopedics opened its first Ocean County clinic in Toms River, expanding multidisciplinary orthopedic and rehab services. Legal Accountability in Sports: A NJ widow filed suit alleging USA Wrestling and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee failed to enforce cardiac screening rules tied to her husband’s Marfan-related cardiomyopathy death.

College Sports Policy: The U.S. Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act, setting new federal rules for name, image and likeness, transfers, and athlete medical protections, while granting the NCAA limited antitrust immunity—sending the fight to the House. Food Safety: Nearly 333 pounds of Buckhead tuna were recalled across five states, including New Jersey, after elevated scombrotoxin levels raised food-poisoning risk. Public Health & Substance Use: A new study warns medetomidine is increasingly showing up in the illicit opioid supply, with severe withdrawal cases rising sharply and often requiring intensive hospital care. NJ Climate & Health Risks: An early-season nor’easter brought historic coastal flooding to New Jersey, with Rutgers’ climate office pointing to repeated high-tide flooding cycles. Health Care Policy in NJ: Gov. Mikie Sherrill vetoed two Jersey City bills tied to car-rental taxes and budget use, a move that could affect local funding streams. Medical Innovation: Bayer’s Lynkuet (elinzanetant) won FDA priority review for hot flashes in breast cancer patients on endocrine therapy. Data Privacy Oversight: Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman joined a push for a GAO audit of the EPA’s microplastics work in drinking water and ecosystems.

School Health Costs: New Jersey’s School Employees’ Health Benefits Commission approved about a 34% average premium hike for active school employees in 2027, a decision slammed by the teachers’ union as “simply unacceptable,” with officials warning districts may leave the state plan and destabilize it further. Back-to-School Mental Health: Gov. Mikie Sherrill highlighted $125M-plus in school- and community-based mental health and wellness supports for the 2026-27 school year and signed the SPARK pilot to connect students with behavioral health services. AI in Care Delivery: AtlantiCare CEO Michael Charlton discussed how health systems should measure AI returns, focusing on operational gains like productivity and avoiding staffing growth. Drug and Device Updates: Lupin got tentative FDA approval for an apixaban oral suspension made at its Somerset, NJ facility; Lantheus dosed the first patient in a prostate cancer PET imaging trial; Oryzon’s EMA greenlight starts a Phase II study for Phelan-McDermid syndrome. Elder Care Leadership: Trinity Health LIFE NJ named Amanda Laarz executive director for its PACE program serving older adults at home. Public Health Alert: Galil Importing recalled ground cinnamon sold in NJ and other states due to elevated lead levels. Community Health & Wellness: A Jersey City brewery, Departed Soles, highlights gluten-free craft beer production for people with celiac disease.

Storm & Safety: A powerful nor’easter is battering the Northeast for a second day, bringing renewed flooding to low-lying areas in New Jersey and New York City, knocking out power for tens of thousands, and disrupting travel along the coast. Food Safety: The FDA is recalling more than 330 pounds of Buckhead tuna distributed across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Maryland after testing found elevated toxin levels that can cause food poisoning. Public Health Policy: New Jersey’s attorney general is part of a coalition of 22 states opposing a Trump administration proposal to impose a $100,000 H-1B visa tax, arguing it would harm states’ ability to fill shortages in critical health and service roles. Community Health & Access: A debate in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District highlighted healthcare and cost pressures, with candidates clashing over tariffs, gas prices, and broader policy priorities. Lead Alert: Galil Importing Corp recalled a specific lot of Lior Cinnamon Ground seasoning sold in New Jersey and other states after elevated lead levels were detected.

Food Safety: FDA says nearly 333 pounds of Buckhead tuna are being recalled in New Jersey and four other states after NJ Department of Health testing found elevated scombrotoxin linked to scombroid food poisoning; the recall is Class II and remains ongoing. Public Health & Utilities: A Hoboken boil-water advisory affecting part of the city was lifted after repairs and follow-up water quality testing met regulatory standards. Pharma Oversight: Zydus Lifesciences reports a U.S. FDA onsite inspection of its pharmacovigilance and post-marketing surveillance system at its New Jersey office ended with nil observations. Weather & Health Risks: A powerful nor’easter is battering the Northeast with flooding and outages, with the storm’s worst impacts expected to linger into Sunday—an issue that can quickly affect access to care and safe water. Dental Care: A consumer health explainer notes receding gums generally don’t grow back on their own, and treatment depends on the cause and severity. Local Politics & Health Policy: A NJ debate is set for Sunday night in the 7th Congressional District, with affordability a key issue for voters.

Food Safety Alert: FDA warns people not to eat, sell, or serve La Serranita frozen black clams from Ecuador after a hepatitis A outbreak tied to the product sickened 37 people and hospitalized most of them; CDC says raw or undercooked clams may be the cause, and the clams may have reached restaurants and retailers in NJ and other states. Recall Watch: A New Jersey seafood company recalled nearly 333 pounds of tuna distributed across five states after high scombrotoxin levels were found, raising risk of scombroid poisoning. Lead in Pantry Staples: Galil Importing recalled Lior Cinnamon Ground Seasoning sold in NJ and five other states after testing found elevated lead; no illnesses reported. Public Health & Care: Hackensack Meridian Health received a $125 million anonymous gift to expand Jersey Shore University Medical Center, including a pavilion named for former HMH co-CEO John K. Lloyd. Storm Readiness: JCP&L is monitoring a nor’easter and urging NJ residents to prepare for possible power outages and flooding. Regulatory Update: Zydus Lifesciences said an FDA inspection of its NJ pharmacovigilance system closed with nil observations. Medicare Oversight: CMS cut off payments to 11 providers suspected of fraudulently billing Medicare Advantage for durable medical equipment, including cases involving deceased patients.

Food Safety: FDA issued a recall for Galil Importing’s Lior ground cinnamon sold in six states, including New Jersey, after Maryland testing found elevated lead levels; consumers are told to stop using the product (UPC 794711005484, lot GAP11304) and discard or return it. More Recall News: USDA also announced a recall of ready-to-eat Sempio Korean ginseng chicken stew imported from South Korea after it was shipped without required import reinspection; distribution included New Jersey, and officials say no illnesses have been confirmed. Healthcare Fraud Watch: CMS cut off payments to 11 providers suspected of fraudulently billing Medicare Advantage for durable medical equipment, including cases involving claims tied to deceased patients; the agency says it stopped $24 million, with no criminal charges announced. NJ Health & Philanthropy: Hackensack Meridian Health received a $125 million anonymous gift to expand Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, including a pavilion named for longtime HMH leader John K. Lloyd. Public Health Policy: New Jersey’s attorney general announced that certain synthetic kratom-related compounds will become illegal to possess and sell in the state under a temporary federal order. Medicare Access: CMS also moved to cut off suspected Medicare Advantage billing, underscoring tighter scrutiny for providers.

Food Safety: Galil Importing recalls Lior ground cinnamon in NJ and other states after elevated lead levels were found; no illnesses reported, but consumers are urged not to eat it. Public Health & Access: New Jersey-related legal fallout continues as patients sue GLP-1 drugmakers over alleged vision loss, with one New Jersey court case tied to Ozempic/Wegovy claims. Medicaid Watch: Attorney General Ford joined a coalition opposing a proposed CMS rule that could threaten Medicaid funding and interfere with state health insurance oversight. Health Data Security: Multistate settlement with Labcorp over a 2019 data breach highlights ongoing pressure on companies handling sensitive patient information. Climate Resilience: Burlington County will partner with NJDEP and municipalities on a Southwest Pinelands climate change resiliency study focused on wildfire, storms, heat, and flooding. Community Health Events: BlowUpRadio.com’s 19th annual Banding Together webathon raises funds for spondylitis research and support. Storm Preparedness: East Coast braces for an early-season nor’easter with coastal flooding and strong winds expected to hit NJ. AI & Education: Kean University launches New Jersey’s first AI bachelor’s major, with coursework spanning AI ethics and health care applications.

Hepatitis A Outbreak: CDC says a multi-state outbreak tied to imported frozen blood clams has grown to 37 cases across four states, with New York hardest hit; the FDA safety alert remains in effect for La Serranita-brand concha negra. Vaccine Guidance Fight: NJ Attorney General Matt Nessel joined a coalition urging HHS to keep federal vaccine recommendations science-based, warning recent changes are creating confusion and could lower vaccination rates. ACA Coverage in NJ: After a federal move that could cut Affordable Care Act subsidies for some enrollees, New Jersey says residents using its own Get Covered New Jersey marketplace won’t be affected. Generic Drug Antitrust Claims: North Carolina AG Jeff Jackson urged eligible residents to claim compensation from settlements over alleged generic drug price-fixing—part of a broader multistate effort. Health Research: A new study in Gut suggests inflammatory bowel disease immune changes may begin up to a decade before symptoms, pointing to earlier risk identification. Public Health & Food Safety: Organic applesauce and cinnamon seasoning recalls highlight ongoing contamination concerns.

Addiction Care Milestone (NJ): RWJBarnabas Health marked 10 years of its Tackling Addiction Task Force and Peer Recovery Program, noting 150,000 patient referrals since 2016 and renewed focus on recovery support. Public Health & Environment (NJ): Rutgers researchers found lead-contaminated soil can drive dangerous indoor lead dust levels—even in homes without lead paint—highlighting risks for children in East Trenton. Food Safety (NJ): Wakefern recalled Wholesome Pantry organic unsweetened applesauce after FDA testing found high patulin from mold; no illnesses reported. Mental Health (College Sports): A Rutgers-led study found nearly 2 in 5 NCAA athletes reported suicidal thoughts, urging required mental health services and suicide prevention training. Health Data Breach Settlement (Multi-state): DOJ announced a $2.3M multistate settlement with Labcorp over a data breach tied to AMCA, with stronger vendor-management requirements. Healthcare Access (Regional): Penn and Independence Blue Cross formed a new company to open ambulatory surgery centers aimed at lower-cost care. Community Support (Jersey City): LeFrak and Simon families expanded a $1M pledge to $2M for 40 Jersey City nonprofits, adding $1M annually for five more years.

Suicide Prevention in NJ: A new op-ed argues New Jersey must move beyond awareness and fund real suicide prevention steps, citing about 700 NJ suicides a year and the need for better support for veterans, first responders, and others facing trauma. Measles Tracking Gap: CDC now lists one measles death nationwide without naming the person or location, while Pennsylvania reports four measles-associated deaths—leaving families with conflicting counts during a growing outbreak. Public Health Safety on the Shore: Belmar and Manasquan officials are warning residents after syringes washed ashore during high tide; local leaders say don’t touch needles and are running beach sweeps while experts try to trace sources. Exercise & Brain Health: A Rutgers-linked study finds aerobic exercise four days a week for six months improved executive function in postmenopausal women versus stretching/toning. Healthcare Leadership: Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and RWJUH named Dr. Daniel J. Egan as chair of Emergency Medicine. Diabetes Care Access: Medically Modern says it was added to Florida Blue’s closed network to supply insulin pumps and CGMs statewide. Workplace Safety: OSHA fined ModWash $446,864 over lockout/tagout and noise-control failures at NJ car wash locations.

HIV Brain Research: Rutgers Health and Weill Cornell Medicine won $3 million from the National Institute of Mental Health to study how HIV affects the brain and to build actionable neuroHIV biomarkers. Cancer Care Update: Elevar Therapeutics says the FDA approved LYRFIGTU (lirafugratinib) for second-line cholangiocarcinoma with FGFR2 fusion or other rearrangements, with availability expected by Q4 2026. Mental Health & Medication: A Journal of Clinical Psychiatry study suggests alternative maintenance dosing strategies for paliperidone palmitate could help people with schizophrenia manage treatment more flexibly. Public Health Watch: CDC is investigating 37 hepatitis A cases in four states tied to imported frozen clams, with 30 hospitalizations reported. Community Health & Environment: Save the Sound’s 2026 Long Island Sound report card finds water quality improved or stable across most regions, with the Eastern Narrows rated B. Workforce Training: County College of Morris is launching a paid apprenticeship model for data science and AI training with a U.S. Department of Labor grant.

Maternal Mental Health: A new Rutgers-led study in JAMA Network Open links postpartum depressive symptoms in New Jersey to nearly triple the risk of infant death before age 1, underscoring the need for timely screening and mental health support. GLP-1 Safety Scrutiny: Lawsuits across the U.S. allege Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound caused a rare but serious eye condition that can lead to permanent vision loss, adding pressure on regulators and manufacturers. Food & Supplement Safety: The FDA posted a second recall for Niwali-brand tejocote supplements after testing found the products appear to contain yellow oleander, a heart-toxic plant; the recall highlights how online third-party sales can leave buyers hard to reach. Care Access & Coverage: A federal court permanently blocked Trump administration SNAP eligibility guidance that would have limited benefits for certain lawfully present immigrants, protecting access to food assistance. Local Health System Watch: Hackensack Meridian Health CEO Robert Garrett is set to retire in 2027, with discussion of how hospital consolidation can both expand services and raise concerns about cost and patient choice. Community Health: Southern Ocean Medical Center’s cardiology growth is highlighted by a major donor push to expand cardiac care capacity.

Food Safety: Wakefern Food Corp. is recalling Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce jars after FDA testing found excessive patulin, a mold toxin. The recall covers 23-ounce jars with specific UPC and a best-by date of June 16, 2027; no illnesses were reported. Environmental Health: NJDEP says it found no evidence linking Keyport residents’ cancer reports to the former Aeromarine landfill, after testing and review of possible exposure routes. Public Health & Policy: Seattle’s City Council passed a law to ban personalized grocery pricing based on consumer data, a move that could affect how essential items are priced nationwide. Healthcare Costs: Pennsylvania’s ACA marketplace Pennie approved average 16% rate increases for individual plans for 2027 (NJ’s Get Covered New Jersey rates not yet released). Food Safety (NJ-linked): Buckhead Meat Company recalled tuna distributed in NJ due to scombroid poisoning risk. Health Coverage Legal Fight: Attorney General Kwame Raoul won a court order blocking federal changes that would have gutted access to social services and health programs for low-income families. Local Health Infrastructure: NJ fined a Vineland data center $1.07M for operating 62 large generators without required permits.