AGP Executive Report

Medicare Prior Authorization in NJ-area care: A new Medicare AI-driven prior approval pilot is causing patients to face extra steps and delays for certain services, with one man reporting unexpected preapproval requirements for an epidural and a third visit request he skipped. Health Tech Education: Rutgers School of Nursing is partnering with Caregility to add virtual care training to undergraduate nursing education, aiming to close gaps in telehealth instruction. Clinical Research Update (UC): Merck reported positive Phase 3 results for tulisokibart (anti-TL1A) in ulcerative colitis, meeting remission at week 12 with no new safety concerns. Public Health Alert (Rabies): Somerset County warned after a raccoon tested positive for rabies; exposed, vaccinated dogs are quarantined and residents are urged to avoid wild animals and seek care after bites/scratches. Medical Device Recall: Becton Dickinson issued a voluntary recall of select skin preparation applicators due to potential fungal contamination. Community Wellness via Sports: NFL PLAY 60 brought youth activity programming to North Bergen, with Giants QB Jameis Winston joining drills to promote daily movement.

Drug Safety: The FDA recalled about 11,460 bottles of chlorthalidone (25 mg) after failed dissolution testing, with distribution tied to New Jersey-based Rising Pharma Holdings—patients are urged to check batch and expiration details and contact a pharmacist or doctor. Foodborne Illness: A listeria outbreak linked to Clover Hill Dairy cheese has caused one death and eight hospitalizations across Maryland, New York, and Virginia, prompting a broad recall that may have reached New Jersey retailers and distributors. Health Workforce & Care Delivery: Rutgers School of Nursing is partnering with Caregility to add virtual care training to undergraduate nursing education, aiming to close a telehealth curriculum gap. Local Health Access: A new free dental clinic opened on Brookdale Community College’s campus, funded through a state-supported partnership meant to expand oral care for uninsured Monmouth County residents. Public Health & Weather: Ahead of the Norway–Senegal World Cup match at MetLife Stadium, a flood watch covered parts of NYC and New Jersey, with FIFA coordinating with medical and emergency authorities. NJ Health & Biotech Growth: Elevar Therapeutics announced first patient dosing in a Phase 2 study of lirafugratinib for FGFR2 fusion/rearrangement solid tumors, underscoring ongoing New Jersey-area life sciences momentum.

Budget Negotiations: Gov. Mikie Sherrill is signaling she may allow some “pork” spending to be added to her $60.7 billion NJ budget only if other cuts offset it, as lawmakers race to finalize a deal before the June 30 deadline. Medication Safety: The FDA announced a nationwide recall of duloxetine (generic Cymbalta) after tests found elevated levels of a potentially cancer-causing chemical; New Jersey-based Breckenridge Pharmaceuticals is recalling specific lots distributed across the country. Water & Beach Health: Elevated fecal bacteria levels are triggering beach closures and swimming advisories in multiple states, with health risks ranging from GI illness to skin and respiratory infections. Cannabis Access Delays: Cannabis “social consumption” lounges are still waiting on supplemental licenses and local approvals, leaving some operators out of the opening window months after regulations passed. Healthcare Logistics: Fujifilm opened a new endoscopy warehouse in Fairfield, NJ, aiming to expand service capacity and support growing demand. Workplace Wellness Trend: A viral “natural Ozempic” gelatin drink is being promoted online; a NJ dietitian says it may increase fullness temporarily, but experts warn against treating it like proven weight-loss medication.

Beach & Water Safety: NJ DEP issued swimming advisories at five coastal spots in Ocean and Cape May counties after fecal bacteria/enterococci levels exceeded standards, urging families to check local alerts before entering the water. Medication Recall: Inventia Healthcare recalled about 11,460 bottles of chlorthalidone tablets (25 mg) distributed by a New Jersey firm after tablets failed dissolution specifications; patients are told not to stop without talking to a clinician. Medicare Access Watch: CMS’s WISeR prior-authorization pilot for certain traditional Medicare services—using AI in reviews—has drawn criticism over possible delays and denials, including in New Jersey. Heat Preparedness: Newark renewed its Code Red heat emergency, opening cooling centers and shelters as the heat index climbed above 100°F. Wellness in Public: Nearly 10,000 people joined International Day of Yoga sessions at Times Square under “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.” Public Health Research: A Rutgers-linked study reports GLP-1 drugs may be associated with lower risk of violent behavior, adding to growing interest in how these meds affect impulses.

Vaccine Access Policy: New Jersey moved to protect immunization guidance from shifting federal rules, with a new state approach aimed at keeping families and providers from getting stuck in confusion over what’s covered and recommended. Microplastics & Heart Risk: New research links microplastics-laden plaque in neck arteries to higher odds of stroke, heart attack, and sudden death, adding pressure for stronger regulation. Beach Safety: Health officials issued advisories and closures tied to high bacteria and sewage contamination, including multiple New Jersey beach sites. Public Health in Action: Camden County launched a Veterans Will Clinic offering free legal documents like advance directives and powers of attorney for eligible military members and veterans. Injury Care Trend: A Wayne clinic is promoting non-surgical shockwave therapy for chronic tendon pain as an alternative to repeated cortisone shots. Opioid Response: An off-duty New Jersey EMT revived an overdose victim at the Knicks parade using Narcan. Aviation Incident: A small plane crash-landed in a North Jersey pond; the pilot escaped without injury.

Tendon Care Shift: A Wayne, NJ clinic is promoting FDA-cleared shockwave therapy for chronic heel, Achilles, and patellar tendon pain as an alternative to repeated cortisone shots and before surgery. Assisted Suicide Watch: A roundup of major U.S. assisted-suicide court cases highlights how the debate keeps splitting states and courts. Hospital Closure Fight: A judge vacated a TRO involving NJDOH and Jersey City’s Heights University Hospital closure, keeping the dispute in motion. CPR Training Push: FIFA and the American Heart Association are bringing hands-only CPR education to World Cup 2026 fan events, including the New York/New Jersey fan zone. Medicaid Spending Snapshot (NJ): New data show local Medicaid billing changes—from Woodbine’s alcohol and drug abuse treatment claims rising to $690,754 (2024) and Burlington’s ambulance/transport claims up 39%—plus multiple other community-level increases across categories. Public Health Environment: Microplastics monitoring gets a boost as NJ joins a multi-state AG push urging more EPA oversight of drinking-water risks.

School Health Policy: The School District of Lancaster (PA) moved to halt mandatory drug testing for most job candidates, calling the practice outdated and unfairly targeting marijuana users, with a possible shift to case-by-case requirements for safety-sensitive roles. Public Health Alerts: Multiple states, including New Jersey, reported high bacteria levels at beaches leading to closures or swim advisories—an issue that can raise illness risk, especially for kids and older adults. Infectious Disease Watch: The CDC measles tracker shows 2,104 confirmed cases across 41 jurisdictions in 2026, with New Jersey among the affected areas and most cases tied to ongoing outbreaks. Health Care & Access: A new partnership expands physician-led ENT and allergy care via Align ENT + Allergy, adding Michigan Ear Institute and Lakeshore ENT and extending services into Ohio. Livestock Health: New York livestock producers are urged to prepare for the Asian longhorned tick, which has been expanding northward since first detected in New Jersey in 2017. Community Health Moment: An NJ EMT, Simone Kelly, is being praised for using Narcan to revive a man during the New York Knicks championship parade.

Medicare AI Prior Authorization: A new Medicare pilot in six states, including New Jersey, uses AI-driven reviews that can delay or deny certain procedures—raising concerns about access to care for seniors. Sickle Cell Awareness: New Jersey’s Sickle Cell Association highlights ongoing needs, including frequent transfusions and limited eligibility for newer gene therapies. Drug Safety Recall: Breckenridge Pharmaceuticals is recalling duloxetine (generic Cymbalta) lots after testing found high levels of a cancer-causing compound, urging patients not to stop meds without a clinician. Housing Strain for Seniors: Ocean County seniors are warning that rent hikes are pushing older adults into vehicles or storage units, with fixed incomes unable to absorb increases. Local Health Care in Action: WXPN Musicians On Call expanded to Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation in the Philadelphia area, bringing bedside live music to support recovery. World Cup Health Angle: Coverage notes heat stress and hydration concerns during the tournament, with New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium also drawing player complaints about field conditions. Congress Update: NJ Rep. Tom Kean Jr. is set to return to Washington June 30 after months away for an undisclosed medical issue.

Telehealth Pay Equity: New Jersey lawmakers advanced a bill to keep doctors’ reimbursement the same for in-person and video visits, aiming to reduce barriers as telehealth demand grows. Food Security Push: Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed a school meals bill requiring prominent online info for free/reduced meals and announced Summer EBT for more than 681,000 eligible children. Public Health & Safety: Essex County is using GIS and predictive modeling to target rodent “hot spots,” while New Jersey beach advisories were issued after high fecal bacteria levels were found at multiple sites. Sickle Cell Milestone: Hackensack University Medical Center highlighted gene-therapy and transplant cures at an event celebrating young “sickle cell warriors” now living without the disease. Medical Product Updates: FDA advisers backed Moderna’s mRNA flu vaccine for adults 50+, and Merck won an expanded FDA indication for CAPVAXIVE for higher-risk children and teens. GLP-1 & Violence Research: A Rutgers study found current GLP-1 users had weaker links between impulsivity and violence risk factors, though researchers stressed it’s not proof of reduced violence. Cybersecurity in Pharma: Novo Nordisk faces a proposed negligence class action in New Jersey federal court over alleged inadequate data security tied to a cyber extortion incident.

GLP-1 & behavior: A Rutgers study reports people taking GLP-1 weight-loss/diabetes drugs show lower levels of impulsivity-linked behaviors tied to violence, though researchers stress the work is observational. Public health & food safety: Clover Hill Dairy expanded a recall to all its cheese products over possible Listeria contamination, warning of serious risk for pregnant people, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. Infectious disease watch: NJ-linked reporting highlights H5N1 activity in dairy cattle (including Idaho) and continued spread signals in birds, keeping avian flu on the radar. Community health event: Bristol Myers Squibb is hosting a free “Kickoff for Community Health” in Trenton with a health fair and free groceries. Local health & safety: A 6-year-old in Ocean County recovered after a painful sting from an invasive clinging jellyfish in the Metedeconk River. Health policy & accountability: NJ lawmakers ask the state attorney general to investigate Newark’s plan to grant lifetime health benefits to an outgoing councilman. Immigration detention conditions: New reporting continues to raise alarms about medical care and conditions at ICE facilities, including accounts of worsening panic attacks without treatment.

Food & Health Warning: Doctors are sounding alarms about “dirty soda,” a trend that can pack 55–70 grams of sugar per serving—more than double daily added-sugar limits—turning a drink into a dessert-like sugar bomb. Public Health & Safety: NJ DEP says high bacteria levels have led to a closure at Beesley’s Point Beach and swim advisories at eight other beaches, with officials urging extra caution for kids, seniors, and immunocompromised swimmers. Care Access in Crisis: Jersey City Medical Center reports increased patient volume after Hudson Regional Health’s Heights University Hospital closure, as the city’s hospital capacity tightens. Mental Health Costs: Princeton University is cutting reimbursement rates for external mental health clinicians starting Aug. 1, citing budget pressures tied to endowment projections. Sun Protection for a Hot Summer: As World Cup crowds head to MetLife Stadium, Hackensack Meridian Health is pushing sun-safety efforts, highlighting a new FDA-approved sunscreen ingredient. Local Mobility: Jersey City’s Via microtransit program is at risk as the city can’t afford its $7.7 million annual subsidy—raising concerns for residents who rely on it for work, school, and care.

GLP-1 & violence risk: Rutgers researchers report that people currently using GLP-1 meds (like Ozempic/Wegovy) show a weaker link between impulsivity and violent behavior than former users, though the study isn’t proof of cause. Sleep & longer days: A new survey finds many New Jersey-area adults feel sleepiness affects mood, stress, and productivity as daylight stretches routines later. Dirty soda warning: Dietitian Erin Palinski-Wade says “dirty sodas” can pack 55–70 grams of sugar per serving—more like dessert than a drink—raising blood sugar and chronic disease concerns. NJ health access & oversight: Newark pulled a plan to grant an outgoing councilman lifetime health benefits, after lawmakers sought state review. ICE detention scrutiny: Protesters and advocates say retaliation continues during the Delaney Hall hunger/labor strike, with claims of restricted calls, supplies, and transfers. Public health in the water: NJ officials warn about clinging jellyfish stings, which can be severe and hard to spot.

Public Safety: A teen e-bike rider was killed in Southampton after being struck by a UPS truck, underscoring the stakes as New Jersey’s new e-bike rules (including age limits and helmet requirements) roll out July 1. Nutrition & Health: A “dirty soda” trend is drawing medical backlash for packing 55–70 grams of sugar per serving—more like dessert than a drink. Behavioral Health Research: Rutgers researchers report GLP-1 use (like Ozempic/Wegovy) is linked to a weaker connection between impulsivity and violent behavior, though they stress it’s early work. Infectious Disease: A CDC study highlights Rocky Mountain spotted fever can kill quickly, with survival tied to starting doxycycline within five days of symptoms. Community Health Funding: RWJBarnabas Health awarded $1.7M in Hudson County grants to tackle barriers to care and food insecurity. Workplace/Policy Watch: New laws in New York and New Jersey take effect in July, including changes affecting health coverage and workplace rules. Violence Update: Five women were injured in a Jersey City acid attack, and investigators say it may be targeted.

Food Safety: FDA upgraded a pasta sauce recall to Class I after Salmonella contamination risk spread across 41 states, including products distributed to restaurants and institutions. Public Health & Nutrition: “Dirty soda” trend is drawing new warnings from NJ dietitians and doctors for extreme sugar loads—often 55 to 70 grams per serving—urging people to treat it like dessert, not a drink. Cancer Prevention: A new study reports GLP-1 drugs may cut the risk of four obesity-related cancers by 50% or more, adding to the debate over benefits beyond diabetes and weight loss. Mental Health Research: Rutgers researchers identified a gene variant that may run in families affected by schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and autism, using long-running Portuguese island data. Healthcare Access/Workforce: JAG Physical Therapy opened new Chester and Kearny clinics, expanding no-referral access for therapy up to 30 days. Community Health & Safety: Jersey City reported six women injured in an acid attack tied to a suspected targeted incident; one juvenile was taken into custody. Immigration Detention Oversight: House Homeland Security Democrats plan a Newark forum on Delaney Hall conditions, amid ongoing hunger and labor strikes.

Health Care Pay & Access: UnitedHealthcare is changing lactation billing so NJ home breastfeeding service providers can get paid only once per visit starting Sept. 1, threatening income for consultants who currently bill both mother and infant. Legal/Patient Safety: The NJ Supreme Court ruled a nonprofit community health center isn’t fully immune from negligence suits, limiting liability to a $250,000 cap under the state’s Charitable Immunity Act. Public Health & Food Safety: FDA recall alerts expanded for frozen pizza snacks in 21 states over possible metal contamination, and an Alfredo sauce recall was upgraded to the highest risk level in 41 states for possible salmonella contamination. Workplace/Community Health: A Paramus veterans home whistleblower alleges retaliation after reporting staffing deficiencies tied to a federal monitor. Environment & Health Policy: Republican AGs and NJ Rep. Chris Smith urged EPA to classify mifepristone as a water contaminant, despite experts saying there’s no proof of harm to waterways. Nutrition & Wellness: Doctors are warning about “dirty soda” drinks—high sugar, dessert-like calories—pushing them as occasional treats, not beverages. Addiction & Gambling: Slots gambling is drawing fresh scrutiny as online expansion and faster play raise addiction concerns in statehouses. Sports Medicine/Local Interest: Neymar’s World Cup debut remains in doubt after new tests on his injured right leg, with Brazil still preparing in Morristown, NJ. Health Systems & Costs: A federal court fight in Camden pits scrap-metal operator EMR against the city over a junkyard license suspension after a major fire.

FDA Recall Watch: New Jersey-based Breckenridge Pharmaceuticals is recalling duloxetine delayed-release capsules (Cymbalta) after tests found higher-than-permitted levels of a probable carcinogen; no illnesses reported, but the FDA classifies it as Class II. Drinking Water & Microplastics: AG Jeff Jackson praised EPA research on microplastics but urged mandatory monitoring in drinking water, warning risks could rise as concentrations increase. Weight-Loss Meds Planning: A medical explainer stresses GLP-1s work best with comprehensive, personalized care and ongoing monitoring—not as a standalone fix. Food Safety: A Listeria outbreak tied to Clover Hill Dairy ricotta has led to a multi-state cheese recall affecting New Jersey shoppers; consumers are told to check manufacturer permit numbers and discard listed products. Another Recall: Alfredo sauce sold in 41 states, including New Jersey, was upgraded to the highest-risk level over possible Salmonella contamination. Public Health Policy: Republican AGs and GOP lawmakers are urging EPA to classify mifepristone as a water contaminant, despite experts saying there’s no clear harm link. Local Health Access: Cooper University Health Care opened an LGBTQ+ clinic in South Jersey offering primary care, hormone care, and HIV prevention. Nutrition Warning: “Dirty soda” trends are drawing backlash for extreme sugar loads—often more like dessert than a beverage.