AGP Executive Report

ACA Coverage Fight: New Jersey and New York attorneys general sued to block a Trump administration CMS rule for 2027 that would expand “catastrophic” plans and raise out-of-pocket costs, arguing it will reduce coverage for millions. Maternal Health Watch: A CDC study found gestational hypertension rose in every state from 2016 to 2024, with one in ten pregnant women affected in 2024; New Jersey was among the states with lower rates but still part of the upward trend. Data Breach Risk: New Jersey-based CareCloud disclosed a breach impacting about 345,000 people after hackers accessed medical and financial data stored on AWS-hosted systems. Public Health Push: Walgreens began offering flu shots to kids 3 and older, aiming to get ahead of a severe flu season that saw tens of thousands of deaths nationwide. Local Health & Community: An 8-year-old in Stony Point raised celiac disease awareness by hiding glitter-decorated seashells with QR codes for donations to the Celiac Disease Foundation. Food Safety Alert: Philadelphia-area consumers are staying cautious as a cyclospora outbreak continues, with confirmed cases tied to iceberg lettuce products. Workplace Contract: Montclair approved a five-year police contract with retroactive raises, higher stipends, and a new paid Juneteenth holiday.

Food Safety: Philadelphia health officials say a cyclospora outbreak has reached 13 confirmed cases, keeping shoppers and grocers on alert as investigators track likely sources. Public Health & Behavior: A new look at GLP-1 weight-loss drugs highlights puzzling reports of changes beyond appetite—some users say impulse control and alcohol cravings shift too. NJ Health Access: Harmony Care Finder launched a free, human-guided concierge to help New Jersey families find and verify ABA therapy and autism care, aiming to cut waitlist and paperwork stress. Infectious Disease Risk: New Jersey residents were reminded about rabies exposure after a rabid bat was found in a home attic, leading to monitoring for three cats. Health Policy & Legal: A federal judge blocked New York from enforcing parts of its assisted-dying law against Catholic ministries while a lawsuit proceeds. Community Health: A Hewitt man was charged in a fatal crash tied to driving with a suspended license, underscoring ongoing road-safety concerns.

Legal/Health Policy: A federal judge dismissed DOJ’s bid to force Illinois to hand over voter rolls, underscoring limits on federal power over state-run systems. Public Health & Safety: New Jersey reported a rabid bat in a Haddonfield home; no people were exposed, but three vaccinated cats now face 45-day monitoring and boosters. Food & Waste: NJ’s “Skip the Stuff” law took effect Saturday, requiring diners to request single-use utensils, napkins, straws and condiments only if they want them—shifting defaults for both in-store and delivery orders. Medicaid Watch: Medicaid spending data show Park Ridge billed $1,053 for “medicine services and procedures” in 2024 (up 4.2% from 2023), while Cranford’s pathology/lab services rose 44.7% to $897. Health Care Access/Allergies: FDA allergy updates highlighted in recent coverage include expanded pediatric use of Ryaltris for seasonal allergic rhinitis and major shifts after Palforzia’s discontinuation. Infectious Disease: Experts flagged a rare Bourbon virus risk after a first NY case, with no vaccine and limited treatment options—prompting stronger tick-prevention messaging.

EMS Readiness: Nine New Jersey counties exceeded the state’s 15-minute recommended average response time for 911 EMS, with Warren County worst at 22 minutes and Sussex at 20, raising concerns about access to timely emergency care. Tick Season Watch: A new national look at tick expansion links warmer winters and more deer to rising tick-bite illness risk, including Lyme and Alpha-gal, urging practical prevention. Hospital Quality Improvement: A nurse-led initiative at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson cut unplanned extubations in its medical ICU and sustained the improvement for five years. FDA Recall Alert (Botulism Risk): The FDA updated a recall for Brooklyn Roasting Company pasteurized cold brew concentrate sold in NJ, warning improper storage could allow botulinum toxin formation. Public Health & Environment: New Jersey reported West Nile virus in mosquito samples from 12 counties, with officials urging residents to avoid bites and reduce breeding areas. Legal/Health Policy: NJ joined a multistate lawsuit challenging a federal Affordable Care Act rule that could raise costs and reduce coverage for millions.

ACA Legal Fight: New Jersey and other state attorneys general are suing to block a federal HHS/CMS rule that would make Affordable Care Act coverage more expensive and harder to get, including changes that expand catastrophic plans and raise out-of-pocket costs. Rural Health Funding: NJ announced $83 million in first-round federal rural health grants, including a $21.8 million award for the state’s Center for Equity and Wellbeing to strengthen rural infrastructure, workforce, and chronic disease prevention. Medicaid Work Requirements: A federal judge denied a bid to pause new Medicaid work rules, setting a Jan. 1 implementation deadline for states. Public Health Alerts: CDC data show 3,586 babesiosis cases in 2023, with NJ reporting 406—highlighting the late-summer tick risk. Food Safety: Lidl expanded a recall of Eridanous shortbread cookies due to undeclared wheat, soy, milk, egg, and coconut allergens from foreign-language packaging. Local Health & Safety: Cranford officials are asking for help after more than 150 box turtles were illegally dumped near a river. Water Safety: Two Barnegat Bay crashes injured two people, with Coast Guard airlifts involved.

PFAS Accountability Fight: The Southern Environmental Law Center says EPA’s proposed Chemours PFAS settlement would let the company off the hook without strong cleanup or enforceable protections, keeping communities stuck with contamination. Infection Care Gaps: A national survey finds wide variation in how clinicians diagnose and treat C. diff, with inconsistent testing and antibiotic choices and calls for more standardization. Colorectal Screening Misuse: Rutgers research finds many people don’t follow instructions for at-home FIT colon cancer tests, with more advanced cancers showing up among those who never repeat screening. Eczema Treatment Rethink: A new evidence review concludes antihistamines don’t meaningfully help eczema itch for most patients and may cause cognitive side effects. NJ Health & Safety in Schools: Plainfield rolls out “Phones Down, Minds Up” ahead of New Jersey’s statewide school-day device ban, with medical and IEP accommodations noted. Local Health News: A Mercer County civil lawsuit alleges a doctor sexually abused dozens of women over a decade. Public Health Tech: Cognizant launches an EMEA AI unit to help enterprises move agentic AI from pilots to production. Community Health Reminder: Newark is urging families to start the school year with dental checkups.

Food Safety Alerts: Lidl is recalling Eridanous shortbread cookies sold in NJ and other states after foreign-language packaging failed to list major allergens in English (wheat, soy, milk, egg), raising serious reaction risk for people with sensitivities. Food Safety—Botulism Risk: FDA says more than 3,000 gallons of cold brew distributed in New Jersey and New York were recalled due to possible botulinum contamination from storage conditions. Health Care Fraud: A federal indictment alleges a New Jersey eye surgery center gave patients duplicative or unnecessary eye tests, with claims tied to kickbacks and referrals. Home Health Policy: Gov. Sherrill signed a law easing Medicaid reporting and audit rules for smaller NJ home care providers, raising the independent-audit trigger to $500,000. Maternal Health: CDC reports pregnancy hypertension affects about 1 in 10 U.S. mothers, up sharply since 2016. Public Health Tech: CareCloud says hundreds of thousands received breach notices after hackers accessed NJ-based systems storing medical records. Community & Care: A new NJ nonprofit, the Mia Joy Foundation, received 501(c)(3) status to support NICU families through grief and logistics. PFAS Fight: NJ leaders joined court opposition to an EPA-Chemours PFAS deal, arguing it won’t adequately address contamination.

Mental Health Care: Mindful Care (Kearny) is partnering with NeuroKaire to add a blood-draw “brain biology” test to antidepressant prescribing, aiming to reduce trial-and-error for depression. Health Fraud: Federal prosecutors say a New Jersey eye care founder ran an eight-year Medicare scheme involving diagnostic tests that, prosecutors allege, were never reviewed and were unnecessary for surgery decisions. Drug Policy & Access: Arkansas pharmacy regulators voted not to enforce a 2025 law limiting which pharmacies can buy drugs after a federal judge ruled it unconstitutional—part of a broader fight over state drug access rules. Women’s Health & Legal: Johnson & Johnson agreed to a proposed $5.5B settlement covering about 76,000 talc ovarian cancer claims, including many remaining cases consolidated in New Jersey. Clinical Research: Penn and CHOP researchers report new findings on how human kidneys develop in utero, pointing to IGF2 as a key signal for sustaining kidney stem-like cells. Public Health: A new federal audit found many children in foster care were temporarily placed in hotels and other unlicensed settings when states couldn’t find approved options, with older kids and those with complex needs hit hardest. Local Health & Safety: Trenton police leaders tout accreditation improvements, but a CBS investigation reports a recent uptick in officers using force and ongoing civil-rights concerns raised by defense attorneys.

Health Fraud & Enforcement: DOJ says it resolved a health care fraud probe into New Jersey-linked Campus Eye Management Holdings, declining prosecution after self-disclosure and cooperation, while separately indicting the optometry practice founder over alleged unnecessary diagnostic testing and kickback schemes. Food Safety: Lidl expanded a shortbread cookie recall after packages lacked English allergen and ingredient labeling, with undeclared wheat, soy, milk and eggs; FDA also flagged an ice cream recall in multiple states for foreign material. Cardiology Care: A new analysis finds early TAVI for asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis could be cost-effective across nine European health systems. Public Health Research: Rutgers-Newark reports a “three-alarm” dementia crisis signal after screening Black seniors in Newark-area public housing, with many showing severe memory decline and dementia signs. Mental Health/Immigration: An ACLU of New Jersey notice of claim says a Kean University nurse was violently shoved by ICE agents outside Delaney Hall, alleging lasting injuries. Policy & Environment: NJ Attorney General Brown opposes EPA’s proposed rollback of PFAS drinking-water limits. Clinical Tech: RWJBarnabas and Rutgers researchers report an AI tool that may detect patient deterioration earlier and reduce hospital deaths.

Food Safety Watch: Ocean County Health Department is urging residents to protect themselves from food-borne illnesses this summer, flagging cyclosporiasis as a national concern while noting New Jersey has no known clusters or outbreaks so far. Public Health & Legal Accountability: Johnson & Johnson announced a proposed $5.5 billion talc settlement to resolve tens of thousands of ovarian cancer lawsuits tied to about 76,000 claims, with acceptance needed from law firms representing 95% of claimants. NJ Consumer Protection: The New Jersey Supreme Court reversed a long-standing rule that had shielded insurance brokers from the state Consumer Fraud Act, a change that could expand lawsuits for policyholders. Health Care Access in NJ: Wakefern plans to open a centralized pharmacy fulfillment center in Jamesburg to support ShopRite and The Fresh Grocer pharmacies, aiming to streamline dispensing and improve patient care. Mental Health for First Responders: A Pasadena firefighter is set to enter a charity boxing event this fall to raise funds for first responder mental health support through Next Rung. Infectious Disease Monitoring: NJ officials are keeping close watch as the national Cyclospora outbreak continues, while public health experts say past coverage exposed a communications failure. Local Safety Alert: Gloucester County officials are searching for a second raccoon after a rabies-positive attack involving a raccoon outside a Glassboro home.

Food Safety: Lidl recalled Eridanous Shortbread Cookies after packaging listed ingredients in a foreign language, leaving four major allergens (wheat, soy, milk, eggs) undeclared in English; the recall covers sales from July 15–22 across multiple East Coast states including New Jersey. Public Health & Care Access: Shionogi’s New Jersey-based subsidiary says the FDA has approved XOCOVA (ensitrelvir) in the U.S. as an oral COVID-19 post-exposure prevention option for adults and teens 12+ after contact. Health Policy: Pennsylvania insurers are seeking average 17% premium increases for Pennie ACA plans in 2027, citing rising medical and drug costs; New Jersey’s Get Covered NJ rate requests were not yet released. Community Health Risk: Keyport residents near a former landfill and Aeromarine plant are reviewing groundwater testing that found multiple chemicals and PFAS above DEP standards, as families await more on whether it’s linked to a cancer cluster. Medical Transparency: The Leapfrog Group says a record number of hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers are publicly rated for patient safety, with participation topping 80% of U.S. inpatient beds. Local Health Leadership: UTHealth Houston named Dr. Kevin Schulz as EMS physician director for the City of Houston, with roots in New Jersey EMS. Biotech & Research: NJII president Michael Johnson is stepping down to launch Multiplex Bio, which will acquire Standard BioTools’ mass cytometry business.

Mental Health Access: New Jersey’s planned 988 crisis response centers in Essex and Bergen are still stuck in limbo because of funding gaps, with other sites in Camden, Monmouth and Morris also unclear—despite hotline demand tripling to more than 180,000 calls a year. Public Health & Research: Rutgers researchers report preliminary signs that eating within a nine-hour window and avoiding food for four hours before bed may help protect against cognitive decline in older age. Sexual Health: A large lab-based study links bacterial vaginosis to higher odds of concurrent STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas and Mycoplasma genitalium. Cancer & Pharma: Johnson & Johnson has proposed a $5.5 billion settlement to resolve ovarian cancer talc lawsuits, covering about 76,000 claims consolidated in New Jersey, with final approval tied to 95% claimant participation. Local Health Philanthropy: George Norcross III is donating $100 million to Cooper University Health Care, the largest gift in the system’s history, aimed at education and community programs in Camden and South Jersey. Care After Incarceration: The New Jersey Reentry Corporation says it has helped more than 31,000 participants statewide, focusing on credentials, job pathways and restoring key documents.

Talc Litigation: Johnson & Johnson agreed to a proposed $5.5 billion settlement to resolve tens of thousands of lawsuits over asbestos-contaminated talc products, covering about 69,000 cases consolidated in federal court in New Jersey, with the deal still needing judge approval. Food Safety: The FDA recalled about 3,000 gallons of Brooklyn Roasting Company pasteurized cold brew concentrate due to botulism risk, including bottles distributed in New Jersey and New York. Infectious Disease: Delaware County, Pennsylvania launched a back-to-school mobile measles vaccination push as cases climb nationwide, while CDC reporting shows Pennsylvania’s total rising sharply; officials stress vaccination for people who can get it, especially to protect infants and pregnant people. Public Health & Access: A New Jersey federal court filing says AbbVie and Ironwood want to block a generic constipation drug launch while patents are active, underscoring how drug access can hinge on litigation. Health Costs: A Rutgers-Eagleton poll finds many New Jersey residents pessimistic about the U.S. economy but more upbeat about their own finances, with younger, Black, and Hispanic residents reporting greater strain and cutting back on essentials including health care. School Health Insurance: An NJ panel approved some premium hikes for school retirees but delayed larger increases for current school workers pending a state treasurer review.

Opioid Funding Watch: A New Jersey analysis warns opioid settlement dollars can get misused through “supplantation,” meaning money intended to expand treatment and prevention may end up replacing existing budgets instead of adding new help. Food & Nutrition: Campbell’s is pushing its protein-forward Chunky Soup brand into frozen meals with Chunky Frozen Bowls, aiming at consumers leaning on higher-protein diets. Public Health & Safety: A New Jersey YMCA summer camp incident sickened 13 children after they reportedly ate mushroom-laced edibles, renewing calls for tighter food safety and supervision. Health Policy: A national report on rural health transformation tracks how states, including New Jersey, are using federal funding to expand access to care. Community Care: Elderly Savior Homecare in Orange, NJ highlights growth in home-based services for aging residents, with a focus on caregiver training and support. Workplace Health: A Rutgers-linked study on restricted eating hours suggests a possible dementia-risk link, adding to the debate over diet timing. Local Health Guidance: A NJ noise-control explainer reminds residents about decibel limits and landscaping hours to avoid disputes that can affect neighborhood well-being.

Cocaine Overdose in Wildwood: A 39-year-old New Jersey man was arrested after a 2-year-old overdosed on cocaine at a Jersey Shore Airbnb; the child was revived with Narcan and later tested positive for cocaine, while authorities say the boy was in his care when the mother showered. Camp Food Safety: Thirteen children were hospitalized after allegedly eating mushroom-laced edibles at a New Jersey YMCA summer camp, prompting police to investigate and raising questions about food-sharing rules at youth programs. Dementia Prevention Study: Rutgers researchers report that limiting eating to a shorter daytime window and avoiding food for about four hours before bed may improve memory and problem-solving in a small trial. Cyclospora Fallout in NJ: The national cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce continues to hit consumer confidence and local business traffic, with lawsuits now piling up against Taco Bell and Taylor Farms. Drug Recall Alert: New Jersey-based Rising Pharma announced a recall of cetirizine tablets due to possible contamination that could trigger severe reactions in people sensitive to ranitidine. Public Health & Safety: Doctors warn that high-speed e-bikes are driving more serious injuries, with some communities considering restrictions or bans.

Food Safety Recalls: Brooklyn Roasting Company recalled pasteurized cold brew concentrate sold in New York and New Jersey after improper room-temperature storage could allow botulism toxin to form; consumers are urged to check best-by dates and codes and throw it out or return it. Allergy Medication Recall: Rising Pharma Holdings and Unique Pharmaceutical Laboratories recalled specific lots of cetirizine hydrochloride tablets due to possible cross-contamination with ranitidine, warning of serious reactions for sensitive patients. Public Health—Camp Incident: East Orange police say 13 children at a YMCA summer camp became ill after eating chocolate suspected to be laced with hallucinogenic mushrooms; officials report the kids were stable on-site, with one child taken to a nearby hospital, and no charges filed yet. Healthcare Policy: A new analysis warns the No Surprises Act’s dispute process may tilt costs toward providers, potentially driving higher prices systemwide even as it protects patients from surprise bills. NJ Health Watch: NJ officials say spotted lanternflies remain endemic and urge residents to keep “stomping it out,” even though eradication is considered impossible.