AGP Executive Report

Child Health & Safety: A new review links pesticide exposure during pregnancy and early childhood to higher risks of childhood leukemia and brain tumors, with the strongest signals for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Public Health & Food Safety: A Salmonella outbreak tied to moringa leaf powder supplements has expanded to 119 illnesses across 36 states, prompting additional FDA recall updates. Medicaid & Autism Care: Indiana is pausing enrollment of new ABA therapy providers for at least six months after rapid Medicaid spending growth, aiming to tighten accountability while avoiding a “halt without a plan.” Nebraska Health System Spotlight: St. Croix Hospice earned Newsweek’s “America’s Greatest Workplaces in Health Care” recognition, highlighting employee well-being and retention. Legal/Consumer Protection: Attorney General Brenna Bird announced a $4.87 million multistate settlement with GS Labs over overpriced and delayed COVID-19 tests. Community Health & Access: A new report finds children’s well-being declined across the U.S. from 2019 to 2024, with Nebraska among the states seeing some of the biggest drops. Local Health Workforce & Research: UNMC-linked NE-INBRE welcomed a new cohort of undergraduate researchers across Nebraska, supported by a major NIH grant.

Public Health Alert: Nebraska issued a Harmful Algal Bloom health alert for Rockford Lake in Gage County after microcystin levels rose above the state threshold, closing swimming beaches and urging people to avoid swallowing lake water and keep pets out. Food Safety: A Salmonella outbreak tied to moringa leaf powder supplements has expanded to 119 confirmed illnesses across 36 states, prompting FDA recall updates. Rural Health: A new Greater Nebraska Rural Research Network is launching to connect researchers with rural hospitals so patients can take part in studies aimed at closing Nebraska’s health gaps. Medicaid Oversight: Nebraska’s state auditor says WIC benefits were improperly issued to dead people and to some higher-income households, including state workers. Clinical Research: UNMC researchers report which bacteria types in endophthalmitis are most likely to threaten vision, pointing toward faster, more tailored treatment decisions. Local Care Leadership: Box Butte General Hospital named Gabriel Behling as its new CEO, effective June 4, as it continues expanding rural access.

Rural Hospital Leadership: Box Butte General Hospital named Gabriel Behling as its new CEO, effective June 4, aiming to strengthen rural healthcare access. Hantavirus Monitoring: UNMC/Nebraska Medicine reported three more MV Hondius passengers leaving Omaha’s quarantine unit for two more weeks of local monitoring, with 10 still under observation. Medicare Fraud: A federal judge ordered Nebraska pharmacist Joan Kicken to pay $3.4M for alleged Medicare and Medicaid billing fraud. WIC Oversight: Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley raised concerns about questionable WIC benefits, including payments to higher-income families, calling for stronger oversight. Care Access Spotlight: CHI Health Good Samaritan and Operation Walk USA are seeking one uninsured Nebraska patient for no-cost hip or knee replacement surgery. Workforce & Safety Partnership: NRC Health and the Healthcare Experience Foundation launched a strategic partnership focused on improving patient experience, safety, and workforce engagement. Medicaid Work Requirements: New federal rules could force some Medicaid recipients to prove they’re too sick to work, raising coverage concerns.

Medicare Fraud Judgment: A federal judge ordered Nebraska pharmacist Joan Kicken (Campbell Drug, Oshkosh) and her company to pay $3.42 million for alleged fraudulent Medicare and Medicaid billing. Child Abuse Trial: A Hastings woman, Jade Essink, went on trial for felony negligent child abuse after investigators say a daycare injury involved severe head trauma inconsistent with a simple fall. Public Health Monitoring: Omaha health officials are using wastewater surveillance to spot emerging pathogens during the College World Series, aiming to alert clinicians quickly if risks rise. Human Trafficking Warnings: Nebraska leaders and law enforcement urged College World Series visitors to watch for trafficking and report suspicious activity as crowds swell. Medicaid Work Rules: A new federal Medicaid rule requires some recipients to prove they’re too ill to work every six months, with Nebraska already moving ahead on earlier enforcement. SNAP Restrictions: More states, including Nebraska, are rolling out limits on what SNAP can buy, targeting items like soda and candy. Infectious Disease Watch: U.S. measles cases are surging toward a record pace, with most cases tied to unvaccinated people. Mental Health Access: Indiana joined the Counseling Compact, allowing eligible licensed counselors to practice across state lines, expanding telehealth options. Clinical Innovation: UNMC is enrolling patients in CAR T cell therapy trials for autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, offering new hope alongside known risks. Nebraska Health Worker Update: A doctor quarantined after hantavirus exposure in Omaha is now isolating at home in Oregon.

Rural Drug Access: A $3.2 million grant is helping rural hospitals pool purchasing power for cheaper generics, aiming to reduce drug shortages that hit small facilities hardest. Cancer Breakthrough in Nebraska: University of Nebraska Medical Center is offering CAR T cell therapy trials that could reset the immune system for autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis. Medicaid Work Rules Pressure: New federal guidance tightens how chronically ill people qualify for Medicaid work-rule exemptions, raising fears of coverage loss for people whose health and ability to work can fluctuate. Public Health Preparedness: Health experts are planning to screen U.S. wastewater for disease outbreaks during the 2026 World Cup, using surveillance to catch threats early. Nebraska Health Leadership: Mary Lanning Healthcare named Shanna Stofer president and CEO, effective July 13, as the system continues leadership changes. Local Care & Safety: Omaha police reiterated College World Series rules, including a clear bag policy and medical exceptions, while also highlighting human trafficking prevention tips. Nursing Home Accountability: A new lawsuit alleges fatal neglect at Ensign Group skilled nursing facilities, renewing scrutiny on staffing and oversight.

Medicaid Work Rules: CMS’ new guidance tightens who qualifies as “medically frail,” raising fears that chronically ill Nebraskans could lose coverage when they need care most. Cancer Care in Nebraska: Nebraska Medicine unveiled a new proton beam device at the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, aiming to expand access for patients across a wide region, including kids who benefit from more precise dosing. Local Health & Safety: An Omaha police officer was injured in a crash while responding to a cutting call at CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center; the other driver was taken to Nebraska Medicine with serious injuries. Public Health Privacy: RFK Jr. is pushing for federal access to Americans’ medical records through state health information systems, a move that’s drawing privacy concerns. Livestock & Animal Welfare: Congress is weighing changes that could roll back state animal welfare rules tied to the farm bill, with critics warning it could weaken protections. Sports & Policy: Kansas is among states banning boys from playing girls’ high school sports, a debate that also touches Nebraska. Community Care: Home Instead highlights how in-home support can help seniors stay in their own homes as care needs grow.

Medicaid Work Rules: CMS issued a tougher interim final rule for Medicaid community engagement/work requirements, narrowing who qualifies as “medically frail” and raising the odds that sicker Nebraskans could lose coverage unless states build new systems fast. Cancer Care Upgrade: Nebraska Medicine unveiled a new proton beam treatment device at the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, aiming to expand access for patients who can’t travel to “proton desert” regions. Local Health & Safety: An Omaha police officer was injured in a crash while responding to a cutting call that sent another driver to Nebraska Medicine with serious injuries. Privacy vs. Research: HHS is seeking access to identifiable medical records from state health information exchanges for vaccine-autism research, sparking privacy concerns and questions about legality and consent. Community Health Spotlight: Regional West Physicians Clinic-Oncology welcomed Dr. Mark Hancock, expanding oncology services across western Nebraska and nearby states. Public Health & Animals: Darwin’s Ark is recruiting more cat owners in underrepresented states, including Nebraska, for a large feline genetics and behavior study. Nursing Pay Watch: A new report ranks nursing pay by state, highlighting how Louisiana RN pay compares nationally—useful context for workforce planning discussions.

Cancer Care Upgrade: Nebraska Medicine’s Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center unveiled a major proton beam treatment device, aiming to make highly precise cancer therapy more accessible for kids and patients across a wide 500-mile region. Medicaid Work Rules: Nebraska is seeking a CMS-approved temporary exemption from Medicaid work requirements for Dawson County, citing high unemployment after the Tyson Foods closure in Lexington. State Policy Ripple Effects: A new federal CMS rule tightens how “medically frail” Medicaid enrollees qualify for exemptions, raising concerns that sicker people could lose coverage. Oncology Workforce: Regional West Physicians Clinic-Oncology welcomed Mark Hancock, MD, expanding its multidisciplinary cancer care team for western Nebraska and nearby states. Privacy vs. Research: Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is pursuing access to identifiable medical records for vaccine-autism research, prompting renewed privacy concerns, including in Nebraska where a nonprofit received major CDC funding tied to data sharing. Community Health & Support: The Cattlemen’s Ball in Cozad is set to raise funds for cancer research, with most proceeds going to the Buffett Cancer Center.

Medicaid Work Rules Tighten: CMS issued a new interim final rule that makes it harder for medically frail adults to qualify for exemptions from Medicaid community engagement/work requirements, raising fears of coverage losses for people with serious conditions. Nebraska Hardship Bid: Gov. Jim Pillen directed DHHS to seek a temporary high-unemployment hardship for Dawson County Medicaid expansion recipients after the Tyson Foods closure in Lexington, aiming to pause work requirements if CMS approves. Local Medicaid Enrollment Shock: A Nebraska community health center group reported enrolling zero new Medicaid patients in May after the stricter work requirements began, citing confusion and fear among patients. Privacy Fight Over Medical Records: HHS is seeking access to identifiable medical records from state health information exchanges for vaccine-autism research, prompting privacy concerns and questions about legality and usefulness. Cancer Care Update: Regional West Physicians Clinic-Oncology welcomed Mark Hancock, MD, expanding oncology services with a multidisciplinary team. Leadership Change: Mary Lanning Healthcare named Shanna Stofer, PharmD, MHA, as president and CEO starting July 13. Public Health Alert: Nebraska issued a health alert for harmful algal blooms at Rockford Lake, closing swimming beaches and warning residents to avoid swallowing lake water and keep pets out. Oncology Breakthrough: A pancreatic cancer drug, daraxonrasib, drew major praise at a conference after results showed doubled survival time versus chemotherapy.

Medicaid Work Requirements in Focus: Gov. Jim Pillen directed Nebraska DHHS to seek a temporary CMS exemption from Medicaid work requirements for Dawson County, citing high unemployment after the Tyson plant closure. Public Health Alert: Nebraska issued a health alert for harmful algal blooms at Rockford Lake in Gage County, closing designated swimming beaches and warning people to avoid swallowing water and keep pets out. Local Care & Access: Horizon Health Elk Point welcomed a new provider, while Banner Health named Dr. John Rares Almasan as senior VP and chief AI, data and infrastructure officer to expand tech-driven care. Community Health Monitoring: Douglas County Health Department is using wastewater surveillance during the College World Series in Omaha to spot emerging pathogens early. Health Workforce & Policy Pressure: CMS dropped an interim final rule tied to Medicaid work requirements, adding uncertainty for states already adjusting systems. Health in the Community: A 92-year-old heart transplant recipient from Bennington is set to compete for Team Nebraska at the Transplant Games in Denver.

Medicaid Relief for Nebraska County: Gov. Jim Pillen directed DHHS to ask CMS for a temporary Medicaid work requirement hardship for Dawson County after Tyson’s closure, which would pause the new rules for expansion beneficiaries if approved. Defense Policy & Health Impacts: The House Armed Services Committee advanced the National Defense Authorization Act, including changes tied to the “Department of War” name and officer dismissal explanations—moves that can ripple into military health planning. Proton Therapy Milestone: Mevion announced the first clinical treatment on its compact MEVION S250-FIT proton system at Stanford, aiming to fit proton therapy into existing radiation vaults. Public Health Monitoring: Douglas County is using wastewater surveillance during the College World Series to spot emerging pathogens early. EMS Protocols: OneDose pitched Nebraska as a model-protocol state and offered a free statewide EMS protocol management platform to help keep agencies aligned. Measles Alert: South Dakota reported a measles case in Brookings County with “no known public exposures,” urging clinicians to watch for symptoms. Hospital Leadership Change: Mary Lanning Healthcare named Shanna Stofer, PharmD, MHA, as President and CEO starting July 13. Local Care Pay Scrutiny: A Nebraska nonprofit hospital’s nearly $5 million gastroenterologist pay drew criticism from the state auditor and others.

Healthcare Leadership: Mary Lanning Healthcare named Shanna Stofer, PharmD, MHA, as its new President and CEO, starting July 13, after a national search that drew more than 100 applicants. Cancer Care Access: Creighton University researchers report that ACA Medicaid expansion improved cancer surgery access in urban areas, but didn’t significantly boost pancreatic surgery rates in the Midwest—highlighting persistent rural and high-volume hospital barriers. Public Health & Privacy: Federal HHS is seeking access to detailed, identifiable medical records through state health information exchange systems as part of a push tied to vaccine-and-autism questions—sparking legal and privacy concerns from public health leaders. Nebraska Health Systems: UNMC chancellor priority candidate Dr. H. Dele Davies visited Scottsbluff, emphasizing clearer pathways into healthcare careers across Nebraska. Food & Livestock Safety: USDA confirmed a New World screwworm case in a Texas calf, prompting an “infested zone” and sterile fly response; Nebraska vets urge vigilance, not panic. Community Health Events: Cancer Partners of Nebraska and Bryan Health return with Classic Cars and Cornhole for Cancer in Lincoln, with proceeds supporting local families facing cancer.

Federal Health Privacy Clash: HHS is seeking access to detailed, identifiable medical records through state health information exchange systems as part of a push to study a possible vaccines-and-autism link, drawing legal and privacy concerns from public health leaders and raising questions about safeguards. Nebraska Cancer Screening Spotlight: UNK/Health Across Nebraska coverage highlights how a routine prostate cancer screening and follow-up care led to early treatment—and later uncovered additional skin cancers—underscoring the value of preventive checkups. Hantavirus Watch in Nebraska: Two New York residents tied to the Andes hantavirus cruise exposure are nearing the end of their 42-day quarantine and monitoring, with officials emphasizing no U.S. passenger has tested positive so far. Long-Term Care Rankings (CMS): New CMS reports place several Nebraska nursing homes in county top spots, while also flagging quality gaps—like a 1-star rating for Clarkson Community Care Center and 2-star ratings for others—keeping attention on staffing and care standards. Blood Supply Pressure: Iowa’s LifeServe warns younger donors aren’t replacing aging donors fast enough, putting hospitals closer to low-supply risk during major trauma surges.

Medicaid Policy: CMS has issued new Medicaid work requirements guidance, requiring many adult enrollees to complete 80 hours a month of work, education, job training or community service to keep coverage—states now face major system and verification changes on a tight timeline. Maternal Health Access: More women are turning to doulas as affordability gaps widen; a study cited in coverage links doula support for Medicaid patients with lower cesarean risk and fewer postpartum depression/anxiety cases. Nursing Shortages: A WalletHub analysis ranks Louisiana among the worst states for nurses, citing projected shortages and factors like overtime and nursing home quality—another reminder of staffing pressure across healthcare. Rural Care Watch: A new report flags 720 rural hospitals nationwide at risk of closure, with nearly 300 in immediate danger, raising concerns about emergency and maternity access. Nebraska Community Health: The Nebraska Community Blood Bank declared a blood emergency recently, while Iowa’s LifeServe warns younger donor numbers are falling fast—blood supply strain is becoming a regional issue. Water & Health Infrastructure: Google announced water stewardship funding, including $3 million for Omaha’s MUD to improve leak detection and protect local water supplies.

College Sports Policy: Utah student-athlete Lance Holtzclaw testified in Washington supporting the Protect College Sports Act, joining major figures like Nick Saban at a Senate hearing. Cancer Care Breakthrough: A pancreatic cancer drug (daraxonrasib) drew a standing ovation at an oncology conference after trial results showed doubled survival versus chemotherapy. Water & Public Health: Google announced $17 million in water stewardship grants, including $3 million for Omaha’s Metropolitan Utilities District to expand leak detection—aimed at cutting water loss. Hantavirus Watch in Nebraska: Health officials reported an Arizona death from a Sin Nombre hantavirus strain and continued updates on cruise-related exposures, including passengers leaving Nebraska quarantine after symptom-free monitoring. Nebraska Community Health: UNL/UNMC-linked efforts are helping diversify and protect Nebraska’s community tree canopy as aging trees face disease and pests. Medical Oversight: Iowa’s Board of Medicine warned a physician over an alleged inappropriate relationship with a patient. Nursing Home Quality (CMS): New CMS Q1 2026 ownership and star-rating updates highlighted both high performers (e.g., 5-star non-profits) and low-rated for-profit homes across Nebraska counties. Injury Response: A chlorine gas exposure at a Nebraska water park sent 12 people for emergency treatment, with the park reopening after a brief closure.

Hantavirus Update (Nebraska): Five of 18 U.S. passengers exposed to hantavirus on the MV Hondius have left UNMC’s National Quarantine Unit in Omaha and will finish monitoring at home after staying symptom-free; 13 remain under observation, with health officials stressing the public risk is low and departures are coordinated with the CDC and local health departments. Public Health Safety (Nebraska): A chlorine gas exposure at Pawnee Plunge in Columbus sent 8 of 12 evaluated people to Columbus Community Hospital; officials said the release was linked to routine filter-clearing backflow procedures and urged anyone with breathing trouble or persistent coughing to seek care. Child Welfare Oversight (Nebraska): A Nebraska Foster Care Review Office report found a sharp rise in congregate/institutionalized placements for kids with complex needs, including a 41% increase tied to a shortage of foster homes and mental health services. Cancer Care (National, Nebraska link): UCLA’s Dr. Mina Sedrak was named co-chair of a national committee focused on cancer trials for older adults, working alongside UNMC’s Dr. Vijaya Raj Bhatt. Community Health (Blood Supply): LifeServe Blood Center is expanding Blood Donor Days across June to boost summer blood availability.