AGP Executive Report

Food Safety: Whole Foods recalled jalapeño-containing salsas, guacamole and pico de gallo across 12 states tied to a salmonella outbreak that has also affected Chipotle, QDOBA and Taylor Farms. Public Health: Cyclosporiasis cases keep climbing nationwide, with Florida reporting 407 cases between May 1 and Aug. 8 and the CDC confirming more than 13,000 cases across 47 states since May 1. Medicaid & Disability Care: Nebraska advocates are watching Medicaid disability waiver decisions closely as other states face scrutiny over assessment tools; a Nebraska lawsuit challenges DHHS use of an algorithm that can cut home-care services. Access & Workforce: A national report urges states to streamline childcare rules, improve affordability, and invest in childcare workers to stabilize the system. Nebraska Policy Watch: The Legislature advanced multiple health-related measures, including LB762 requiring insurance coverage for pediatric autoimmune disorders and LB1212 creating a licensing pathway for internationally trained physicians. Veterans & Community Health: Nebraska’s Women Veterans Symposium returns Sept. 19-20 in Kearney with benefits, healthcare access and mental health sessions. Health Coverage & Costs: Lawmakers also moved on Medicaid waiver and benefit changes, including LB958, which adds limits and requires legislative approval for certain waiver updates.

Community Health Workforce & Licensing: Nebraska lawmakers advanced LB912, creating a statewide endorsement process for community health worker training and updating rules across several health professions, including compacts and practice standards. Long-Term Care Under Medicaid: LB1091 passed to set DHHS requirements for long-term care clients with special needs, keeping skilled nursing services outside Medicaid managed care and limiting risk-based delivery. Adult Day Service Definition: LB1057 updated the Health Care Facility Licensure Act definition of adult day service, clarifying what counts (and what doesn’t) and taking effect immediately. Pediatric Autoimmune Coverage: LB762 requires insurance coverage for specific pediatric autoimmune disorders tied to streptococcal infection, including therapies like antibiotics, behavioral treatment, plasma exchange, and immunoglobulin. Medicaid Cost-Sharing Rules: LB929 allows Medicaid managed care organizations to pay deductibles and cost sharing, with limits on when DHHS can charge enrollees. School Nutrition Access: LB966 adopted the Hunger-Free Schools Act to expand free breakfasts and lunches for qualifying students, with state reimbursement support. Pharmacy Practice Expansion: LB955 lets pharmacists enter practice agreements with physician assistants, with notification and oversight requirements. Food Safety Alert: A major jalapeño recall tied to Salmonella expanded to multiple retailers after hundreds reported sickened, including hospitalizations. Rural Care & AI Skepticism: A national report highlights patients’ worries about governments and companies pushing AI as a rural healthcare solution, while outcomes tracking remains unclear.

Cancer Care Breakthrough: A new investigational drug, daraxonrasib, is being described by an Intermountain Health oncologist as a “game changer” for stage 4 pancreatic cancer, with trial results showing survival rising from 6.7 to 13.2 months under an extended access program. Food Safety: A national cyclosporiasis outbreak continues to expand, with Nebraska reporting cases tied to the broader outbreak and health officials warning about what’s safe to eat. Maternal Health Access: A March of Dimes study finds Nebraska’s maternity care access is worsening, with five counties becoming maternity care deserts over eight years. State Policy—Health Workforce: Nebraska lawmakers advanced LB912, creating a statewide endorsement process for community health worker training and adopting interstate compacts for athletic trainers and respiratory care. State Policy—Coverage & Care: LB762 would require insurance coverage for certain pediatric autoimmune disorders, while LB1091 sets DHHS requirements for long-term care of special-needs Medicaid clients. Public Health & Prevention: UNMC’s Dr. Ann Anderson Berry warns a proposed vaccine schedule shift could reduce safety and “decrease compliance,” arguing the current schedule is designed to minimize disease burden. Community Health: Nebraska’s Hunger-Free Schools Act (LB966) passed to expand free breakfast and lunch access for eligible students.

Health Workforce & Licensing: Nebraska lawmakers advanced LB1212, creating a licensure pathway for internationally trained physicians to help address health profession shortages. Medicaid & Maternal/Family Supports: LB958 cleared final passage with an emergency clause, tightening how Medicaid home- and community-based services waivers are approved and setting limits for crisis assistance payments, while also updating doula reimbursement and Prenatal Plus reporting. Long-Term Care: LB1091 passed, requiring DHHS to keep certain long-term care services for special-needs clients outside Medicaid managed care risk arrangements. Care Workforce Training: LB912 moved forward with an emergency clause, establishing a Community Health Worker Training Endorsement Act and adopting interstate compacts affecting multiple health professions. Pediatric Coverage Mandate: LB762 passed, requiring most insurers to cover specific treatments for pediatric autoimmune disorders and adding insurer reporting to the Department of Insurance. Child & Family Policy: LB304 makes Nebraska’s expanded child care subsidy eligibility permanent, and LB878 creates paid parental leave for state employees. Adult Day Services: LB1057 updated the definition of adult day service under the Health Care Facility Licensure Act. Nutrition Access: Hunger-Free Schools Act (LB966) failed on a final vote, with opponents citing concerns about the program’s impact. Food Safety & Outbreaks: A cyclospora outbreak continues to spread, with Nebraska health officials reporting confirmed cases linked to a national outbreak. Public Health Alerts: Salmonella-related food recalls expanded beyond jalapeños, affecting multiple products sold in major retailers. Accident & Safety: A Sheridan County crash sent two people to hospitals after a pickup was struck by a semi; seat belt nonuse was reported for one driver.

Hospital Tech in Nebraska-Relevant Care: A new look at in-room digital whiteboards and EHR-linked displays says smarter bedside communication can streamline rounds and discharge planning while reducing clinician distraction. Food Safety Alert: Taylor Farms recalled jalapeño-containing dips, salsas, guacamole and other prepared foods sold at major retailers, including in Nebraska, after jalapeños tied to a multistate salmonella outbreak; officials say no illnesses tied specifically to the products were reported as of the recall notice, but shoppers are urged not to eat affected items. Correctional Health & Safety: Nebraska State Penitentiary water line breaks affected about 715 inmates across four housing units, prompting bottled water, portable toilets, shower and laundry changes while repairs continue. State Policy Watch: Nebraska lawmakers advanced bills touching health-related access and services, including a measure to adopt the Freestanding Birth Center Act and another to expand community health worker training and endorsement. Local Care Workforce: Jefferson City Medical Group announced two new pediatricians, expanding access to same-day appointments and preventive and chronic care for children.

Food Safety: Taylor Fresh Foods recalled jalapeño-containing dips, salsas, guacamole and related prepared items after federal investigators linked Mexican-grown jalapeños to a multistate Salmonella outbreak; the FDA/CDC say 345 people in 27 states are sick, with many reporting Mexican-style restaurant meals, and Nebraska shoppers should check retailer lists including Walmart, Target, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. Public Health: Nebraska DHHS says 92 cyclosporiasis cases are linked to the national outbreak, with 218 confirmed in the state overall, and officials continue to warn people not to eat recalled Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce. Corrections Health & Safety: Nebraska State Penitentiary reported two water line breaks affecting four of nine housing units and about 715 inmates; bottled water, portable toilets, shower schedules, and laundry transfers are in place while repairs continue. Legislation: Nebraska lawmakers advanced LB365, requiring Medicaid coverage for self-measured blood pressure monitoring, including validated devices, training, and support for transmitting readings. Wellness & Care: A Nebraska Medicine physician shared back-to-school sleep guidance, urging families to adjust schedules gradually and limit screens before bed. Senior Care History: Rose Blumkin Jewish Home continues a series on senior-care evolution, focusing on 1950–1990 growth and the rise of Medicare/Medicaid.

Food Safety Alerts: Taylor Farms recalled finished products tied to a Salmonella risk from potentially contaminated jalapeños, with major retailers including Walmart, Target, Whole Foods and Kroger affected; separate FSIS alerts also cover ready-to-eat meat and poultry items containing those jalapeños, including products distributed in Nebraska. Parasite Outbreak Watch: Cyclospora linked to iceberg lettuce continues to expand, with CDC reporting tens of thousands of cases nationwide and Nebraska among states tied to the outbreak cluster. Public Health & Housing: New reporting finds more than half of homes in East Omaha still have unsafe lead levels for children despite years of cleanup efforts, raising questions about how much the EPA will do next. Cancer in the Spotlight: Nebraska Sen. Margo Juarez publicly shared her breast cancer diagnosis and early-detection findings, while Husker Dylan Parrott highlighted his connection to a young cancer survivor. Care Quality: Regional West earned national American Heart Association/American Stroke Association “Get With The Guidelines” stroke awards for guideline-based treatment. State Policy: Nebraska lawmakers advanced LB958, updating Medicaid waiver rules and doula reimbursement, and also passed LB1071 and other measures affecting health and human services funding. Health in Daily Life: Omaha-area hospitals are treating injuries from e-scooters and e-bikes, as local officials respond to rising crash and concussion cases. Correctional Health/Infrastructure: The Nebraska State Penitentiary reported two water line breaks in two days, switching to bottled water and portable toilets while aiming to avoid disruptions to medical care and services.

Food Safety Alerts: The USDA issued a public health alert for meat and poultry products containing FDA-regulated jalapeños that may be contaminated with Salmonella, including items sold in Nebraska and other states—shoppers are urged to check product details and updates. Parasite Outbreak Watch: Cyclospora cases tied to iceberg lettuce continue to surge nationwide, with Nebraska among states reporting links to the outbreak cluster. Local Health Infrastructure: The Nebraska State Penitentiary reported two water line breaks in two days, switching inmates to bottled water and portable toilets while repairs were underway, with staff saying medical care and visits weren’t disrupted. Stroke Care Recognition: Regional West earned major American Heart Association/American Stroke Association “Get With The Guidelines” stroke awards, highlighting adherence to evidence-based treatment. Medicaid Policy: Nebraska lawmakers advanced LB958, which updates Medicaid waiver and prenatal program rules and adds limits for crisis assistance payments. Public Health & Safety: Nebraska passed LB977 to update road rules for motorists and electric personal assistive mobility device users around livestock and other vulnerable road users.

Food Safety Alerts: Missouri-linked chicken products with potentially contaminated jalapeños are under a federal USDA alert for possible Salmonella exposure, including wraps sold at Kroger/Dillons and a Walmart salad line; no illnesses confirmed yet, but consumers are urged to check updates. Parasite Outbreak Watch: Cyclosporiasis tied to lettuce continues to spread, with Kansas cases rising to 615 and the CDC reporting the outbreak now affects 15 states nationwide, with two deaths reported in Michigan; health officials note the true case count is likely higher. Nebraska Public Health: Panhandle Public Health District adopted local rules to conduct public swimming pool inspections after state law shifted routine oversight to local governments, aiming to reduce waterborne illness and injury risks. Primary Care Access: A Nebraska Methodist College graduate joined Banner Health Clinic in Fort Collins as a family nurse practitioner, focusing on preventive care and chronic disease management with attention to social needs. Brain Health Reminder: NFL legend Roger Craig disclosed a vascular dementia diagnosis he believes may be linked to concussions, underscoring the importance of seeking help when cognitive changes appear.

Food Safety: U.S. health officials say the cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to imported iceberg lettuce has expanded to 15 states, with Nebraska now included; cases are still rising and officials urge people to follow public guidance while recalls remain in place. Public Health & Local Oversight: The Panhandle Public Health District Board of Health adopted a regulation and resolution to conduct public swimming pool inspections across its 12-county area after state law shifted permitting and routine oversight to local governments. Health Policy in Nebraska: The Legislature advanced multiple health-related measures, including LB966 to expand free school meals under a Hunger-Free Schools Act, LB722 to broaden how the Behavioral Health Services Fund can support people with substance use disorder, and LB1091 to set requirements for long-term care for special-needs Medicaid clients. Care Access & Coverage: Nebraska reported about 200 people lost Medicaid coverage on Aug. 1 under new work rules, with the state citing safeguards but not releasing underlying data. Brain Health Awareness: NFL Hall of Famer Roger Craig disclosed a vascular dementia diagnosis he believes may be linked to concussions from his playing career.

Food Safety Watch: The CDC says the Cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has expanded to 15 states, with Nebraska among those reporting cases; officials note the true number is likely higher than confirmed counts as investigations continue. Salmonella Alert: Walmart shoppers in 19 states, including Nebraska, are urged to check for Bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter recalled after Florida testing found salmonella in a specific lot; no illnesses reported yet. Nebraska Health Policy: Nebraska reports about 200 people lost Medicaid coverage on Aug. 1 under new work requirements, with broad exemptions but concerns about people “falling through the cracks.” Care Workforce: Creighton nursing graduates highlighted a push to fill Nebraska’s mental health professional shortage, including an accelerated program funded through scholarship support. Community Health & Safety: Nebraska Game and Parks is investigating a fatal drowning of a 7-year-old boy at Lake McConaughy; a 5-year-old girl was hospitalized in stable condition. Elder Care: An Iowa nursing home administrator faces allegations of elder abuse and financial exploitation in civil filings.

Food Safety Alerts: The CDC says the “explosive diarrhea” parasite cyclosporiasis linked to iceberg lettuce has spread to 47 states, with nearly 23,000 confirmed and suspected cases and two deaths in Michigan; Nebraska is on the list as officials urge careful produce handling while investigations continue. Salmonella Watch: A separate salmonella outbreak tied to recalled Mexican jalapeños has sickened at least 345 people across 27 states, with 36 hospitalizations; Chipotle and Qdoba removed the ingredient, and FDA/CDC investigations remain active. Nebraska Health & Nutrition: Nebraska DHHS reported a 5.9% SNAP payment error rate for fiscal year 2025—one of the lowest in the country—after federal review. Local Public Health: Nebraska Game and Parks is investigating the drowning of a 7-year-old boy at Lake McConaughy; a 5-year-old girl was hospitalized in stable condition, and officials are reminding families about water safety. Community Health Support: Community Action Partnership of Western Nebraska marked its 60th anniversary, highlighting ongoing demand for mental health and dental services and inviting new board members.

Salmonella Alert: CDC says a jalapeño-linked salmonella outbreak has sickened at least 345 people across 27 states, with 36 hospitalizations and no deaths reported; FDA and CDC trace the peppers to jalapeños grown in Sinaloa, Mexico and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors, prompting Chipotle and Qdoba to pull jalapeños from stores. Cyclospora in Nebraska: CDC added Nebraska to a multistate cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico; Nebraska health officials report 92 cases linked to the national outbreak, with fast-rising counts in Douglas County and ongoing interviews to confirm exposure. Water Safety Check: Nebraska officials flagged high E. coli levels at Weigand swimming beach in the Lewis & Clark State Recreation Area, warning that conditions raise risk for swimmers—especially young children and older adults. Local Health Support: Central and Western Nebraska veterans can submit work to the 2026 Grand Island Veterans’ Creative Arts Competition, with entries displayed at the Nebraska State Fair. Senior Care Workforce: Avamere plans layoffs of about 129 employees in Washington County as it transitions facilities to other operators and refocuses on senior housing and home-based services.

Food Safety Alerts: Nebraska is now on the map for two major outbreaks: federal health officials say cyclospora linked to recalled Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce has reached 92 Nebraska cases (218 confirmed total in the state, with more possible), while salmonella tied to recalled Mexican jalapeños has sickened 345 people in 27 states and led Chipotle and Qdoba to pull jalapeños nationwide. Local Public Health: The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department says the outbreak timing (June 22–July 31) means Lancaster County could still see additional cases. Medicaid Fraud Push: Nebraska’s Attorney General coalition news highlights momentum for the STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act, seeking to expand states’ ability to investigate Medicaid recipient fraud. Workforce/Health Care: Avamere plans to lay off about 129 staff as it transitions skilled nursing facilities to other operators. Community Notes: Lincoln police arrested a robbery suspect after an e-bike theft; deputies also handled a separate domestic disturbance involving a taser.

Food Safety Alert: The CDC says the Cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms has expanded to 15 states, with Nebraska now included; officials report 6,358 illnesses, 278 hospitalizations, and two deaths in Michigan, and warn numbers may rise as cases are matched to the outbreak. Local Health Update: Nebraska’s reported Cyclospora cases tied to the national Taylor Farms source are now listed at 92, with Iowa at 83, as health departments continue tracking links. Another Outbreak—Salmonella: A separate Salmonella Javiana outbreak linked to jalapeños has reached 27 states; Chipotle and Qdoba removed jalapeños from menus, and Nebraska is among states reporting cases. Medicaid Policy: A judge declined to pause Medicaid work-exclusion documentation rules for people with serious chronic illness, setting up state mailings and implementation timelines. Nebraska Care Access: Tribes in Siouxland received $4.1 million to improve healthcare workforce and facilities, including housing support to help retain clinicians. Public Health Workforce: The Nebraska Air National Guard delivered free medical and dental care to more than 2,000 people during a mission in South Texas.

Cyclospora Outbreak Update: The CDC says the lettuce-linked cyclosporiasis outbreak now involves 15 states, adding Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire and North Carolina; investigators are still focused on iceberg lettuce tied to Taylor Farms, and health experts warn delays in testing and reporting can make the spread look bigger or smaller than it is. Local Health & Safety: Nebraska families are also being reminded to watch for symptoms of intestinal illness as cases rise nationwide, while the FDA issued a recall for Walmart pistachio nut butter in 19 states including Nebraska due to possible salmonella contamination. Nebraska Care Access: Molina Healthcare of Nebraska has briefly postponed its planned Sept. 1 DME Navigator rollout, telling providers to keep using current processes while it updates the timeline. Workforce & Community Health: Tribes in Siouxland received $4.1 million to improve healthcare workforce and facilities, including housing support to help recruitment and retention. Military Health Outreach: Nebraska Air National Guard members delivered free medical, dental, optometry, behavioral health, pharmacy and veterinary care to more than 2,000 people during a mission in South Texas. Policy Watch: Nebraska’s congressional delegation is pushing the Air Force to base KC-46 Pegasus tankers at Lincoln’s 155th Air Refueling Wing, citing aeromedical evacuation partnerships with UNMC.