AGP Executive Report

Medicaid Coverage Fight: Maryland Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a coalition of 24 states opposing a proposed federal CMS rule that could threaten Medicaid funding and state oversight of health insurance and exchanges. Alzheimer’s Risk Tip: A Maryland audiologist says treating hearing loss—starting with a simple office test—can be an actionable step to lower dementia risk, with warning signs like muffled speech and needing frequent repeats. Provider Liability Snapshot: A new Medscape survey finds many physicians have faced malpractice suits, with emergency medicine and OB/GYN among the most worried about exposure and “nuclear verdicts.” Food Safety Recall: Save A Lot shoppers are urged to check recalled J. HIGGS Loaded Bacon and Cheddar chips sold in Maryland and four other states due to undeclared soy. Community Health Education: Worcester County’s “Cooking Up Health” nutrition and cooking series is teaching practical meal planning and budgeting, funded by CareFirst. Public Health Alerts: Rabies concerns continue in Maryland after positive animal tests, underscoring the need for prompt exposure response.

Public Safety Leadership: Maryland appointed Carroll H. Spriggs II as the state’s first African American fire marshal, leading statewide fire prevention, investigations, code enforcement and public safety education. Healthcare Policy & Access: Maryland long-term care insurance rate hikes could double or triple premiums for thousands of seniors, with proposed increases tied to utilization and mortality trends. Biotech & ALS Funding: Clene closed a $4 million registered direct offering to extend its cash runway beyond an FDA decision for its ALS drug CNM-Au8. Suicide Prevention: A KFF Health News report highlights limits of predicting who will die by suicide and argues for reducing access to lethal means as a practical prevention strategy. Public Health & Safety Nets: AG Anthony G. Brown announced a permanent block on Trump SNAP penalty fines affecting states, including Maryland. Community Health: County free fall flu vaccination clinics are planned, aiming to boost seasonal immunization access. Local Tragedy: A Maryland hunter was charged after allegedly mistaking a woman for a deer and fatally shooting her in Delaware.

Public Safety: A 74-year-old Salisbury, Maryland man was charged with manslaughter after Delaware State Police said he fatally shot a 39-year-old woman in Ellendale, mistaking her for a deer while hunting from a ground blind. Local Health & Community: Chesapeake High School in Baltimore County bought 10 helmets after a surge in student interest left players without gear, with help from local partners including MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center. Sports Injuries (Health Angle): In Baltimore, New Orleans left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. was ruled out with an ankle injury after being carted off; the Ravens’ Week 2 loss also featured Saints QB Tyler Shough’s late scoring drive. Violence Update: Baltimore police reported 11 people injured in multiple shootings over the weekend, including teens. Sports Betting & Health Concerns: A new wave of lawsuits targets sports gambling apps, arguing they’re designed to be addictive and driving financial harm.

Telehealth Scrutiny: The FTC says telehealth company Hims & Hers used deceptive tactics, including sharing sensitive health data and pushing hard-to-cancel subscriptions, as regulators target the industry’s patient protections. Nursing Union Win in Baltimore: Ascension Saint Agnes nurses ratified their first union contract, aiming to improve staffing, reduce workplace violence, and strengthen patient safety and retention. Rabies Watch: A CDC advisory has raised alarms after reports of rabid animals in Maryland, but experts say it’s unclear whether rabies cases are truly increasing—more awareness may still help people get safer. Public Health & Safety: A 29-year-old man collapsed in Waldorf and was rushed to Southern Maryland Hospital Center after an AED shock and CPR. Crime and Community Impact: Montgomery County police charged a rideshare driver from Guinea with kidnapping and raping a 17-year-old in a Maryland parking lot, with investigators warning there may be more victims. Cancer Support Event: Even Keel Wellness Spa is expanding its Calm for a Cure free cancer care day to four Maryland locations on Oct. 18. Local Care Access: MedStar Franklin nurses plan to rally for patient safety as they push to unionize.

Telehealth & Patient Privacy: A new FTC lawsuit targets telehealth company Hims & Hers, alleging it improperly shares customers’ medical data, locks people into hard-to-cancel subscriptions, and bypasses real-time doctor consults. Cancer Support in Maryland: Even Keel Wellness Spa is expanding its free “Calm for a Cure” day to four Maryland locations (Annapolis, Baltimore, Crofton, Columbia) on Oct. 18, offering no-cost treatments for people affected by cancer. Education Funding: Maryland AG Anthony G. Brown announced a federal court ruling that struck down the Trump administration’s 2025 termination of K-12 teacher preparation grants as unlawful, potentially restoring lifelines for aspiring educators nationwide. Public Health Alerts: Maryland health officials issued another measles warning tied to Ocean City exposure sites, urging families to protect kids as the school year starts. Rabies Watch: Harford County reported a rabid raccoon, reminding residents to contact health officials if people or pets had contact. Health Care Workforce/Operations: A Maryland nurse was sentenced after diverting morphine from a pediatric intensive care patient, underscoring ongoing patient-safety concerns.

SNAP/Medicaid Protections: Gov. Wes Moore says Maryland is ramping outreach and streamlining help for SNAP and Medicaid customers as new Trump-era work requirements roll out, aiming to keep eligible residents connected to food and health coverage. Mental Health in the Home: Cornerstone Southern Maryland is using a $16,187 Charles County Charitable Trust grant to expand in-home mental health support for underserved youth, targeting crises before they escalate into placements. Hospital Care Innovation: MedStar Health performed Maryland’s first endoscopic nipple-sparing mastectomy, highlighting new surgical options for breast cancer patients. Public Health Alerts: Maryland is warning about possible measles exposure at Ocean City locations, while the FDA issued a recall of Saratoga Potato Chips J. HIGGS Loaded Bacon & Cheddar in Maryland due to an undeclared soy allergen. Health Policy & Access: A Public Citizen FOIA report alleges pharma “most-favored nation” deals favor drugmakers over patients, raising concerns about GLP-1 pricing and Medicaid savings. Local Safety & Health Services: Baltimore County police are investigating a fatal Dundalk shooting, and Maryland is also scheduling mosquito control spraying in select communities.

Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Policy: Trump revoked the 2009 Chesapeake Bay restoration framework, prompting Maryland lawmakers to vow pushback as federal priorities shift toward “direct, on-the-ground” pollution projects and away from broader coordination. Public Health—Measles: Maryland reported possible measles exposure at three Ocean City locations, as cases rise to 40 in St. Mary’s County and officials urge families to protect kids with MMR. Health Coverage Quality: Johns Hopkins US Family Health Plan earned a 4.5/5 NCQA rating, highlighting strong performance in patient experience, prevention, and care. Aging & Injury Prevention: Anne Arundel County marked Falls Prevention Awareness Week with a push for tools to reduce fall risk among older adults. Community Mental Health: BecomeOne hosted its One More Light suicide awareness and mental health walk in Solomons, aimed at support for young people and families. Safety & Access to Care: A Montgomery County judge granted emergency custody to the family of missing D.C. mom Antoinette Forbes, underscoring how quickly health and safety crises can escalate. Criminal Justice & Public Safety: A Salisbury man was convicted of second-degree murder in the killing of a victim after an 8-day trial, while a rideshare driver accused of raping a teen in Maryland also faces prior NYC sex abuse allegations. Healthcare Workforce: MedStar Franklin nurses plan to rally over patient safety as they try to unionize.

Chesapeake Bay Policy Shock: President Trump revoked an Obama-era Chesapeake Bay restoration order, prompting Maryland’s full congressional delegation to call the move “shortsighted” and warning it could undercut bay health and local economies tied to restoration. Public Safety & Health: Maryland lawmakers also pushed back on an ICE operation in Frederick, demanding answers and an independent investigation after reports of injuries during confrontations. Violence in Baltimore: Police and community groups are searching for suspects after a mass shooting in East Baltimore left seven people hurt, including a 3-year-old boy in serious but stable condition; a $7,000 reward is offered. Measles Alert: Maryland health officials say measles cases are rising and urge parents to protect kids this school year, with exposure concerns tied to Ocean City locations. Care Access & Community Support: A new Charles County nonprofit, Crafting for Hope, is launching youth-focused mental health programming using creative activities to help people regulate emotions and find support. Wellness Events: The Butterfly Effect Project’s Flutter Fest 5K in Mechanicsville (Oct. 4) will raise funds for 3–12 months of mental health and wellness services for people facing financial barriers. Health System Accountability: A Maryland nurse was sentenced to 30 days after stealing narcotics from a pediatric intensive care unit patient, including a 10-year-old open-heart surgery case.

Small-Business Relief: Gov. Wes Moore asked the U.S. Small Business Administration to declare Anne Arundel County eligible for Economic Injury Disaster Loans after the Empire Towers structural emergency shuttered businesses in Glen Burnie and nearby areas. Health & Safety in Courts: The EEOC sued a Maryland healthcare nonprofit and acute care facility, alleging disability bias after a job offer was pulled due to a heart condition. Cybersecurity Fallout: Patients filed a class-action against Luminis Health Care (Anne Arundel Medical Center), claiming unencrypted patient data was exposed in the system hack. ICE Overcrowding Scrutiny: A federal judge in Baltimore is weighing whether ICE violated a court order limiting capacity and requiring medical screening in downtown holding rooms. Public Health Alerts: Maryland mosquito control planned late-season spraying in Bowie and Temple Hills, with residents advised to keep kids and pets indoors during treatment. Chesapeake Bay Policy Shift: Trump repealed a 2009 Chesapeake Bay restoration order, raising concerns in Maryland about weakened federal coordination and stormwater-fee impacts. Community Violence: Police reported a mass shooting at Douglass Homes in East Baltimore that injured seven people, including a 3-year-old boy.

Diabetes Eye Health: A new study using U.S. health records found people with type 2 diabetes who used common anti-inflammatory drugs (like prednisone, ibuprofen, or cetirizine) had a 37%-64% lower risk of vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy complications, while a non-anti-inflammatory control (gabapentin) didn’t show the same benefit—supporting a link between inflammation control and eye risk. Public Health Alert: Maryland’s Department of Health warned of possible measles exposure in Ocean City from Sept. 3-6 at specific locations, urging residents—especially unvaccinated people—to monitor symptoms and check vaccination status. Cybersecurity in Care: Luminis Health says computer systems have been down since a Sept. 1 hack, disrupting phone service, MyChart access, and billing across multiple Maryland facilities. FDA Recall: The FDA classified a recall of six hand soap products sold in 15 states, including Maryland, over possible bacterial contamination. Community Safety: Baltimore police are investigating a Wednesday night shooting in East Baltimore that left seven people injured, including a 3-year-old boy.

Gun Violence Prevention Funding: Gov. Wes Moore and the Maryland Department of Health announced $1.36 million in grants to 17 organizations to expand firearm safety education, victim services, and suicide-prevention efforts across Maryland. Cancer Screening Access: University of Maryland Shore Regional Health will host free prostate screenings Sept. 22 (5–7 p.m.) for eligible men, including those due for routine screening. Hospital Cybersecurity Lawsuit: Patients are suing Luminis Health/Anne Arundel Medical Center after a Sept. 4 cyberattack exposed medical data, alleging inadequate protection. FDA Recall—Hand Soap: The FDA issued a Class II recall for multiple hand soap products sold in 15 states, warning of possible bacterial contamination that can cause infections. Medical Tech Update: Medtronic received FDA clearance for the LigaSure RAS Maryland instrument for use with its Hugo robotic surgery system. Local Innovation: Baltimore startup CraniUS received FDA approval to market its cranial implant for skull defects to hospitals.

Women’s Health in Maryland: More Maryland hospitals are removing fallopian tubes during other gynecologic or abdominal surgeries to cut ovarian cancer risk, with GBMC in Towson highlighting a formal “opportunistic salpingectomy” program—though some providers say adoption is uneven. Cancer Care & Outcomes: A Johns Hopkins-led “digital twin” approach is helping electrophysiologists plan more precise ablation for hard-to-treat heart rhythm cases, aiming to treat the model first and reduce unnecessary damage in patients. Infectious Disease Research: Maryland-area researchers report engineered gut bacteria that can create a protective shield against Salmonella in animal models, pointing to new options beyond antibiotics. Public Health Alerts: Harford County health officials say a rabid bat found inside a Bel Air elementary school tested positive for rabies, urging parents to check for possible exposure and contact providers if needed. Clinical Treatment Update: A study on anifrolumab for refractory chronic cutaneous lupus found fewer serious infections and better skin outcomes than conventional immunosuppressants. Medication Safety: The FDA recalled six foaming hand soap products sold in multiple states, including Maryland, over possible bacterial contamination.

State Health Advisory: Maryland’s Department of Health says illegal drugs adulterated with benzodiazepines are spiking across Baltimore City and multiple counties, warning that naloxone won’t reverse these overdoses and urging people to get help fast. Immunization Policy Shift: Maryland issued its first-ever statewide vaccine schedules for children and adults under a new law, aiming to reduce confusion as federal guidance changes; officials say it won’t alter school vaccine mandates but may affect insurance coverage and pharmacist administration rules. Rabies Watch: AVMA highlighted rising rabies exposure incidents, including Maryland cases tied to rabid beaver attacks, and reiterated vaccination and post-exposure prevention guidance. Community Health & Housing: A new affordable housing development in Maryland is expanding supportive housing options, while connected-care initiatives in St. Mary’s County aim to strengthen access to services. Maternal Health Spotlight: Morgan State unveiled a “State of the Womb” mosaic installation focused on maternal and infant health voices from Baltimore families.

Psychedelic Therapy Oversight: The FDA held a public hearing in Silver Spring on psychedelic drugs for supervised treatment, with doctors, veterans, and clinicians urging clear safety rules, trained staffing, screening, and follow-up care; comments are open until Oct. 5. Mental Health 911 Response: Baltimore unveiled a proposal to create a new Department of Neighborhood Safety to handle certain nonviolent 911 calls with trained behavioral health professionals, aiming to reduce police involvement in welfare checks and similar incidents. State Licensing Fix: Maryland lawmakers formed a Health Centralization Commission after audits flagged slow board responses to complaints and facility inspection backlogs, with a Dec. 1 deadline for improvement recommendations. Vaccine Guidance in Maryland: Maryland released its first-ever statewide vaccine schedule under its Vax Act as federal guidance shifts, including recommendations for children and adults. Public Health & Food Safety: A report revisits how Maryland Rep. Andy Harris helped delay a Food Traceability Rule during the cyclospora outbreak, when thousands were sick nationwide. Rabies Alert: Maryland officials warned about possible rabies exposure after a rabid beaver attack left a boy needing multiple surgeries and post-exposure shots. Community Health Through Nature: Volunteers planted about 1 million oysters in Breton Bay as part of a restoration effort tied to long-running local watershed work.

Cancer Screening Coverage: Guardant Health’s Shield blood test for colorectal cancer screening is covered by EviCore by Evernorth starting Jan. 1, 2027, expanding access for average-risk adults (notably age 45+). Public Health & Safety: Prince George’s County health officials warned of possible rabies exposure after a domestic cat fought a raccoon in Riverdale; residents are urged to seek immediate medical attention if there was contact. State Health Policy: Maryland’s first-ever statewide vaccine schedule/guidelines roll out as federal guidance shifts, with state officials issuing recommendations for children and adults. Healthcare Accountability: Maryland AG Rayfield announced Abbott will pay $384M+ to settle allegations tied to unsafe powder infant formula and nutritional therapy products sold to taxpayer-funded programs. Access to Care via 911 Reform: Baltimore proposed a new Department of Neighborhood Safety to send mental health professionals to certain nonviolent 911 calls, aiming to reduce police involvement. Community Health Education: Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park marked Tubman Emancipation Day with programming that included GirlTrek, linking outdoor activity to health and wellness.

Maryland Vaccine Policy Shift: Maryland’s new 2026-2027 vaccine schedules are now official under the state’s Vax Act, with insurers required to cover routine state-recommended immunizations at no out-of-pocket cost and pharmacists able to give recommended shots to people age 3+ without a prescription—meaning families may see different recommendations depending on where they live. Public Health Preparedness: FEMA will evaluate Maryland’s emergency response readiness during a biennial radiological drill at Calvert Cliffs, with preliminary findings set for a public meeting Sept. 18. Local Health Access & Community Support: Healthy St. Mary’s Partnership is holding its annual meeting Sept. 24 and is asking for donations (peanut-free snacks, toiletries, and drinks) to support families in St. Mary’s County schools. Health Care Innovation/Research: BioNTech and OncoC4 reported updated PRESERVE-003 Phase 3 data showing gotistobart nearly doubling median overall survival vs. standard chemotherapy in previously treated squamous NSCLC. Healthcare Workforce & Training: Western Maryland AHEC is running National Recovery Month and Suicide Awareness Month events, including Narcan training during Save A Life Day on Sept. 24. Safety Net / Public Safety Alternatives: Baltimore is considering a new Department of Neighborhood Safety to divert certain 911 calls away from police toward social workers and peer specialists.