AGP Executive Report

Public Safety: A Norfolk man, Justin Wulf, was cited after a vehicle-pedestrian crash at 4th Street and Pasewalk Avenue; two pedestrians were hit in a crosswalk, and one victim later died after being flown to UNMC. Patient Care & Access: Nebraska lawmakers advanced multiple health-focused bills, including LB962 creating a Youth Reentry and Transitional Support Act to coordinate behavioral health, Medicaid continuity, housing help and aftercare for justice-involved youth. Workforce Pipeline: LB1212 passed to create a licensing pathway for internationally trained physicians, aiming to address health profession shortages. Child Health & Nutrition: LB762 won final passage to require insurance coverage for pediatric autoimmune disorders tied to streptococcal infection, and LB966 adopted the Hunger-Free Schools Act to expand free school meals. Medicaid & Home Care: LB958 updated Medicaid waiver approval rules and added doula reimbursement provisions. School Safety Debate: Omaha parents and the Nebraska State Education Association raised concerns about “shock gloves” used by school resource officers, calling for more transparency and more mental-health supports.

3D-Printed Care Boost: UNO’s new Nebraska Center for 3D Innovation (NE3D) is up and running with an $8 million NSF-backed grant to develop 3D-printed prosthetics, antimicrobial materials, and surgical planning models. Workforce Pipeline: Omaha’s Metropolitan Community College and The Bay launch a Manufacturing Gap Year for ages 18–24, pairing a basic manufacturing credential with coaching and internship connections. Medicaid & Maternal Health Changes: Nebraska lawmakers advanced LB958, tightening how DHHS can submit Medicaid home- and community-based waivers, adding retroactive benefit coverage, and expanding doula reimbursement while setting limits for crisis energy payments. Pharmacy Practice Update: LB955 passed, allowing pharmacists to enter practice agreements with physician assistants, with required notifications and therapy monitoring. Access to Care Workforce: LB1212 creates a licensing pathway for internationally trained physicians to help address health profession shortages. Food Security for Kids: LB966 adopts the Hunger-Free Schools Act, expanding free breakfast and lunch access for eligible students. Youth Reentry Support: LB962 establishes coordinated youth reentry and transitional support for justice-involved teens under 21, including aftercare coordination and housing stabilization.

Medicaid & Access: Nebraska lawmakers advanced LB929, limiting when Medicaid cost-sharing can be charged and allowing managed care organizations to pay deductibles/copays for enrollees starting no earlier than Oct. 1, 2028, with the goal of preventing care denials over unpaid cost-sharing. Pediatric Autoimmune Coverage: LB762 passed, requiring most insurers to cover treatment for pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders tied to strep infection, including antibiotics, medications, behavioral therapies, plasma exchange, and immunoglobulin, plus annual reporting on denials. Workforce & Licensing: LB1212 created a licensure pathway for internationally trained physicians, including limited supervised and later restricted credentials for shortage areas. Community Health Workers: LB912 established a statewide endorsement process for community health worker training and also updated multiple health profession rules. Long-Term Care Standards: LB1091 set DHHS requirements for care of long-term special-needs clients. Adult Day Services: LB1057 redefined adult day service under the Health Care Facility Licensure Act, with an emergency clause. Medicaid Waivers & Doula Reimbursement: LB958 required legislative approval for certain Medicaid waiver changes, added retroactive benefit coverage, and set limits for crisis assistance while expanding doula reimbursement rules. Family Support: LB878 added paid parental leave for Nebraska state employees (six weeks for full-time). Tribal Adoption Protections: LB1032 recognized and enforced tribal customary adoptions within Nebraska’s Indian Child Welfare Act framework. Public Safety & Health: In Lincoln, a woman and baby were injured after an abduction that ended in a crash; the suspect was arrested and the investigation is ongoing. Livestock Fees: LB1187 changed Nebraska livestock brand inspection fee rules, including a lower per-head cap and a late-notice surcharge.

Medicaid Cost-Sharing Update: Nebraska lawmakers advanced LB929, letting managed care organizations cover Medicaid deductibles and cost sharing, with limits on when the state can charge enrollees and a start date no earlier than Oct. 1, 2028. International Physician Licensure: LB1212 cleared final passage, creating a pathway for internationally trained doctors with limited and restricted licenses tied to supervision and shortage areas. Long-Term Care Rules for Special Needs: LB1091 passed, requiring DHHS to keep skilled nursing and nursing facility services for certain high-need clients outside Medicaid managed care, using fee-for-service or other non-risk delivery. Paid Parental Leave: LB878 won final approval with an emergency clause, providing six weeks of paid leave for eligible state employees giving birth or adopting. Pediatric Autoimmune Coverage: LB762 passed, requiring insurance to cover specific pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric treatments and adding annual reporting on denials. Community Health Workforce: LB912 advanced, setting statewide endorsement rules for community health worker training and expanding related health profession compact and licensing changes. School Nutrition: LB966 adopted the Hunger-Free Schools Act to expand free breakfasts and lunches for qualifying students, with state reimbursement. Parkinson’s Detection Wearable: A new Nebraska-rooted wearable aims to detect Parkinson’s gait changes, inspired by Ahman Green’s experience. Local Nursing Scholarship: Lincoln University nursing student Ella Lewis received a $1,000 scholarship from Jefferson City Medical Group.

Medicaid Cost-Sharing Rules: Nebraska lawmakers advanced LB929, limiting when the state can charge Medicaid enrollees premiums, deductibles, copays, or other cost sharing, and allowing managed care organizations to pay federally required cost sharing starting no earlier than Oct. 1, 2028. Long-Term Care Oversight: LB1091 passed, directing DHHS to keep skilled nursing and nursing facility services for certain special-needs Medicaid clients outside managed care risk arrangements, with plans limited to coordinating non-nursing services. Workforce & Access to Care: LB1212 cleared to create a licensure pathway for internationally trained physicians, using limited and restricted credentials tied to supervision and shortage areas. Care Delivery Updates: LB1057 redefines “adult day service” under the Health Care Facility Licensure Act, and LB912 establishes statewide endorsement rules for community health worker training programs. Maternal & Pediatric Coverage: LB878 adds paid parental leave for Nebraska state employees, while LB762 requires insurance coverage for specific pediatric autoimmune disorders. School Nutrition: LB966 adopts the Hunger-Free Schools Act to expand access to free school breakfasts and lunches. Pharmacy Practice: LB955 allows written practice agreements between pharmacists and physician assistants.

Medicaid Work Requirements: Nebraska has started implementing Medicaid work requirements early, with verification beginning in August and potential coverage losses for some enrollees—an outcome many states and insurers are watching closely. Cyclospora Outbreak: The lettuce-linked cyclosporiasis outbreak keeps expanding, with FDA/CDC updates and new states added; Nebraska is among those affected, and regulators are still tracing the source. Food Safety & School Health: DHHS and local partners are pushing back-to-school safety tips, while Nebraska families are also being urged to stay alert amid ongoing outbreak guidance. Public Health Funding: Nebraska DHHS received a federal grant to test predictive analytics in child welfare, aiming to improve decisions and outcomes for families. Care Access & Workforce: Nebraska lawmakers advanced measures affecting health care delivery, including pharmacist-physician assistant practice agreements and insurance coverage rules for pediatric autoimmune disorders. Community Health Events: Nebraska Community Blood Bank’s major Omaha blood drive is set for Aug. 19, and Melham Medical Center hosted free sports physicals for 127 student athletes. Safety in Schools: Omaha police say electric shock gloves used by school resource officers have been in place for more than a year, drawing renewed national attention. Crash & Emergency Response: Multiple I-80 crashes in western Nebraska led to fatalities and serious injuries, with arrests reported in at least one case. Veteran Mental Health: The Nebraska 50-Mile March returns later this month to raise money for veteran housing and mental health support.

Food Safety: FDA and CDC have begun onsite inspections and sampling at Taylor Farms de Mexico in Guanajuato as Nebraska remains among 17 states tied to the Cyclospora outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce; case totals now list 9,481 illnesses across the affected states. Public Health & Policy: Nebraska DHHS announced a federal grant to test predictive analytics in child welfare, aiming to improve decision-making through a three-year initiative called Right Home, Right Time on TRACK. Medicaid Leadership: Nebraska’s Medicaid and long-term care director Drew Gonshorowski is resigning, with an interim replacement named as advocates warn about the rushed rollout of work requirements and eligibility checks. Care Access & Workforce: The Legislature advanced multiple health-related measures, including LB955 practice agreements between pharmacists and physician assistants and LB912 community health worker training endorsement and interstate compacts. Community Health: A Douglas County West Nile virus case was confirmed in humans, the first reported this summer season. Local Safety: A crash on I-80 near Sutherland killed a woman and airlifted a child to Omaha; another I-80 incident injured a Nebraska State Trooper while responding to a prior crash. Community Support: Omaha’s Heartland Family Service Safe Haven Golf Tournament raised money for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors, featuring Nebraska astronaut Clayton Anderson.

Medicaid Leadership Shakeup: Gov. Jim Pillen announced the resignation of Drew Gonshorowski, director of DHHS’s Division of Medicaid & Long-Term Care, signaling a change at the top of Nebraska’s Medicaid program. Public Health Update: The CDC says the Cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has grown to 9,481 cases across 17 states, with 398 hospitalizations; Maine and Massachusetts were added. Food Safety Watch: Nebraska’s Lake Yankton posted high E. coli readings (1,300 CFUs/100 mL vs. 235 standard), a reminder to use caution around lake water. State Health Policy: The Legislature advanced multiple health-related measures, including LB958 Medicaid waiver and doula reimbursement changes, plus LB912 community health worker training endorsement. Care Access & Support: Nebraska expanded Enable Savings Plan ABLE eligibility and protections for people with disabilities, aiming to help families plan without risking benefits. Health Workforce: UNL regents approved cutting low-enrollment programs, including ethnic studies and insect science, as part of broader system budget moves.

Medicaid & Long-Term Care: Nebraska lawmakers advanced LB1091, setting DHHS requirements for long-term care clients with special needs and keeping skilled nursing services outside Medicaid managed care, with limits on managed care involvement. School Nutrition: LB966, the Hunger-Free Schools Act, cleared the Legislature to expand free breakfasts and lunches for eligible students, with state reimbursement and reporting. Pediatric Coverage: LB762 passed to require insurance coverage for pediatric autoimmune disorders tied to streptococcal infection, including antibiotics, behavioral therapies, plasma exchange and immunoglobulin, plus insurer denial reporting. Workforce & Access to Care: LB1212 created a licensure pathway for internationally trained physicians, aiming to address health profession shortages. Adult Day Services: LB1057 updated the definition of adult day service under the Health Care Facility Licensure Act, clarifying what counts and what doesn’t. Public Health Alerts: Nebraska reported West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes in the Panhandle, urging residents to “fight the bite” with repellents and protective clothing. Food Safety: National cyclosporiasis case counts continue to rise, with officials warning not to let guard down even as produce linked to outbreaks is removed. Health Policy Costs: The VA is seeking to extend its Oracle EHRM contract as funding runs out, citing deployment complexities. Community Safety Tech: ICE plans to spend up to $20 million on electric shock gloves already used by Omaha school police.

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.