AGP Executive Report

Endometriosis Care: A new report highlights how long many patients wait—often a decade or more—for an endometriosis diagnosis, and points to emerging tests abroad that could speed answers, though they’re not yet available in the U.S. Diabetes Warning Signs: Physician Dr. Kunal Sood shared five common clues of high blood sugar, including frequent urination, intense thirst, and blurry vision, urging earlier recognition of possible diabetes. Stroke Prevention: Baltimore VA earned primary stroke center status, underscoring faster, better-coordinated care for time-sensitive brain emergencies. Public Health Alerts: Fire crews responded to carbon monoxide poisonings in Gaithersburg apartments, with 12 people taken to hospitals after high readings were found; officials traced the source to a stove. Allergy Season: Maryland’s fall ragweed surge is tied to longer pollen seasons and more missed school/work and asthma-related visits, with tips on managing exposure at home and outdoors. Water Quality Innovation: A Maryland park is testing an algae-based river-cleaning system that grows algae to capture pollution nutrients, aiming to reduce harmful blooms and protect aquatic life. Local Safety: Baltimore City Hall faced a suspicious package response that triggered downtown road closures during festival setup.

Stroke care upgrade: Baltimore VA Medical Center earned primary stroke center status, aiming to speed treatment with the “time is brain” focus for veterans. Endometriosis diagnosis: Doctors are pushing for faster ways to diagnose endometriosis as patients can wait a decade or more for answers, and new tests abroad aren’t yet available in the U.S. Storm recovery: Pepco says power has been restored to about 90% of roughly 76,000 customers hit by damaging storms, with thousands still out in Prince George’s County and D.C. Carbon monoxide scare: Gaithersburg crews responded to high carbon monoxide readings at two adjacent apartment buildings; dozens were evaluated and multiple residents were hospitalized while investigators worked to identify the source. Flu prevention: TidalHealth will host free drive-thru flu clinics in Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties, with high-dose shots at select sites. School meals: Maryland raised income limits for free and reduced-price meals for the 2026-27 school year, potentially expanding eligibility for families. Paid family leave: Maryland opened employer registration for its new paid family and medical leave program, with benefits up to $1,000 a week. Kidney breakthrough: A Lancet report highlights a pig kidney transplant case that may offer hope for patients waiting for human donors.

Medicaid Gender-Affirming Care Fight: Maryland AG Anthony G. Brown joined a 22-state lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s attempt to block federal Medicaid funding for gender-affirming care for low-income transgender youth and some young adults. Child Health & Safety: Baltimore officials are investigating an agency that placed a mother and six children in an East Baltimore rowhouse after police found the kids malnourished and living in squalor. School Health: Montgomery County teachers warn that broken or failing HVAC is leaving some classrooms above 80 degrees, raising safety and learning concerns. Public Health Access: Montgomery County will recognize 988 Day with a virtual event promoting the free, confidential Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Health Care Policy & Workplaces: Gov. Moore signed an executive order making Maryland a “Recovery-Friendly Workplace,” updating state employment policies for workers in substance use recovery. Food & Consumer Protections: Maryland’s new cash-acceptance law for essential goods starts Oct. 1, alongside other policing and road-safety measures. Medical Diagnostics: A new report highlights how endometriosis can take years to diagnose and points to emerging testing approaches abroad.

Recovery & Workplace Policy: Gov. Wes Moore signed an executive order making Maryland a “recovery-friendly workplace,” requiring state agencies to train staff on substance use disorders, treatment, recovery, and overdose response while steering people toward support before punishment. School Nutrition: Maryland updated 2026-27 income eligibility for free and reduced-price school meals, with a family of four qualifying for free meals at $42,900 or less and reduced-price up to $61,050, plus rules for automatic eligibility and reapplication. Public Health Watch: Baltimore health officials warned residents after a dead fox tested positive for rabies near Groveland Avenue, urging pet owners to check for bites and keep rabies vaccinations current. Medication Safety: FDA-linked recalls hit Maryland after two IV saline actions within days—one tied to potential fiberglass contamination and another to iron oxide—prompting providers to stop using and return affected lots. Maternal Support: Experts say postpartum support should be treated as a pro-life issue, highlighting the need for community-based help for new mothers facing postpartum mental health struggles. Opioid Community Effort: Talbot Goes Purple will host a free screening of “An American Opioid Crisis” in St. Michaels, aiming to reduce stigma and boost awareness of prevention, treatment, and recovery. Regenerative Farming: Maryland DNR opened 111 acres for lease using regenerative practices to expand land access and protect the Chesapeake Bay. Healthcare Access & Aging: Partners In Care Maryland added four community leaders to its advisory board to support older adults aging in place.

Maternal & Infant Health: Milwaukee will adapt Baltimore’s “B’More for Healthy Babies” model to cut Black infant mortality, citing a 35% infant-death drop and more equal outcomes in Baltimore. Healthcare Policy: Maryland AG Dana Nessel joined a 22-state coalition suing to block a Trump administration move that would bar Medicaid reimbursement for transgender youth care for low-income minors and some young adults. Cybersecurity in Care: Luminis Health’s cybersecurity incident is still disrupting operations at Anne Arundel Medical Center, with hospitals in the region hit by fallout. Public Health & Safety: Baltimore City confirmed a rabid fox in West Baltimore, urging residents near Groveland Avenue to watch for possible animal contact and check pets. Health & Climate: Maryland reported 59 heat-related deaths this summer, the deadliest on record, as officials warn the toll could rise into the Labor Day period. Access to Care: Maryland’s FAMLI registration is now live, with deadlines and employer planning questions ahead. Community Health & Wellness: A UMD-linked smart underwear concept aims to track flatulence to better understand digestive health and fiber tolerance.

FAMLI Rollout: Maryland’s Family and Medical Leave Insurance program is now live for registration, with employers and workers preparing for paid leave benefits starting in 2028. Cybersecurity in Care: Luminis Health’s cyberattack has disrupted operations at Anne Arundel Medical Center, and other Maryland hospitals have also been hit, raising concerns about patient access and system reliability. Health Fraud Watch: A Baltimore agency that placed a mother and six “malnourished” children in a rowhome is under investigation for alleged fraud, after the children were found unsupervised and in unsafe conditions. Public Health & Rabies: Harford County is launching a rabies vaccine bait pilot after a spike in raccoon-related cases, aiming to reduce exposure risk for people and pets. Community Wellness: Chesapeake Therapeutic Riding is using horses to support veterans and help participants slow down, breathe, and reconnect in a non-clinical setting. Environment & Air Quality: Residents say Darling Ingredients’ odor problem in Linkwood is still going unaddressed despite prior state pollution violations and court action. Local Safety: Baltimore County police are investigating a shooting in Middle River after an officer discharged a firearm during an encounter with an armed woman; the officer is on administrative leave.

Cybersecurity in Maryland Hospitals: Luminis Health and Anne Arundel Medical Center were hit by a cyberattack, forcing patient reroutes and disrupting systems—another reminder that healthcare networks are high-value targets. Public Health & Safety: A kitten in Baltimore County tested positive for rabies, exposing at least one person and prompting immediate medical evaluation guidance; officials also continue rabies monitoring and prevention steps. State Health Policy: Maryland’s paid family and medical leave program is moving forward, with employer registration opening and benefits set to begin—aimed at easing financial strain for workers and families. Medicaid & Care Access: Colorado and other states are suing the Trump administration over Medicaid funding limits for gender-affirming care for low-income minors, arguing the policy unlawfully overrides medical decisions. Local Healthcare Workforce: Maryland’s university system reached an agreement with AFSCME and Gov. Wes Moore to release withheld pay raises, bringing relief to nearly 5,700 employees. Health Tech Governance: A new push argues AI in healthcare needs stronger nursing leadership and oversight as tools expand across clinical settings.

Cybersecurity Disruptions: Luminus Health says a cyberattack has forced Anne Arundel Medical Center and Doctors Community Medical Center to cancel or reroute some care, including delayed cancer treatment and limited access to MyChart. Public Health & Safety: Harford County is launching an oral rabies vaccination bait program after 22 rabid raccoon cases, aiming to curb spread among wildlife. Health Care Access & Policy: Vermont, New York, Washington and other states are suing the Trump administration over a rule that would block Medicaid/CHIP reimbursement for gender-affirming care for low-income transgender youth, arguing CMS overstepped its authority. Community Health: Baltimore is investigating a child neglect case after six children ages 1 to 9 were found malnourished and alone in unsafe conditions, with medical evaluations raising concerns. Health-Adjacent Infrastructure: Maryland Transit Administration will add a direct weekday MARC train connection between Montgomery County and Baltimore starting Sept. 28, touting faster access to major employers and medical centers.

Paid Leave Rollout: Maryland’s long-awaited paid family and medical leave program launched Tuesday, offering up to 12 weeks of paid time off for major life and health needs—bringing relief to families while raising new cost and staffing questions for employers. Local Control vs. Data Centers: Gov. Wes Moore signaled a shift toward stronger local authority over data center growth, even as Baltimore County lawmakers push to extend a data center moratorium. Transit Accountability: A new audit says the Maryland Transportation Authority failed to collect more than $818 million in tolls and fees it was owed. Public Health & Care Access: In Southern Maryland, St. Mary’s County approved jail-based medication treatment funding and agreements to help people transition from detention to community care. Community Health Leadership: LifeStyles of Maryland named its first volunteer medical director, aiming to better connect uninsured and medically underserved residents to appropriate care. Healthcare Innovation: United Therapeutics said the FDA accepted a supplemental drug application for nebulized Tyvaso to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, with review expected in late April 2027. Safety & Prevention: Baltimore residents weighed in on the city’s next violence prevention plan, with added focus on youth diversion, mediation, and safe firearm storage.

Paid Leave Rollout: Maryland opened employer registration for its new Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program, with benefits up to $1,000 a week and up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave starting in 2028. Newborn Safety: A Reuters analysis found vitamin K shot refusals at birth jumped more than 57% in early 2026, raising risk of severe bleeding for newborns. Public Health at Home: Maryland’s “Kids in Safety Seats” program is running free child car-seat checks during back-to-school season, citing high misuse rates. Food Safety: Hodo recalled more than 10,000 cases of tofu after ink from packaging may have migrated into the product. Care Access & Recovery: Kennedy Krieger Institute highlighted a Baltimore child’s long road back after rare cancer and spinal cord injury. Community Health & Prevention: Talbot Goes Purple marked 10 years of addiction prevention with a kickoff event tied to overdose awareness. Local Environment: Cambridge’s flood resiliency project faces a FEMA submission deadline as it seeks up to $16M in federal funding. Animal Health Alert: Charles County reported a raccoon rabies case and urged residents to contact health officials if there was contact with the animal.

Rare Disease Genomics in Maryland: GeneDx CEO Katherine Stueland, based in Gaithersburg, was named a 2026 Fierce 50 honoree for health equity, highlighting how earlier genomic diagnosis can change care pathways. AI in Clinical Imaging: A new study reports an AI tool found hepatic steatosis often goes unmentioned on routine noncontrast CT scans—suggesting “no finding” shouldn’t be read as “no condition.” Women’s Preventive Care: A JAMA Network Open analysis finds nearly 1 in 3 women ages 21–29 in 2023 had never had cervical cancer screening, with the share rising sharply since 2005. Asthma Access Pressure: The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s 2026 Asthma Capitals report warns of high asthma-related ER use and missed care as September ramps up. Developmental Disability Services: Maryland developmental disability providers say they’re nearing a financial breaking point after months of unpaid care tied to Medicaid coverage delays. Housing Health: A federal judge declined to certify a class in a Prince George’s County black mold and rodent case tied to a prior $11M state settlement. Community Health & Safety: Baltimore police investigated after six children were found alone in East Baltimore and taken to Johns Hopkins Pediatric for evaluation.

Overdose Response: Maryland Gov. Wes Moore declared Aug. 31 International Overdose Awareness Day, highlighting progress in cutting fatal overdoses and urging continued access to treatment, prevention, and recovery supports. Public Health Research: Cyclospora outbreak updates show cases topping 17,000 since May 1, while federal research capacity is being scaled back—two USDA projects tied to Maryland lost funding and a third is slated to move. Cancer Care & Support: Mercy Medical Center’s “Katie’s Corner” at The Women’s Health Boutique is spotlighted for helping women facing ovarian cancer, with clinicians noting limited screening options compared with other cancers. Healthcare Fraud: Two Maryland brothers accused in a CareFirst racketeering case argue the insurer’s $50M claim is time-barred, alleging improper Maryland residency reporting for specialized care. Family Planning Funding Fight: A coalition including Delaware and other states sued to block new Title X conditions that could strip federal family planning funding from states and providers. Data Centers & Health Tech: Maryland counties’ pushback against data centers is drawing warnings from local tech leaders about future compute constraints as AI demand grows. Community Health Events: Talbot Goes Purple will host a free screening and Q&A of “An American Opioid Crisis” to reduce stigma and boost awareness of prevention and recovery. Violence & Safety: In Linkwood and Hurlock, multiple arrests continue in connected shootings that killed a 5-year-old and left a teen critically injured, with a 15-year-old now charged with attempted murder.

340B Reform Push: Maryland is seeing fresh calls to reform the federal 340B program, with critics arguing the discounts aren’t consistently reaching low-income patients as intended. Medicaid Billing Scrutiny: Multiple reports highlight Medicaid payment spikes and potential misuse, including allegations of therapy sessions billed but never delivered, renewing pressure on oversight. Public Health Alerts: Maryland measles cases are prompting renewed vaccination reminders, while a separate rabies warning underscores how quickly exposure risks can spread after infected animals are found. Local Safety & Health Impacts: West Baltimore firefighters responded to a trailer fire that injured two people, and an East Baltimore homicide investigation is offering an $8,000 reward. Community Health & Access: Gov. Moore urged families to use Sun Bucks to prevent child hunger, and advocates continue pushing for stronger protections for vulnerable communities amid federal enforcement pressure. Workforce & Care Delivery: A Maryland healthcare revenue cycle transition is set to cut 39 jobs as operations shift with a new nonprofit physician group.

Medicaid Fraud: A Maryland behavioral health worker, Said Nassor, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud after allegedly billing D.C. Medicaid for telehealth mental health services that were misrepresented or not provided, with losses exceeding $250,000. Food Security: Gov. Wes Moore urged families to use Sun Bucks before benefits expire, warning that no child should go hungry as the summer EBT program provides $40 per eligible student each month. Local Medicaid Spending Watch: New federal spending data show sharp local increases in Medicaid billing categories across Maryland, including Crownsville’s Evaluation and Management claims jumping to $1.37M in 2024 and Abingdon’s Surgery payments rising 610.8% to $1,777. Community Health Support: Love in Action Fresh 2 You Mobile Market brought free groceries to residents at Cedar Creek Apartments in Stephens City, with state Rep. Delores Oates among those helping distribute food. Public Safety & Health: Two women were killed in a wrong-way crash on I-270 in Montgomery County, and a 13-year-old was flown to Children’s National after an electric dirt bike crash in Prince Frederick.

Medicaid Fraud in D.C.: A Silver Spring man pleaded guilty in federal court for a scheme that billed D.C. Medicaid for mental health services that were never provided or were inflated, with losses topping $250,000. Local Medicaid Spending Watch: New data show Elkridge providers billed $369,566 for Evaluation and Management services in 2024, up 35.3% from 2023, while other Maryland communities saw sharp swings in specific categories like Linthicum orthotic services ($57,661), Crofton dental ($24,295), and Odenton radiology ($1,831). Public Health Alert—Measles: Maryland declared a measles outbreak in three counties as cases rise nationally, with officials urging vaccination ahead of the school year. Care Access & Workforce Pipeline: Southern Maryland high school students are using College of Southern Maryland’s Early College program to earn credits and credentials, including medical coding and pharmacy technician options in Charles County. Health System Burden: A new report highlights how prior authorization is driving physician burnout, with most doctors reporting it directly worsens stress and workload.

IV Recall Watch: Two separate recalls of 0.9% sodium chloride IV bags are raising alarms for hospitals nationwide, including Maryland facilities—B. Braun is pulling specific 100 mL lots due to zinc-oxide particulate concerns, while Baxter is recalling 500 mL lots tied to possible fiberglass contamination. Public Health Tech: Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine developed a diabetes complication risk calculator that can update a patient’s risk month-by-month as new health data comes in. Local Safety: A possible mercury spill in Lutherville sent six people to hospitals for evaluation and decontamination, with the cause still under investigation. Trauma Care After Crashes: A 66-year-old woman was airlifted after a two-vehicle crash in Hollywood, and another man was flown to a trauma center after a concrete wall collapse at a Piney Point construction site. Violence Update: D.C. police identified Cortes Lilly, 21, as the man killed in a Northeast DC shooting that left three others hospitalized.