AGP Executive Report

Infection Prevention & Patient Safety: At APIC 2026 in Nashville, researchers used whole genome sequencing to trace a “pseudo-outbreak” of rare bloodstream infections to contaminated nonsterile ultrasound gel, helping trigger a national patient safety alert. Training & Hospital-Acquired Infections: Another APIC 2026 presentation linked a return to hands-on urinary catheter competency training with a major drop in CAUTIs after a shift to virtual assessments. AI in Healthcare: A Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital pediatrician in Memphis warned that AI chatbots can sound confident while giving wrong or incomplete health advice, urging families to use clinicians. Access & Coverage: Radiology Partners’ affiliate deal with Anthem Blue Cross restored in-network radiology access for plan members in California, effective June 1. Rural Health Funding: A KFF Health News report says states had to revise plans for the $50B Rural Health Transformation Program after federal leaders rejected parts of their proposals. Community Health & Food Safety: A Memphis community cafe focused on healthy food is set to close June 27, while a frozen pizza snack recall expanded to 21 states over possible metal contamination, including Tennessee.

Prehospital Trauma Care: Hamilton County EMS rolled out its new prehospital Whole Blood Program, giving the first early transfusion after a critical crash—aimed at cutting delays for severe trauma and hemorrhage. Food Safety Recall: FDA upgraded a Tennessee-made Alfredo sauce recall to its highest risk level (Class I) after potential salmonella contamination; 913 cases were distributed across 41 states, including Tennessee—watch for affected batch numbers and best-by dates. Access to Care Under Pressure: Tennessee told sick and disabled immigrant children they may lose healthcare tied to a last-resort program, with families facing possible data sharing with ICE and urgent scramble by pediatric and legal advocates. Medicare Advantage Scrutiny: A new inspector general report found Medicare Advantage plans denying specialized post-acute care at widely varying rates, with some insurers rejecting roughly 70–80% of requests. Workforce & Coverage Uncertainty: Centene is offering voluntary buyouts to most employees as it cuts costs amid membership declines, raising concerns about layoffs and ripple effects for state health systems. Mobility Tech in Clinics: Nashville-based LUCI’s power wheelchair tech is expanding via a preferred partnership with National Seating & Mobility, boosting access through training and education. Public Health & Nutrition: Aramark Student Nutrition updated school menus for 2026-27, removing 14 food dyes/additives, aligning with Tennessee’s upcoming dye restrictions. Research & Rehab Innovation: UTC launched a Biomechatronics in Healthcare Initiative to connect engineering, computer science, and healthcare for new rehab and digital health tools.

Home Health Recognition: Compassus, a Brentwood-based home-based care provider, was named to Newsweek’s America’s Greatest Workplaces 2026, highlighting its home health, hospice, palliative and infusion services footprint. Mobility Tech Access: Nashville’s LUCI power-wheelchair tech is expanding via National Seating & Mobility as a preferred partner, aiming to boost safety features and clinic access for riders. Cancer Survivorship Care: A St. Jude study links pain interference and sedentary behavior with frailty in adult childhood cancer survivors, while physical activity appears protective. Health Coverage Stress: A KFF Health News report spotlights people dropping Affordable Care Act plans after enhanced tax credits expire, with rising premiums pushing families out of coverage. Food Safety (TN-linked): The FDA upgraded a Tennessee-made Alfredo sauce recall to Class I after potential Salmonella risk tied to a dry milk powder ingredient; the recall spans 41 states and includes 913 cases. Public Health Lawsuit Watch: Williamson County histoplasmosis patients are exploring legal action after a local cluster prompted state health alerts. Community Safety: Memphis families are backing pedestrian-safety advocacy after a fatal crash, including a new driver-education scholarship program for teens. Local Health System Prep: Kansas City hospitals are coordinating for World Cup medical demand, focusing on translation and helping international patients navigate U.S. care. Workplace/Patient Safety (Mobility Repairs): A report describes long waits for wheelchair repairs nationwide, raising concerns about technician shortages and industry consolidation.

Food Safety Alert: FDA upgraded a voluntary recall of Alfredo sauce sold in 41 states to a Class I action after potential Salmonella contamination tied to a dry milk powder ingredient from a Tennessee company; the recall covers 913 cases distributed to food service, with batches labeled best-by dates from Jan. 12, 2028 to Apr. 20, 2028. Public Health & Access: Tennessee SNAP enrollment fell by 109,396 people from July 2025 to April, according to the Tennessee Justice Center, citing federal rule changes that added work requirements, reduced exemptions, and increased paperwork. Violence & Community Impact: In Kenton, TBI is investigating a double homicide where two children died and the mother was left in critical condition after apparent gunshot and stabbing injuries. Pediatric Care Story: A baby girl born at 25 weeks is still fighting for her life in Memphis at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, after doctors told her parents she wouldn’t survive. Care Delivery & Mobility: Compassus, a home-based care provider with Tennessee presence, was named to Newsweek’s America’s Greatest Workplaces 2026, and Nashville’s LUCI expanded access through a preferred partnership with NSM for wheelchair independence tech.

FDA Recall Watch: The FDA has issued a highest-risk (Class I) recall for Alfredo sauce in 41 states after a supplier recalled a dry milk powder ingredient over possible salmonella contamination, with The Coffee Connexion Co. in Lebanon, Tennessee, initiating the recall May 6. Community Health: WaterWays is launching a “Summer Swim Report,” with weekly water quality testing at popular local creeks and swimming holes through Labor Day, focusing on E. coli so families and pets can make safer plans. Local Care & Access: Compassus, a home-based healthcare provider with Tennessee presence, was named to Newsweek’s America’s Greatest Workplaces 2026 list, highlighting its home health, hospice, palliative and infusion services. Mobility & Independence: Nashville’s LUCI is expanding access to its power wheelchair tech through a preferred partnership with National Seating & Mobility, aiming to improve safety features and rider independence. Cancer Research Spotlight: Vanderbilt urologic researchers are presenting early phase data on an engineered salmonella-based bladder cancer treatment at the AUA. Health Philanthropy: St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway tickets sold out in Memphis, with the June 28 drawing supporting care for families who never receive bills.

Food Safety Recall: The FDA says a frozen snack recall affects Farm Rich Pizza Cheese Crunchers in 21+ states, including Tennessee, after concerns about possible metal pieces. Local Health & Safety: Memphis police report a man critically injured after a shooting in South Memphis. Community Health Education: UT Extension is offering canning and freezing classes in Tennessee, plus guidance for safe food preservation ahead of the State Fair. Healthcare Access & Workforce: A home-based care provider, Compassus, announced it was named to Newsweek’s “America’s Greatest Workplaces 2026,” highlighting growth in home health, hospice, and infusion services. Mobility & Rehab Tech: Nashville-based LUCI’s power-wheelchair independence tech is expanding through a preferred partnership with National Seating & Mobility, aiming to improve safety and training for riders. Public Health Policy: Tennessee’s certificate-of-need reforms continue, with acute care hospitals set to be exempt starting July 2030. Disaster Resilience Funding: FEMA approved $69.3M in post-disaster support across several states, including hazard mitigation and public health safety work.

Drug Access Fight in Tennessee: Cigna’s Express Scripts asked a federal court to block Tennessee’s FAIR Rx Act, arguing it would restrict prescription access by forcing pharmacy benefit managers to divest pharmacy operations—an issue tied to Accredo’s Memphis facility and thousands of Tennesseans. Public Health Alert: The CDC says Chagas disease is now recognized as endemic in the U.S., estimating about 300,000 Americans may have it without knowing; the update comes as kissing bugs become active. Food Safety Recall: A frozen pizza snack recall expanded to 21 states due to possible metal contamination, with FDA classifying it as a Class II health risk. Local Care & Community: Mercy Children’s Clinic in Franklin is hosting a June 23 fundraiser with retired NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore as keynote to support pediatric care for uninsured and underinsured children. Workplace Safety: Tennessee OSHA fined Cleary Construction $22K+ after a near-fatal trench collapse in Hixson last October. Injury & Safety: Multiple Memphis crashes and a pedestrian death on Elvis Presley Boulevard highlight ongoing road safety concerns.

Prescription Access Fight: Cigna’s Express Scripts asked a Tennessee court to strike down a state law it says unlawfully restricts access to prescription medications and care for hundreds of thousands of residents. Mental Health & Suicide Prevention: A Williamson County forum is set to tackle why the area—despite strong schools and wealth—still has one of the state’s highest suicide rates, with local crisis calls and youth suicide trends driving the discussion. Food Safety Recall: FDA says Farm Rich Pizza Cheese Crunchers are being recalled in Tennessee and 20+ states due to possible metal fragments; the recall was upgraded to Class II. Public Health & Screening: A Minnesota project aims to boost lung cancer screening in rural areas by working with primary care clinics to identify eligible patients and schedule tests. Healthcare Workforce/Access: Compassus, a home-based care provider, was named to Newsweek’s “America’s Greatest Workplaces 2026,” highlighting growth across multiple states. Research & Innovation: UT Knoxville plans a new quantum accelerator facility, tying into Tennessee’s broader quantum initiative and potential medical imaging applications. Care for Mobility Needs: Waves earned CQL Quality Assurances Accreditation, and a Franklin clinic opened a new Neurogen location offering non-invasive, drug-free nervous system support.

Food Safety: FDA classified a metal-contamination risk for Farm Rich Pizza Cheese Crunchers, triggering a 21-state recall that covers about 160,200 pounds; the public was notified May 19, but the formal risk label didn’t land until June 9. Reproductive Health Access: Pregnancy Help Clinics of East Tennessee is running free mobile ultrasound clinics in Chattanooga every Thursday, offering pregnancy tests, limited ultrasounds, options counseling, and prenatal vitamins with no cost. Public Health & Community Care: Compassus, a home-based care provider with a Brentwood presence, was named to Newsweek’s “America’s Greatest Workplaces 2026,” highlighting its home health, hospice, and infusion services. Mobility & Independence: Nashville’s LUCI power-wheelchair tech is expanding through a preferred partnership with National Seating & Mobility, aiming to broaden access to collision-avoidance and safety features. Local Health & Safety: Memphis police are searching for a woman accused of stealing and abandoning an ambulance from Methodist North Hospital. Wellness Event: Next Health announced its first Longevity Summit in Nashville on Sept. 12, 2026, focused on proactive health and disease prevention.

Foster Care Finance Shift: Tennessee will stop confiscating foster children’s federal Social Security survivor benefits, replacing it with “Fostering the Future Accounts” so kids can keep funds and build savings for when they turn 18. Home-Based Care Recognition: Compassus, based in Brentwood, was named to Newsweek’s America’s Greatest Workplaces 2026 list, highlighting growth in home health, hospice, palliative care, and infusion services. Kidney Transplant Testing: Nashville-based IMDx says its GraftAssure GraftAssure CM-score improves screening accuracy for kidney transplant rejection, with results published in the American Journal of Transplantation. Orthopedic Access Expansion: Ballad Health launched the Appalachian Highlands Orthopedic Network with local physicians and Campbell Clinic to expand specialist access across the region. Public Health Safety: East Tennessee doctors warn tick encounters are rising and urge quick tick checks and proper removal to prevent Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses. Healthcare Fraud Sentencing: A federal judge sentenced three East Tennessee defendants tied to a multimillion-dollar prescription fraud scheme involving pharmacies and pain clinics. Community Health Funding: Tennessee’s Department of Disability and Aging will distribute $5 million in competitive grants to senior centers for equipment, programming, and operating support. Local Care Tech: National Seating & Mobility became a preferred partner for LUCI, a Nashville mobility tech company aimed at improving safety and independence for power wheelchair riders.

Immigration & Kids’ Care: Tennessee health officials warned parents that children using the Children’s Special Services program after June 30 could have their information shared with state immigration enforcement and ICE—raising alarms for families of medically fragile kids. Oncology Deal: GSK is moving deeper into cancer care with a $10.6B Nuvalent acquisition, aiming to rebuild its oncology pipeline and add potential lung cancer treatments. Pharmacy Fraud Fight: Eli Lilly won a federal court order targeting leaders of a Tennessee church and pharmacy groups tied to an alleged long-running rebate scheme involving PBMs and weight-loss drug rebates. Heat & Health: Tennessee experts urged extra precautions during prolonged hot weather, warning about dehydration, summer smog, and risks for people on heart and blood-pressure meds. Data Centers vs. Communities: A Mississippi class-action lawsuit alleges xAI/SpaceX power-plant noise is harming residents near Memphis, while Nashville’s Zoo faces a major data center proposal amid large public opposition. Mobility Tech Partnership: A Nashville-based wheelchair independence tech company is partnering with a national complex rehab provider to expand access across clinics. Local Health Context: Kansas City hospitals are preparing for World Cup visitors, focusing on translation and helping patients navigate U.S. care costs.

Public Health & Food Security: Tennessee DHS will load a one-time $120 Summer Nutrition Initiative benefit onto EBT cards starting June 12 for eligible kids ages 5–18 in 13 counties, with no application needed. Behavioral Health & Suicide Prevention: The Center for the Helping Professions is partnering with Centerstone to launch a national, learning-focused critical incident review effort for suicide attempts and near-fatal overdoses, supported by Four Pines Fund. Hospital Care Capacity: West Tennessee Healthcare is expanding its systemwide eICU program, adding virtual monitoring to 127 ICU beds and 17 mobile emergency department carts across 19 counties. Local Health Tech & Mobility: Nashville-based LUCI, which builds tech for power wheelchair riders, is partnering with National Seating & Mobility as a preferred national partner to expand access through clinics and training. Community Health Support: Wilson County and WeGo Star, backed by RJ Corman Railroad Group, delivered a $2,000 donation to St. Jude after a marathon train ride that also helped fund the trip. Health & Safety in the Community: A Chattanooga man’s death during a police encounter was ruled self-inflicted after an autopsy, according to the update. Healthcare Access & Systems: Metro Nashville is preparing to sue the state again to block another airport board takeover, arguing it would violate federal rules around airport sponsorship changes. Cancer in the Spotlight: Country artist Jillian Cardarelli, who shared her breast cancer diagnosis, is in early stages of meeting specialists to decide on a treatment plan. Health & Wellness Awareness: Tennessee officials are urging families to watch for heat-related illness as temperatures ramp up.

Hospital Price Transparency: The Trump administration warned 500+ hospitals nationwide—including 16 in Tennessee—that they’re not posting basic pricing info, with penalties up to $2 million per year for noncompliance. Quality Spotlight: Williamson Medical Center in Franklin earned a CMS five-star rating for 2026, one of just six Tennessee hospitals to get the top overall mark. Medication Safety: A Tennessee Board of Nursing consent order describes a Vanderbilt-area case where a nurse convicted in a patient death turned a fatal drug error into a cautionary tale, highlighting diversion and monitoring failures. Cancer Care Research: Vanderbilt-led work found a high prevalence of hereditary breast cancer gene variants among young Black women, reinforcing the need for genetic testing. Public Health & Food Safety: A Salmonella outbreak linked to moringa supplements has expanded to 119 cases across 36 states, prompting FDA recall updates. Heat Safety: Le Bonheur experts urged parents to protect kids during early summer heat, warning playground surfaces can reach burn levels. Veterans Support: A Memphis VA clinic hosted a coalition “food hub” model and claim-assistance event to connect Veterans with same-day resources. Mobility Tech in TN: Nashville-based LUCI’s power wheelchair tech is expanding via a preferred partnership with National Seating & Mobility, aiming to improve safety and independence for riders.

Maternal Health Watch: A new Memphis-area analysis flags Shelby County as the South’s biggest “maternal red flag zone,” pointing to higher risk for poor outcomes and renewed urgency for better prenatal and community support. Transplant Care Tech: iMDx says it will spotlight in-house transplanted-organ-rejection testing at the American Transplant Congress, aiming for faster, more affordable monitoring that can be run locally at transplant centers. Diabetes Drug Fraud: New York AG Letitia James and partners secured $36.5 million from CVS over Medicaid insulin overbilling, a reminder that medication access and pricing integrity still matter for patients. Community Safety & Prevention: Wellpoint Tennessee and the J.A. Henry YMCA hosted a Summer Safety & Health Fair in Chattanooga with water, sun, and hydration tips plus free life jackets for families. Mobility Independence: NSM became a preferred partner for LUCI, a Nashville tech company building collision-avoidance and visibility features for power wheelchair riders. Local Health Workforce Support: GuideStone highlighted a new Ministers Financial Foundations Program pilot with coaching and matching grants for younger ministers’ long-term wellness and stability.

THC Policy Update: Tennessee’s new ban on THC products (0.3%+), including THCA-converted THC, takes full effect July 1 and requires in-person, ID-checked purchases for adults 21+—a major shift for hemp buyers and businesses. Immigration & Care Access: Tennessee officials are directing public health departments to verify immigration status and report to federal authorities, putting some low-income immigrant children enrolled in Children’s Special Services at risk of losing coverage. Public Health & Safety: Law enforcement and health professionals are urging safer social media habits after a Snapchat-related incident involving teens and a gun pointed through a window. Community Health & Mental Well-Being: Experts share practical questions for parents considering counseling for kids, while another report highlights how social connection can help prevent suicide. Cancer & Drug News: GSK agreed to buy Nuvalent for $10.6 billion to expand targeted lung cancer treatments. Local Health Story: East Nashville police say five dogs were shot and killed after attacking a woman inside a home, leaving her seriously injured. Mobility Tech: Nashville’s LUCI and NSM expand access to power wheelchair independence features like collision avoidance and rider visibility tools.

SNAP Nutrition Rules: Tennessee is among states rolling out new limits on what people can buy with SNAP, aiming to steer benefits toward “real food” and away from items like soda, candy, and certain prepared desserts. Community Health Access: UTC’s MobileMoc clinic is offering free services in Rhea County (June 8) with no insurance needed, plus stops in Etowah (June 10) and Chattanooga (June 11). EMS Blood Supply: Putnam County EMS has partnered with Blood Assurance to carry Type O Positive whole blood and Type A liquid plasma, bringing faster lifesaving care to trauma and other emergencies. Public Health Research: UT researchers say they’ve identified a tick protein that could help block disease transmission earlier, a step toward stopping tick-borne illnesses before they spread. Health Data Security: The FTC ordered Illuminate Education to strengthen data security after a breach exposed data for more than 10 million students, including health-related information. Local Care Workforce: Bloomberg Philanthropies’ $90M initiative is funding a Chattanooga-Hamilton County push to funnel high school students into registered apprenticeships in skilled trades. Animal Health & Tech Backlash: Nashville Zoo is opposing a proposed data center next door, warning light and noise could endanger rare animals.