AGP Executive Report

Nursing Excellence: Rutland Regional Medical Center earned Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center for the fourth straight time, highlighting continued nursing quality and patient-centered care. Child Care & Health Equity: New UVM-led research finds intensified ICE enforcement reshaped the childcare workforce, with childcare centers cutting enrollment or closing—raising risks for families who rely on stable, affordable care. Workforce Pathways: Vermont’s Agency of Education added the Vermont Veterinary Medical Association’s Certified Veterinary Assistant credential to the state’s Industry-Recognized Credentials list, strengthening career routes into veterinary medicine. Marijuana Policy Watch: A federal DOJ rescheduling of medical marijuana to Schedule III is expected to bring some tax benefits for businesses, but states still face a fragmented, uncertain policy road ahead. Public Health & Environment: Vermont became the first state to ban paraquat, a weedkiller linked to Parkinson’s risk, with a limited orchard/berry permit window and plans for alternatives. Rural Hospital Funding: Bipartisan federal legislation passed the Senate to extend the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration for five years, keeping payment-model testing alive for rural hospitals including Vermont. Care Access & Costs: Vermont’s childcare meal program participation is dropping, even as a federal program sends billions to help cover childcare meals. ALS Data: New state-level ALS incidence estimates released by a national registry show Vermont among higher-incidence states, helping local health planning.

Nursing Excellence: Rutland Regional Medical Center earned Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center for a fourth straight time, highlighting continued nursing quality and patient-centered care. Rural Hospital Funding: U.S. senators backed bipartisan legislation to extend the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration for five more years, keeping Medicare payment experiments alive for rural hospitals in states including Vermont. Child Care & Immigration: New research from UVM and partners finds intensified ICE enforcement reshaped the childcare workforce, with childcare centers losing capacity and immigrant women’s employment dropping—raising stakes for families relying on stable care. Public Health & Environment (Paraquat): Vermont became the first state to ban paraquat, a weed killer linked to higher Parkinson’s risk, with a delayed start and limited exemptions for certain crops through 2030. Lyme Disease Push: RFK Jr. announced new federal funding for Lyme research and public awareness, aiming to reduce cases by 25% by 2035, as Vermont reports record-high probable cases. Community Health Events: Northwestern Medical Center’s cardiac fundraiser, the Rotary Champ Challenge, is set for July 26 on Lake Champlain, targeting new heart-disease imaging equipment.

Nursing Excellence: Rutland Regional Medical Center earned Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center for the fourth straight time, highlighting improved patient satisfaction and nurse retention. State Health Policy: Vermont became the first U.S. state to ban paraquat, a weed killer linked to Parkinson’s risk; Gov. Phil Scott signed the law with limited exemptions through 2030. Care Access & Workforce: A new UVM-led study finds intensified ICE enforcement reshaped the childcare workforce, reducing capacity and hitting immigrant women hardest—an issue that ripples into family stability and labor force participation. Mental Health Training: Brattleboro Retreat’s doctoral psychology internship program was reaccredited by the American Psychological Association through 2035, supporting clinical training for rural and underserved communities. Public Health & Prevention: Vermont’s tick-and-Lyme focus continues as HHS announces new Lyme research funding and public awareness efforts, with Vermont reporting over 2,200 probable cases last year. Community Health Events: Northwestern Medical Center’s Rotary Champ Challenge aims to raise $250,000 for a new cardiac imaging machine.

Nursing Excellence: Rutland Regional Medical Center earned Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center for a fourth straight time, highlighting its push for high-quality, patient-centered nursing care. Healthcare Costs Policy: Vermont Senate advanced a bill aimed at reference-based pricing, directing the Green Mountain Care Board to move toward a system by 2028 with caps tied to Medicaid costs. Public Health—Rabies: Vermont health officials warn of more than two dozen rabies cases and urge people not to handle wild animals or bats; if you wake up with a bat in your room, leave it alone and call for a risk assessment. Substance Use Trends: Vermont overdose deaths fell in 2025 to 170, down 37% from the 2022 peak, with fentanyl and cocaine still leading substances involved. Workforce & Families: New UVM-led research finds intensified ICE enforcement reshaped the childcare workforce, reducing capacity and employment—especially among immigrant women in regulated childcare settings. Community Health & Access: Rutland Regional Medical Center plans a June 2 mixer focused on the Vermont Orthopaedic Clinic, spotlighting local care partnerships. Safety Update: State police are still seeking information about a suspicious death in Sheldon involving a man found with stab wounds in October.

Nursing Excellence: Rutland Regional Medical Center earned Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center for the fourth straight time, highlighting its push for high-quality, patient-centered care. Hospital Cost Control: Vermont lawmakers advanced S.190, a health care cost measure that speeds up reference-based pricing so regulators can set hospital price caps sooner for certain insurance plans—aimed at lowering premiums amid pressure on hospital finances. Toxic Exposure Watch: Vermont became the first state to ban paraquat, a herbicide linked to Parkinson’s disease and other serious health risks; the law phases out use and sale, with limited exemptions for farmers. Mental Health Access: United Counseling Service in Bennington spotlighted outpatient clinician Paul Perrault, offering in-person individual and group therapy with evening availability and same-day access. Public Safety (Health Impact): Vermont State Police continued investigating a suspicious 2025 death in Sheldon after a medical examiner listed stab wounds as the cause and the manner as undetermined. Community Health Events: Rutland Regional Medical Center will host a free Regional Mixer focused on the Vermont Orthopaedic Clinic on June 2 in Killington.

Paraquat ban (public health): Vermont became the first U.S. state to ban paraquat, a weed-killing herbicide linked to Parkinson’s and other serious health risks; Gov. Phil Scott signed the law phasing it out statewide starting Nov. 1, with fruit-farm exemptions that end by 2030. Mental health access (local): United Counseling Service in Bennington highlighted Outpatient Clinician Paul Perrault, offering in-person individual and group therapy for adults, including evening availability and Same Day Access. Long-term care costs (data): A new national map shows nursing home costs soaring, with Vermont listed around $169,360 annually for a semi-private room—driven by staffing shortages and an aging population. Care options debate (regional): Rhode Island lawmakers are set to vote on a bill to legalize water cremation and human composting, aiming to give families more local end-of-life choices. Community health & prevention (outdoors): Vermont’s Summer Free Fishing Day is Saturday, June 13, with a family festival in Grand Isle framed as a chance to get outside and enjoy healthy local food. Workplace health (research): A UVM-led study found better heart health before COVID was linked to lower risk of severe COVID outcomes, underscoring prevention. Environment & health (guidance): Vermont DEC released guidance on floating structures, restricting unencapsulated polystyrene foam to reduce microplastic pollution. Sports & health (workforce): North Dakota State’s deputy athletic director Todd Phelps is heading back to Vermont as Middlebury’s director of athletics.

Paraquat Ban: Vermont became the first state to ban the weed-killing herbicide paraquat, citing links to Parkinson’s disease; the law takes effect Nov. 1 with limited exemptions and reporting. Public Health Preparedness: Vermont is revisiting its Ebola readiness as a new outbreak rages in Central and East Africa, with federal officials saying the risk to Americans remains low. Cancer Screening for Firefighters: 20/20 Biolabs’ OneTest multi-cancer blood test was selected for a statewide firefighter screening program, adding ultrasound exams and follow-up. Mental Health & Recovery Services: Turning Point Recovery Center of Bennington earned Vermont Department of Health certification as a recovery services organization, aligning it for Medicaid reimbursement for recovery coaching. Social Media Safety: The U.S. Supreme Court declined Meta’s appeal in Vermont’s Instagram addiction lawsuit, letting the case move forward. Heart Health Research: A UVM-led study found better heart health before the pandemic was linked to lower risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes. Food Assistance Demand: Franklin and Grand Isle food shelves report a spring surge, with families needing more help and tips on how to support local shelves. Care for First Responders: Gov. Phil Scott signed “Jessica’s Law,” expanding survivor benefits up to $85,000 for families of fallen first responders. Community Health Events: Rutland Regional Medical Center will host a free Regional Mixer focused on the Vermont Orthopaedic Clinic.

Paraquat ban: Vermont became the first U.S. state to ban the herbicide paraquat over concerns tied to Parkinson’s disease, with a phase-out starting Nov. 1, 2026 and limited crop exemptions until 2030. Public Health & Prevention: 20/20 Biolabs’ OneTest multi-cancer blood test was selected for a Vermont firefighter cancer screening initiative, pairing blood testing with ultrasound and follow-up for eligible firefighters through 2026. Mental Health & Kids: Vermont Dept. of Health released new guidance to help families build more confident kids around food, movement, and body image, aiming to reduce early body dissatisfaction. Substance Use Recovery: Turning Point Recovery Center of Bennington received Vermont Department of Health certification as a Recovery Services Organization, aligning with standards for recovery coaching and Medicaid reimbursement readiness. Online Safety: Vermont’s Instagram addiction lawsuit can move forward after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected Meta’s appeal, keeping the state’s consumer protection case alive. Food Security: Franklin and Grand Isle food shelves report a spring surge in demand, with local partners coordinating support through Hunger Free Vermont. Care Access: Rutland Regional Medical Center plans a community mixer focused on the Vermont Orthopaedic Clinic, highlighting local access to services. Adaptive Recreation: Upper Valley Aquatic Center will host inclusive water safety training and free adaptive swim sessions for children with Autism, ADHD, and sensory needs.

Social Media Accountability: The U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear Meta’s bid to stop Vermont’s lawsuit over claims Instagram was designed to be addictive and harm teens’ mental health—so the case can move forward. Public Health & Environment: Vermont became the first state to ban paraquat, a Parkinson’s-linked herbicide, with limited orchard exemptions until 2030 and annual reporting requirements. Mental Health + Criminal Justice: Lawmakers are still wrestling with a last-minute plan for a short-term forensic facility for people found incompetent to stand trial or who fall through outpatient mental health cracks. Access to Care: Rutland County Health Partners launched a free mobile clinic to reach uninsured and underinsured patients where they are. Workforce Development: CEDRR and partners held a “Workforce In Motion” equipment rodeo to connect middle and high school students to local trade careers. Community Support: Colchester-Milton Rotary’s “Fill the Truck” drive topped up local food shelves amid rising demand.

Supreme Court, Meta, and teen mental health: The U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear Meta’s bid to block Vermont’s lawsuit over claims Instagram was designed to be addictive and harm teens’ mental health—keeping the case moving and signaling more legal pressure on Big Tech. Child safety online: Connecticut AG William Tong announced an investigation into Roblox after reports of child exploitation, saying the probe will examine what the company knew and how it profited. Maternal care costs: A new survey estimates the average cost of having a baby in the U.S. at $20,416 for insured families, with uninsured bills far higher—especially for C-sections. Substance use trends: Provisional CDC data show U.S. overdose deaths fell for a third straight year in 2025, down about 14% from 2024, with Vermont among states reporting large declines. Vermont health & kids: Vermont rolled out “Confident Kids” resources to help families and schools reduce body-shame messaging and support healthier relationships with food and movement. Community care: Copley Hospital’s Stowe Art, Wine & Food fundraiser is set for June 4 to support local healthcare.

Community Mental Health Staffing: HCRS says it added three new professionals in April—two residential specialists and a clinical care coordinator—expanding services across Windham and Windsor counties. Water Safety for Kids with Sensory Needs: The Upper Valley Aquatic Center is hosting an inclusive, dual-event day June 6, with an in-water workshop for trained swim instructors and a free adaptive swim safety session for children with Autism, ADHD, and other sensory needs. Primary Care Pipeline: UVM is pushing to keep medical students in Vermont after graduation, aiming to ease rural primary-care shortages driven by debt and pay gaps. Medical Aid in Dying Debate: A new national discussion piece keeps MAiD in the spotlight, tying today’s policy arguments to long-running ethical questions. Election Administration Pressure: Vermont lawmakers are stepping back from reelection, while federal healthcare subsidy gaps and reduced election funding strain local capacity. Student Loan Rule Fight: Attorneys general, including Maryland’s, are challenging a U.S. Education rule that narrows “professional degree” loan access—an issue that hits healthcare workforce training. Local Governance & Health: Norwich’s selectboard member faces felony charges tied to alleged financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult.

Workforce & Training: Vermont State University wrapped up Class of 2026 with 1,531 graduates across 227 communities, with healthcare programs driving the pipeline—more than a third of grads are in nursing, paramedicine, respiratory therapy, and dental hygiene. Veterans Care Under Pressure: A new push for special courts to keep veterans out of jail is being threatened by VA staffing losses and cuts to public programs, raising alarms about access to the counseling and support these courts rely on. Medicaid Fraud Scrutiny: Under White House pressure, Missouri is speeding up Medicaid provider revalidations for about 2,500 “high-risk” providers, including autism-related services—an approach critics say could shift from fraud prevention to funding risk. Rare Disease & Health Policy: Vermont signed a law creating a Rare Disease Advisory Council, giving patients and caregivers a formal voice in state planning. Public Health & Safety: UVAC is gearing up for adaptive water safety training and free sessions for kids with autism and sensory needs, aiming to reduce drowning risk. Environment with Health Links: Vermont is also moving toward a paraquat ban, as lawmakers weigh the herbicide’s suspected links to Parkinson’s disease.

Adaptive Water Safety: The Upper Valley Aquatic Center is hosting a dual-event day June 6—an in-water workshop for swim instructors trained in adaptive methods, followed by a free community adaptive swim safety session for kids with Autism, ADHD, and other sensory needs, aiming to cut drowning risk. Mental Health Workforce: The Brattleboro Retreat’s doctoral psychology internship program has again earned American Psychological Association accreditation through 2035, citing strong mentorship and interdisciplinary clinical training. Nursing Recognition: Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital highlighted staff with its DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses and new BEE award nominations. Paraquat Watch: Vermont’s push to become the first state to ban paraquat is one step closer, with the bill awaiting Gov. Phil Scott’s action. Public Health Alerts: Health officials are warning that West Nile risk is rising as mosquito season begins, with warmer weather driving early activity.

Paraquat showdown in Vermont: Vermont is poised to become the first state to ban paraquat after lawmakers passed H.739; the bill now awaits Gov. Phil Scott’s decision, with momentum building in other states as families link the herbicide to Parkinson’s. Public health alerts: Tick bites are spiking in the Northeast as warmer weather drives earlier Lyme risk, and West Nile concerns are rising with the mosquito season. Hospital workforce recognition: Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital highlighted nurses and staff with major awards, including a DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. Care access, up close: A Rutland Regional Medical Center explainer spotlights how its fully staffed ICU operates 24/7. Mental health training: Brattleboro Retreat’s doctoral psychology internship program earned APA accreditation through 2035. Community health events: Upper Valley Aquatic Center is hosting inclusive adaptive swim safety training and free sessions for kids with sensory needs, and Girls on the Run Vermont is gearing up for its statewide 5Ks. Policy pressure beyond healthcare: Vermont’s legislature is in must-pass mode, while national fights over student loan caps for healthcare degrees continue to draw lawsuits from Vermont and other states.

Water-safety push: The Upper Valley Aquatic Center is hosting a dual day on June 6—an in-water adaptive workshop for trained swim instructors, then a free community event for kids with Autism, ADHD, and other sensory needs—aimed at cutting drowning risk. Youth health in motion: Girls on the Run Vermont is also gearing up for its Essex 5K (May 30) and Manchester 5K (June 6), with proceeds supporting subsidies so every girl can join. Workforce training: The Brattleboro Retreat’s doctoral psychology internship program has renewed APA accreditation through 2035, extending a key pipeline for mental health professionals. Care access politics: Vermont is among states suing the U.S. Education Department over new federal student-loan caps that could tighten funding for healthcare degrees. Cross-border strain: A report says some people trying to seek asylum in Canada are being rejected and handed to ICE in the U.S., raising alarm for vulnerable travelers. Local health operations: Vermont hospitals face major spending cuts, but coverage questions whether their plans add up.

Hospital Cost-Cut Plans Under the Microscope: Vermont hospitals are being asked to slash spending sharply to avoid a looming budget crunch, but the latest reporting says the savings and costs in their restructuring plans are often “rough or nonexistent,” leaving patients and policymakers waiting on clearer numbers. Workforce & Access Pressure: The federal fight over student loan caps for “professional” degrees is heating up, with Vermont among states suing the Education Department—an issue that could further squeeze the pipeline for healthcare workers. ICU Spotlight in Rutland: A local explainer highlights how Rutland Regional Medical Center’s fully staffed ICU operates around the clock, underscoring how critical-care capacity is concentrated. PFAS Water Worries: Vermont is expanding free well testing and bottled water support in southern Bennington and Shaftsbury after PFAS contamination spread beyond earlier zones. Environment Meets Health: Conservation groups are pushing back on a federal rollback of the Roadless Area Conservation Rule in New England’s national forests, arguing it could reshape land protections that affect long-term public health.