COVID-19 Archives

NJ business groups endorse Sherrill bill to combat pandemic learning loss [Exclusive]

NJBIZ has exclusively learned that several of the state’s top business groups are endorsing a bipartisan bill that was introduced in June by U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-11th District.

The Expanding Access to High-Impact Tutoring Act would create grant funding for states to help them implement and administer high-quality tutoring programs in K-12 school districts, while also providing resources for the Department of Education and states to develop a nationwide tutoring workforce.

“As a mother of four, I saw firsthand the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic caused for our nation’s students as they navigated virtual learning, the disruptions in the routines that help them thrive, and the mental health impacts of this public health emergency,” said Sherrill when she introduced the measure in June alongside Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C. “The data is clear: our kids are falling behind in the classroom and we must do more to meet the needs of this generation before our entire country falls behind.”

Sherrill’s office notes that individualized, high-dosage tutoring programs have consistently been found to be among the largest impact educational interventions available to students, parents and teachers.

Among the business groups supporting the measure locally are New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) and New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP).

In their support of the legislation, the advocacy organizations stressed the immediate, critical need for federal investment in public education to ensure that any learning loss associated with the pandemic does not have lasting detriments to the Garden State’s economic future as well as the potential of its workforce.

Tom Bracken, president and CEO of the NJ Chamber, said that due to no fault of their own, many students – who are the state and country’s future workers – fell behind significantly during the pandemic.

In June, Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-11th District, introduced the Expanding Access to High-Impact Tutoring Act along with South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace, R-1st District. The bill aims to improve the academic achievement and recovery of students through the creation and administration of high-impact tutoring programs in K-12 schools. — In June, Rep. Mikie Sherrill (center), D-11th District, introduced the Expanding Access to High-Impact Tutoring Act along with South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace, R-1st District. – OFFICE OF CONGRESSWOMAN MIKIE SHERRILL

“The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce applauds Rep. Mikie Sherrill for introducing the Expanding Access to High-Impact Tutoring Act which will provide these impacted students extra instruction and coaching so they can catch up academically and build necessary workforce skills,” said Bracken. “This is especially important as jobs become more complex and require higher degrees of education or vocational training. The success of our economy and position as a global economic leader depends on properly addressing the urgent needs of a whole generation of students who lost out on academic and social opportunities due to the pandemic.”

Michele Siekerka, NJBIA president and CEO, said that education is at the center of talent and workforce development.

“The Expanding Access to High-Impact Tutoring Act demonstrates practical and efficient use of American Rescue Plan resources to execute successful solutions to addressing learning loss due to COVID-19,” said Siekerka. “This plan will offer states a jumpstart investment to develop high-impact tutoring programs that provide the next generation of talent with the tools they need to succeed in the 21st century workforce and beyond.”

Peter Connolly, CEO of NJMEP, said that this is not an issue that should be taken lightly, since children – who are our future leaders, inventors and creators – faced a massive disruption to their education during the pandemic.

“And schools are finding it incredibly difficult to support all the children that need their help to catch up with their current resources,” Connolly explained. “Giving these schools the means to create intensive, high-dosage tutoring programs for their students could have a dramatic impact on our entire country. When our children thrive, our nation thrives. The Expanding Access to High-Impact and its plan to deliver this hands-on support will alter the trajectory of the students’ futures that have been so negatively impacted by COVID-19.”

Connolly pointed out that industries like manufacturing are only becoming more and more complex, requiring advanced skill sets and mathematics knowledge.

“As the industry becomes a more popular career choice because of the incredible career opportunities it offers, we want to make sure students are reach to take on these roles as they progress through their educational journey,” Connolly added.

The measure has 14 bipartisan cosponsors, including three other New Jersey congressional members – Reps. Josh Gottheimer, D-5th District; Rob Menendez, D-8th District; and Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-12th District. It has also been endorsed by a number of teachers and education advocacy organizations, including the National Education Association, New Jersey Education Association, New Jersey Association of School Administrators, New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association, New Jersey Tutoring Corps, and others.

“Ensuring opportunities for our students are not hindered in the long-term by COVID is a goal that has bipartisan support,” said Sherrill. “With this legislation, we are putting kids first by providing our schools with the resources they need to enact proven, evidence-based tutoring programs that will help students fill in those gaps.”

Siemens plans another round of layoffs in Morris County

Siemens Healthineers is planning another round of layoffs in Morris County as the German medtech continues efforts to streamline its diagnostics division.

In a filing with the New Jersey Division of Workforce and Development, the company updated the number of positions that will be eliminated at its Flanders location to 300 jobs over the next 14 months. The latest revision includes the 67 layoffs that Siemens confirmed earlier this year.

The company said the newly added reductions are related to a decision to transfer instrument manufacturing operations to its Swords location in Dublin, Ireland, by September 2024. The consolidation is part of “an extensive review of the company’s diagnostics instrument manufacturing network for its laboratory solutions portfolio,” the company said in a statement to NJBIZ.

According to the Siemens, there are about 750 employees in Flanders and the latest cuts will affect only manufacturing. The company also does not expect the move to have any impact on the 1,000 additional employees at its two other New Jersey locations in Iselin and Princeton.

“Upon separation, affected Flanders employees of Siemens Healthineers will be eligible for severance and outplacement benefits under the terms of the company’s policy, and will have the opportunity to apply for other positions within the Siemens Healthineers organization and the broader group of Siemens companies,” the statement said.

The slimdown comes about a year after Siemens unveiled plans to reduce the complexity of its portfolio, streamline supply chain and company footprints, and create a leaner organization, citing “a variety of external headwinds including effects from the COVID-19 pandemic, global inflationary concerns, supply issues, and labor shortages.”

The company – which has its U.S. headquarters in Tarrytown, N.Y. – is also reportedly in the early stages of a strategic review for a possible sale or carve-out of its entire diagnostics division.

Citing confidential sources familiar with the matter, Bloomberg reported last week that Siemens has tapped advisors to help assess the options and that the business could be valued at as much as $8 billion.

The company’s diagnostics division has been struggling – registering year-over-year decreases of 24%, 39% and 20% in the first three quarters of 2023, respectively, due to dwindling COVID-19 test demand.

More downsizing in health care

CVS Health also recently disclosed plans to lay off more employees in New Jersey. This news followed Pfizer’s WARN filing regarding nearly 800 New Jersey position eliminations.

Several NJ hospitals reinstate mask mandates amid infection uptick (updated)

Several New Jersey hospitals are reinstating mask mandates in response to a recent increase in respiratory illness and COVID-19 hospitalizations.

While the current number of cases does not approach peak rates, there has been an uptick in the past few weeks, according to the official state COVID-19 Information Hub. As of Sept. 30, the most recent available data, there were 3,697 lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19. For comparison, on Jan. 7, there were 14,557 confirmed cases, a number that dropped to 712 by July 1.

Hackensack Meridian Health

As of Sept. 28, Hackensack Meridian Health is requiring all patients, visitors and staff wear masks at the following facilities:

Carrier Clinic
Jersey Shore University Medical Center
JFK University Medical Center
Palisades Medical Center
Ocean University Medical Center
Old Bridge Medical Center
Riverview Medical Center
Southern Ocean Medical Center

“This decision was made due to an increase in COVID-19 prevalence in these communities. The health and safety of our team members and patients has always been and continues to be our number one priority,” reads a statement on Hackensack Meridian’s Visitation Guidelines webpage.

The health care provider also “strongly” encourages face masks at all its facilities. Click here for more guidelines.

RWJBarnabas Health

As of Oct. 2, RWJBarnabas Health implemented the following masking protocols at all of its hospitals and facilities:

Inpatients: All inpatients, who are able to, will be required to wear a face mask when leaving their room and can also choose to wear a mask at any time.
Outpatients: Face masks must be worn at all times at RWJBarnabas Health facilities.
Staff: Face masks must be worn when providing direct care to patients at all locations. All staff can also choose to wear a mask at any time.
Visitors, volunteers and vendors: Face masks must be worn at all times when in the presence of patients.

In a Sept. 29 update, RWJBarnabas officials also asked anyone with COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms to delay visiting one of their facilities. They also discouraged visitors who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or another contagious respiratory illness within the past 10 days, as well as those who have been in contact with an infected individual.

“While not mandatory, RWJBarnabas Health encourages all staff and patients 6 months or older to get the COVID-19 vaccine, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends,” the provider added.

Monitoring the situation

NJBIZ has reached out to other health care networks around the state. Here is a roundup of what several of them shared; this story will be updated as more facilities respond.

Atlantic Health: A spokesperson for the system shared the following with NJBIZ: “We continue to follow the guidance of local, state and federal health authorities, while keeping a close eye on the level of incidence of COVID in our communities.” They added that, at this time, masking is optional for patients and visitors within the emergency department and urgent care locations, as well as within physician offices, hospitals and other clinical areas unless otherwise indicated. However, that is subject to change.

Atlantic Health staff will provide disposable face masks to visitors upon request. Patients exhibiting respiratory symptoms will be requested to wear masks, if tolerated. Additionally, Atlantic Health units may institute masking requirements to safeguard patients, visitors and team members based on clinical indications, the spokesperson added.

AtlantiCare: According to a statement from Michael Heck, director of infection prevention and control: “At this time, out of an abundance of caution, we are requiring all AtlantiCare team members to wear a mask when they are within 6 feet of patients. We continue to monitor rates of flu, RSV, COVID and other respiratory illnesses among those for whom we care, and in the broader communities we serve.” Heck also urged residents to stay home if they are sick and to follow infection preventive steps such as hand washing. AtlantiCare also recommends the flu vaccination for those 6 months and older and for patients to talk with health care provider about other vaccinations.

Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, in an updated statement, said President and CEO Deborah Visconi released its masking update to the medical center staff Oct. 6, saying, “We have been closely monitoring the uptick in COVID-19 cases and the increase in hospitalizations. These numbers and the impending flu and respiratory disease season have led us to reimplement staff masking in patient and resident care areas, which is essential to safeguard everyone’s health and well-being. Effective immediately, surgical masks are now required for staff, vendors, contractors, and volunteers when entering patient or resident care areas. When caring for a COVID-19 patient or resident or a person under investigation for COVID-19, you must wear an N95 mask for better protection for you and those we care for at the Medical Center. We strongly encourage all visitors to wear masks, which will be available at the front desk and all nursing stations.”

Holy Name: A representative said, “We continue to monitor community transmission rates and hospitalizations to inform our decision to adjust our mask policy, which at this time, continues to be suspended given the low incidence of COVID in our area. Of course, we remain vigilant and ready to pivot in the event we see an uptick in seasonal cases of influenza, COVID, and RSV.”

Inspira Health: A representative told NJBIZ that “[w]e are continuously monitoring and reviewing COVID-19 data in our immediate and surrounding areas and are not making any changes to masking policy at this time. We will continue to assess this data, revisit the policy as conditions evolve and adjust our protocols accordingly.” The representative added that Inspira encourages the community to use preventative measure to stay healthy and to wear a mask “if you are experiencing respiratory illness of any kind.”

St. Joseph’s Health: “We continue to assess the number of patients we are seeing with COVID-19 or other respiratory illness. At this time, we are requiring masking of staff and visitors on our more vulnerable patient units – for example, oncology, pediatric intensive care and neonatal intensive care. We will continue to monitor and assess daily to ensure that our patients, visitors and staff remain safe should we experience an uptick in respiratory cases,” a representative told NJBIZ.

Virtua Health: “[W]e are not instituting a mandatory mask policy at this time but will continue to closely monitor COVID rates in our community and make changes to that policy if necessary,” a representative shared.

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 9:37 a.m. ET Oct. 4, 2023, to include a statement from Inspira Health and at 5:14 p.m. ET Oct. 4, 2023, to include a statement from Holy Name. On Oct. 6, this story was updated again to add the latest masking policy from Bergen New Bridge Medical Center.

‘Pure hell’: DOJ blasts NJ veterans homes over COVID care, conditions

In a scathing 43-page report released Thursday, the Justice Department announced the findings of a nearly three-year investigation into two troubled, state-run veterans homes in New Jersey, concluding that the state subjected residents at the Menlo Park and Paramus locations to conditions that violated the 14th Amendment.

DOJ says that these veterans face unreasonable harm and risk due to inadequate infection control practices and inadequate medical care – pointing to a lack of effective management and oversight. The Justice Department says, as well, that the deficiencies expose residents to uncontrolled, serious and deadly infections that have resulted in the facilities suffering among the highest number of resident deaths of all similarly sized facilities in the region.

“The United States Department of Justice finds reasonable cause to believe that the State of New Jersey has systematically violated the 14th Amendment rights of the residents of the Veterans Memorial Homes at Menlo Park and Paramus, two state-run nursing facilities for veterans and their families,” DOJ wrote in the report. “Those violations continue.”

The veterans’ homes, which are operated by the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, were at the epicenter of the COVID crisis here in New Jersey when more than 200 residents died. During that time period, the governor’s office came under fire for a number of directives and policies regarding the facilities.

“The Coronavirus disease (COVID) outbreak in March and April of 2020 devastated the Veterans Memorial Homes at Menlo Park and Paramus. One worker described the situation in Paramus as ‘pure hell.’ Another described Menlo Park as a ‘battlefield,’” the DOJ report says.

“Even by the standards of the pandemic’s difficult early days, the facilities were unprepared to keep their residents safe,” according to the report. “A systemic inability to implement clinical care policy, poor communication between management and staff, and a failure to ensure basic staff competency let the virus spread virtually unchecked throughout the facilities.

“During the first wave of the pandemic, the veterans’ homes had the first and fourth highest number of publicly reported resident COVID deaths of all long-term care facilities in the State of New Jersey,” the report continued. “As discussed below, the actual number of COVID deaths was likely much higher.”

In a press release announcing the findings, U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Philip Sellinger said that those who served to protect this nation and their families are entitled to appropriate care when they reside at a veterans’ home.

“The Paramus and Menlo Park veterans’ homes fail to provide the care required by the U.S. Constitution and subject their residents to unacceptable conditions, including inadequate infection control and deficient medical care,” said Sellinger. “These conditions must swiftly be addressed to ensure that our veterans and their families at these facilities receive the care they so richly deserve. We will not stop working until they do.”

“Based on our investigation, we have found that these facilities have provided inadequate protection from infections and deficient medical care, which have caused these veterans and their families great harm,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.

More work to do

In a statement, Murphy said the report is a deeply disturbing reminder that the treatment received by “our heroic veterans is unacceptable and, quite frankly, appalling.”

“In an effort to provide our veterans with the care they deserve, over the past three years, our administration has instituted numerous processes and procedures to improve conditions, including most recently securing private management and assistance for these two homes,” said Murphy. “However, it is clear that we have significantly more work to do, and we are open to exploring all options to deliver for our veterans the high level of care they deserve and are entitled to under the law. We commend the Legislature for their partnership to help us improve conditions, and we will continue to work together in any capacity to provide world-class care and services to our heroes and support to those who care for them.”

Last November, Murphy announced the launch of a long-awaited independent review into the state’s handling of the pandemic, which is being led by Paul Zoubek of Philadelphia law firm Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads LLP in conjunction with Boston Consulting Group.

The governor’s office had anticipated that review to be released in late 2023 with recommendations for enhancements and reforms.

Senate President Nick Scutari, D-22nd District, said that Thursday’s sobering report confirms what many vets and their families already knew about the serious violations and management failures that put so many of the most vulnerable at risk during the pandemic.

“This was an unacceptable way to treat our veterans or anyone in need of care, especially from a trusted source. Many of the failures that are itemized in this report are jarring and will undoubtedly require us to take further action to ensure the State of New Jersey performs to the level our residents deserve,” said Scutari. “The COVID-19 crisis might be over, but the virus remains with us and we must take the steps necessary to ensure nothing like this ever happens again.”

Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, D-19th District — “Our state has no greater duty than to provide the best possible care for veterans. The report today highlights failures to provide that care that are unacceptable,” said Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, D- 19th District, shown speaking in June. – RICH HUNDLEY III/NJ GOVERNOR’S OFFICE

“Our state has no greater duty than to provide the best possible care for veterans. The report today highlights failures to provide that care that are unacceptable,” said Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, D- 19th District. “The Legislature will take whatever steps necessary to ensure improved care and conditions for New Jersey veterans. All options for comprehensive change are on the table to guarantee this never happens again.”

Republican lawmakers – who have long been critical of Murphy’s pandemic-related decisions, especially about the conditions at the veterans’ homes – immediately called for more answers and accountability.

“This administration failed our veterans. From the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, hundreds of our heroes have died due to inadequate medical care and a lack of effective management and oversight,” said Sen. Joe Pennacchio, R-26th District. “After three years of inaction from Democrats in the Legislature stonewalling calls for a comprehensive investigation, it is now time to hold this administration accountable for the harm done to veterans and nursing home residents.”

“The DOJ’s report will be a permanent stain on this administration and revealed what we long knew to be true – that Gov. Murphy violated the U.S. Constitution by sweeping the suffering of veterans under the rug. Unfortunately, his administration’s egregious failures have continued to bring harm to these heroes. Murphy must take accountability and immediately address the conditions at Menlo Park and Paramus,” said Assembly Republican Leader, John DiMaio, R-23rd District. “Lives are at stake.”

As required by the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA), under which the investigation was conducted, the Justice Department provided the state with its conclusions and supporting facts as well as notified it of the minimal remedial measures necessary to address the alleged violations.

“We look forward to working with the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to improve the conditions in these homes they operate and ensure these veterans and their families receive the care they need and deserve,” Clarke added.

The full report can be found here.

Health Commissioner Persichilli set to retire next month (updated)

The woman who needed no introduction as she helped lead the Garden State’s efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic is retiring next month from her post as New Jersey’s top public health official.

Commissioner of Health Judith Persichilli will depart from the position she took on in 2019, then in an interim capacity, replacing Dr. Shereef Elnahal who became president and CEO of University Hospital. The news was first reported by NJ.com.

Persichilli was confirmed by the full Senate for the job in January 2020. Not long after, she found herself at the center of the pandemic fight and became notorious for sitting beside Gov. Phil Murphy during the his daily press conferences throughout the throes of COVID-19, providing updates, guidance and advice.

After announcing his intent to do so in 2021, Murphy dedicated the New Jersey Department of Health Building in honor of her service to the people of New Jersey – particularly during the pandemic – unveiling its new name last September: the Judith M. Persichilli Building.

“Commissioner Persichilli has been an invaluable advisor and partner over the past several years, helping our state navigate the many challenges of an unprecedented pandemic,” said Murphy at the time. “Her composure and dependability as she led the Department of Health and kept residents informed alongside me during countless COVID briefings has made the name ‘Judy Persichilli’ ubiquitous throughout our state. This building will serve as a reminder of the illustrious career of ‘the woman who needs no introduction,’ both as a leader in the health care sector and as New Jersey’s distinguished Commissioner of Health.”

New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli — “To say I am overwhelmed and humbled by this honor is an understatement,” Persichilli said during a ceremony dedicating the Department of Health State Office Building as the Judith M. Persichilli Building on Sept. 28, 2022. – EDWIN J. TORRES/NJ GOVERNOR’S OFFICE

“To say I am overwhelmed and humbled by this honor is an understatement,” Persichilli said last year. “This building will reflect the hard work and commitment of all who have worked throughout the pandemic and our commitment to public health.”

Prior to leading the department, Persichilli served as the acting chief executive officer of University Hospital in Newark. Before that, she was president emerita of CHE Trinity Health, the health ministry formed in May 2013 by the consolidation of Catholic Health East and Trinity Health of Livonia, Mich. She previously served as interim president and CEO of CHE Trinity Health. Prior to that appointment, Persichilli was president and CEO of Catholic Health East.

While the Murphy Administration did not release an official announcement of commissioner’s upcoming retirement, the governor did tweet in response to the initial report, confirming the news.

“Judy’s unwavering dedication to public service during one of the most challenging times in our nation’s history will be remembered with sincere appreciation & gratitude,” Murphy tweeted. “Grateful for her tireless efforts to advance the health & well-being of New Jerseyans.”

“Congrats to Commissioner Persichilli on her well-deserved retirement! Judy’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond leaves a legacy that will continue to improve the health and safety of our residents,” Attorney General Matthew Platkin tweeted. “It’s been an honor to serve with her and I wish her all the best.”

Dr. Kaitlan Baston, currently the division head of addiction medicine and medical director of the Center for Healing at Cooper University, is Gov. Phil Murphy's nominee for New Jersey's next health commissioner.

Update

Gov. Phil Murphy announced July 25 that he intends to nominate Dr. Kaitlan Baston as New Jersey’s next health commissioner. Click here to read the story.

Not surprisingly, the congratulations, acknowledgements, and well-wishes have been flying in from around the state as the news has spread.

“Judy was the steady hand and calm voice we needed during the worst public health crisis of our lifetimes. She faced the pandemic head-on and provided guidance and support to our industry as we worked to care for a frightened and ailing population,” said Cathy Bennett, president and CEO, New Jersey Hospital Association, in a statement. “Judy’s leadership went far beyond COVID-19. She prioritized maternal health, mental health, and the opioid epidemic – crises that have touched so many of us and our families. The membership of the New Jersey Hospital Association and I wish Judy all the best and thank her for her tireless service to the state.”

“Judy is a dear friend and a trusted colleague who has been a true servant leader during her long career in healthcare,” said Deborah Visconi, president and CEO, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, in a statement. “She led the Department of Health during one of the most challenging times the healthcare community has ever faced with true dedication to the health and wellness of every resident in the State of New Jersey. I am grateful for all she has done for healthcare in this state, and I will miss working with her and wish her the best in her retirement.”

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 9:38 a.m. July 26, 2023, to include information about Persichilli’s potential successor.

Murphy lifts COVID vaccine mandate for health care workers

Gov. Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 332 June 12, which drops the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for employees in health care settings, effective immediately.

The EO follows last week’s announcement by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) that it will no longer require employees of health care providers to be vaccinated against COVID-19 for that provider to be eligible to participate in Medicare and Medicaid.

The health care settings included in the order are:

Long-term facilities;
Psychiatric and specialty hospitals;
Long-term residential substance abuse disorder treatment facilities;
Clinic-based settings, such as Federally Qualified Health Centers and family planning sites; and
Community-based health care settings, such as pediatric and adult medical day care programs.

In April, Murphy signed EO No. 325, which lifted mandatory routine testing requirement for unvaccinated health care workers while also removing vaccine and testing requirements for workers in congregate settings.

The governor says that the order brings the state in line with current federal trends as COVID levels continue to drop.

“Today’s order aligns our state with recent updates to federal requirements and reflects our different circumstances now, as compared to the past few years. My administration will continue to take responsible steps to adjust New Jersey’s COVID-19 policies and guidance accordingly,” said Murphy in a press release. “COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, and I continue to encourage all residents to stay up to date on their vaccinations. Vaccination remains a key public health tool to help protect our health care workers and the patients in their care.”

The governor’s office also notes that individual employers may continue to require vaccination or testing protocols that go beyond the statewide requirements.

NJ hospitals report more severe illnesses post-pandemic

The federal government declared an end to the COVID-19 pandemic in early May, but that doesn’t mean health care providers are getting a breather.

New Jerseyans are now coming into hospitals with more severe levels of illnesses than they were in 2019, according to a data analysis released May 24 by the New Jersey Hospital Association.

Cathleen Bennett, president and CEO of the New Jersey Hospital Association — Bennett

“There’s no question about it: We’re seeing much sicker patients presenting at our hospitals,” NJHA President and CEO Cathy Bennett said in a statement. “That’s a real worry for the health of our population, and an added burden for hospitals and their care teams in the midst of a severe workforce shortage.”

Health care providers use diagnosis codes called the All-Patient Refined Diagnosis Related Group to chart illness levels, ranging from 1 (mild) to 4 (extreme). According to the data, the proportion of patients with a “major” or “extreme” level of illness is now more than 40% – a 21% jump from 2019 to 2022.

What’s behind the increase? Health care professionals have ventured a theory.

In December 2021, NJHA reported a significant rise in at-home deaths in 2020, coupled with a decline in hospitalizations for serious health events, like heart attacks and strokes. The research suggested the pandemic may have prevented some patients from immediately seeking care, thus exacerbating certain conditions or causing delayed diagnoses.

The recent analysis also found that, in 2019, while Black and white patients were more likely to be hospitalized with major or extreme illnesses compared with other racial and ethnic groups, every data group was experiencing these levels in 2022.

Additionally, the average age of non-COVID patients in hospitals is declining, according to the report, even as the population ages.

“These trends in severity levels – overall and by age and race/ethnicity – among non-COVID-19 patients suggest that the pandemic may have a lasting effect on New Jersey’s patient population case mix in future years,” the report stated.

What this means for the industry

The analysis concluded that the change in illness severity means that “hospitals will need to adjust to a non-COVID-19 population that is more complex – with potentially more severe illnesses – than pre-COVID-19 years.”

More severe illnesses will lead to longer hospital stays and a greater strain on resources.

This also means that payments from insurers will need to be adjusted “to account for the added expense burden this unanticipated increase in patient severity is creating.”

“New Jersey is moving forward from the pandemic, but it’s important to learn from the experience,” Bennett added. “These are important trendlines to guide strategies to improve the health of our population, and to ensure there are sufficient staff and resources to care for sicker patients.”

Recent health care rankings

J&J’s COVID-19 vaccine no longer available in the US, CDC says

Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine – one of the four approved vaccines in the U.S. – is no longer available in the country, according to authorities.

After the last remaining doses in the country’s stockpile expired May 7, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention is directing providers to dispose of leftover shots in accordance with local, state and federal regulations.

A spokesperson for the New Brunswick-based health conglomerate told NJBIZ that Johnson & Johnson is “working closely with U.S. regulators to determine the best path forward.”

“Our focus remains on ensuring our vaccine is available to people most in need globally,” the media representative added.

After Johnson and Johnson’s shot became the third COVID vaccine granted emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in February 2021, the drugmaker delivered more than 31.5 million doses to states and other jurisdictions, according to CDC data.

However, only about 19 million people in the U.S. received the J&J vaccine since it became available, leaving about 12.5 million doses unused.

mRNA vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, which received their EUAs from the FDA in December 2020, represent the majority of shots administered in the U.S. – despite the fact that they require two doses and J&J’s jab is a single dose.

The CDC’s May 15 notice comes four days after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services officially ended the COVID-19 public health emergency and the administration winds down its pandemic response.

The agency also encouraged those who received J&J’s COVID-19 vaccine to get boosted with the bivalent mRNA dose from Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna to remain protected.

Initially hailed as a convenient and inexpensive alternative to the other vaccines, J&J’s shot has faced issued with regulators and production over the last two years.

A month into the vaccine rollout, the federal government halted its use due to the risk of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS), a syndrome of rare and potentially life-threatening blood clots. About a week later, regulators lifted the pause, saying the benefit of the shot outweighed the risk and attaching a warning label.

However, by May 2022, authorities wound up officially restricting the use of J&J’s shot to adults who could not access other approved vaccines.

At the time, Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, said, “Our action reflects our updated analysis of the risk of TTS following administration of this vaccine and limits the use of the vaccine to certain individuals.”

Gov. Phil Murphy tours the Elizabeth Seaport COVID-19 Vaccination Site on April 6, 2021, with Department of Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli, Elizabeth Mayor Chris Bollwage, International Longshoreman's Association International President Harold Daggett, and New York Shipping Association President John Nardi. — Gov. Phil Murphy tours the Elizabeth Seaport COVID-19 vaccination site on April 6, 2021. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services officially ended the COVID-19 public health emergency on May 11, 2023. – EDWIN J. TORRES/GOVERNOR’S OFFICE

It also “demonstrates the robustness of our safety surveillance systems and our commitment to ensuring that science and data guide our decisions,” he said. “We’ve been closely monitoring the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine and occurrence of TTS following its administration and have used updated information from our safety surveillance systems to revise the EUA. The agency will continue to monitor the safety of the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine and all other vaccines, and as has been the case throughout the pandemic, will thoroughly evaluate new safety information.”

In addition to struggling to regain public confidence in the vaccine, J&J faced manufacturing issues that impacted the shot’s availability. And, by early 2023, the company began scaling back production due to low demand.

In January, The Wall Street Journal reported that J&J liquidated vaccine production contracts with Sanofi and Catalent and was entering arbitration with Rahway-based Merck & Co. after a deal to make the shots didn’t pan out.

Though many developing countries have continued to rely on the vaccine since it’s easier to distribute among hard-to-reach populations, J&J’s jab fell out of favor in the U.S. and other wealthy countries, causing it to fall short of sales expectations.

The drugmaker originally projected between $3 billion and $3.5 billion in 2022 sales but dropped its forecast last spring after a weak Q1 performance. Ultimately, the shot pulled in $2.18 billion in worldwide sales last year.

Murphy lifts COVID testing requirements for congregate care, health care workers

Ahead of the federal COVID-19 public health emergency’s planned expiration next month, Gov. Phil Murphy issued an executive order Monday lifting testing requirements in health care and congregate care settings.

Under Executive Order 325, which is effective immediately, testing is no longer required for employees in these spaces who were not current with a COVID-19 vaccination, and congregate care employees are no longer required to be inoculated against the virus.

According to the April 3 announcement, the move is in line with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest guidelines, which advise that routine screening for is no longer recommended in certain high-risk settings.

“With vaccines and treatments available to help combat the effects of this virus and our state maintaining lower rates of key metrics, New Jersey can continue to take steps to responsibly lift COVID-19 mitigation protocols,” Murphy said in statement. “In line with federal recommendations, today’s executive order will keep certain safety measures in place to protect vulnerable individuals in health care settings while lifting others in recognition of the progress we have made in combating this virus since the height of the pandemic.”

In New Jersey, workers in health care settings are still required to provide proof of vaccination, in accordance with Executive Order 294, to protect higher risk populations in those facilities. According to the announcement from the governor’s office, this move is supported by the federal government, which continues to require vaccination for most Medicare and Medicaid-certified providers and suppliers.

Nearly 270 million Americans have received at least one shot of a COVID-19 vaccine, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. And, since Omicron’s surge in January 2022, daily tallies for COVID cases, deaths and hospitalizations have all dropped, by 92% and 80%, respectively.

In New Jersey, more than 20 million COVID-19 primary and booster shots have been administered, the announcement from the governor’s office said, with more than 8 million residents having received at least one dose. The state’s public health emergency expired in March 2022. Last fall, the governor launched an effort to review its pandemic response measures.

As of publication, daily metrics available from the New Jersey Department of Health indicate 158 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New Jersey with five hospital-reported deaths from the virus in the past 24 hours.

Congregate care settings include: correctional facilities, group homes and day programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and certain licensed psychiatric community homes. Health care settings include, but are not limited to: long-term care facilities; psychiatric and specialty hospitals; long-term residential substance abuse disorder treatment facilities; clinic-based setting such as Federally Qualified Health Centers and family planning sites; and community-based health care settings, such as pediatric and adult medical day care programs.

Individual employers may continue to require vaccination or testing protocols in excess of these statewide requirements.

“As always, I encourage all residents to stay up-to-date on their vaccinations and take other precautions as necessary to protect themselves and their communities,” Murphy said.

Two hospitals, three NJ counties receive $16.3M to cover COVID costs

U.S. Sens. Robert Menendez and Cory Booker, both Democrats from N.J., announced March 28 that $16.3 million in federal funding is being awarded in the Garden State for COVID-19-related expenses.

The funding to Centrastate Healthcare System; Holy Name Hospital; and Middlesex, Essex and Morris counties comes via the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

For each of the entities, the distribution of funds will go toward:

Centrastate Healthcare System ($1.5 million) Covering costs incurred to provide force account material, supplies, rental equipment, and contracts required to meet the pandemic demand.
Middlesex County ($2.2 million) Reimbursing costs used to utilize force account equipment for the outdoor setting and use of generators, light towers, message boards and trailers used as part of the operation of temporary vaccine and testing sites.
Essex County (two batches of funding for $3.2 million and $1.1 million) Covering the cost of contracting 369 nurses that staffed mobile and stationary vaccination sites as well as to cover the cost of 20,000 PCR tests.
Holy Name Medical Center ($7.1 million) Covering the cost of utilized contract services that provided additional staff for the increase in COVID-19 patient care at the facility.
Morris County ($1.3 million) Covering the cost of vaccinations and vaccine support.

“Across the State of New Jersey, medical centers, hospitals and counties did everything they could to safely treat and test their patients and residents while protecting their staff during this public health crisis,” said Menendez in a press release. “Their commitment to providing the best care and testing possible for their community remained throughout the pandemic and this funding is critical in eliminating the potential financial burden they may face with the costs used to acquire life-saving equipment, hire staff to care for patients, and create separate units and outdoor settings.”

In the press release, Booker said that as we continue to emerge from the pandemic, we must ensure that health care providers are protected so they can continue to providing quality care to all New Jerseyans.

“Federal funding like this is another important step toward safeguarding the health and safety of all communities,” he said.

U.S. Sens. Robert Menendez and Cory Booker were joined by the Kean community and other stakeholders to highlight $18.1 million in funding for Garden State colleges and universities from the Fiscal Year 2023 federal spending bill during a March 27 at Kean University in Union. — – SEN. BOB MENENDEZ/FLICKR

ICYMI

U.S. Sens. Robert Menendez and Cory Booker recently announced that a number of Garden State schools will benefit from $18 million in federal funds, including Kean University – where the announcement was made. Read more, and see the full list of recipients, here.

BD’s 3-in-1 respiratory test gets EUA from regulators

Becton, Dickinson and Co.’s (BD) diagnostic tool that can check for COVID-19, the flu or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has been available in certain European countries since last year. Now, it’s available stateside, as well.

The Franklin Lakes-based company announced Feb. 8 it received Emergency Use Authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its molecular diagnostic combination test for SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A+B and RSV, which it says will help to combat illness in current – and future – respiratory virus cycles.

For use on the BD Max Molecular Diagnostic System, the combination test uses a single nasal swab or a single nasopharyngeal swab sample to identify and distinguish if a patient has COVID-19, the flu, RSV or some combination of the three, with results available in as little as two hours. — For use on the BD Max Molecular Diagnostic System, BD’s combination test uses a single nasal swab or a single nasopharyngeal swab sample to identify and distinguish if a patient has COVID-19, the flu, RSV or some combination of the three. – PR NEWSWIRE

“While fears of a ‘tripledemic’ this respiratory season have largely diminished, accurately differentiating influenza and RSV from COVID-19 and providing appropriate treatment remains a challenge for our customers,” said Nikos Pavlidis, vice president of molecular diagnostics at BD. “This diagnostic test provides the ability to identify multiple pathogens using a single sample and can quickly pinpoint the causative virus or viruses and enable clinicians to administer appropriate treatment early in the course of infection.”

According to KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation), 38% of U.S. adults reported incidences of either COVID-19, the flu or RSV over the holidays and in January. And while the nation’s public health emergency is set to end May 11, KFF finds at least a quarter of adults are worried about getting one of the viruses.

Made for use on the BD Max Molecular Diagnostic System, BD’s test uses a single nasal swab or single nasopharyngeal swab to identify and distinguish if a patient has COVID-19, the flu, RSV or some combination of the three, according to the company.

Results can be available in as soon as two hours.

The combined test creates efficiencies for providers, eliminating the need for multiple diagnostics or doctor visits, and can help advance the timeline for implementing treatment plans. Additionally, it helps to increase testing capacity during the typically busier fall and winter respiratory disease season.

Development of the BD Respiratory Viral Panel assay for BD Max System was financed in whole or in part with federal funds from the Department of Health and Human Services; Office of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response; Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, under contract number 75A50121C00025, BD said. It was marked CE under the IVD directive 98/79/EC in May 2022.

William Paterson receives $1M to help students impacted by COVID

William Paterson University received $1 million in federal aid to support students whose finances were heavily impacted by the pandemic.

In a Jan. 26 press release, the public university said the funding will help ensure students can continue their studies and graduate despite experiencing financial setbacks during the extended public health crisis.

After William Paterson University requested strategic community funding from the federal government, U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-11th District, and U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, also a Democrat, advocated for the school and helped ensure its needs were met.

Richard Helldobler, president, William Paterson University — Helldobler

William Paterson University President Richard Helldobler thanked Sherrill and Menendez “for helping to secure this vital funding” and described the legislators as “strong allies of public higher education in New Jersey.”

“By allowing more students to remain enrolled at William Paterson University and ultimately attain their degree, these funds are an important investment in the future of these students, their families, and in New Jersey,” Helldobler said.

According to the university, the funding will be allocated toward need-based scholarships, campus housing, grants for meals, books and transportation and on-campus support programming aimed at ensuring students continue their education.

Sherrill said she was proud to have led efforts in the House of Representatives “to cut through bureaucratic red tape and secure direct federal funding for local projects, like this one for William Paterson University.” The congresswoman went on to thank the university for proposing an initiative that “will make college more affordable for New Jersey families.”

Menendez noted that the support for William Paterson University is part of the Fiscal Year 2023 funding bill, which includes $181 million for community projects throughout the state.

“I was proud to advocate on behalf of William Paterson University to deliver $1 million to provide critical support to students who were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic so they can continue their academic pursuits,” he said.

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Tag: COVID-19