The storyline of Dr. Follette closely mirrors the real-life story of Dr. Anna Pou and two nurses working in the Memorial Medical Center in the days after Katrina. In Dr. Pou's case, she was arrested and charged with 2nd degree murder in relation to the deaths of four patients. Interestingly, it was not until about seven months after the original airing of this episode that the grand jury in Dr. Pou's case would refuse to indict her on those charges.
The New York Times Magazine article mentioned by Alan Shore appears to be "An Elephant Crackup?" dated October 8 2006.
When it was known that Denise was having a sexual relationship known as "sex with benefits" with Brad, it was deemed inappropriate, as Brad was a partner and she an associate. Yet, in this episode, the partner/associate relationship is not an issue between Jeffrey and Denise as they are "consenting adults".
Denny asks if flying over the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina counts as being there, to which Alan replies "to some". This is a reference to then-President George Bush having flown over the devastation on his way back from vacationing in Texas.
The judge in the New Orleans case and a witness in the Clarence/Clarice case both appeared as regular guest stars on "King of Queens."