This is the first episode where Benson and Stabler make physical contact (they hug) other than a rub on the shoulders or a crime scene reenactment.
Korey Jackson (Gilbert Matthews) also played the role of Brian in episode 16.8, Spousal Privilege (2014).
When Kathy is talking to Elliot on the phone, you can see her moving her head in the neck brace. This would not be possible in a real scenario