Megan Combs
Megan Combs was Associate Editor of I Advance Senior Care / Long Term Living from 2013-2018.
OIG says SNF billing for changes in therapy needs improvement
The OIG recommends the CMS accelerate its efforts to begin a new method for paying for therapy. Read More » Many experience accelerated cognitive decline following a stroke
A study published in JAMA followed stroke survivors and found that cognitive decline persists long after the first few weeks of the incident. Read More » Study: Wearing protective gowns, gloves may not protect residents from contracting MRSA
Two studies discuss the effectiveness of wearing protective gear when performing daily care activities in guarding against incidences of MRSA. Read More » Aetna’s Humana acquisition will swell its Medicare Advantage business
Aetna agreed to acquire rival Humana for $37 billion in cash and stock on July 3. Read More » Bill would allow FDA to regulate medication information on social media
If the proposed bill is passed, drug information can soon be found on social media platforms. Read More » California LTC unions merge to create 280k-person powerhouse
Long-term care workers from three California locals have combined to create the nation's largest union. Read More » Extendicare completes $870M sale of U.S. portfolio
Canada-based Extendicare has completed the sale of its United States portfolio to Formation Capital. Read More » AMDA member to lead national trial aimed at antibiotic reduction
The $1.5 million trial will be lead by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine's David A. Nace, MD. Read More » California judge rules law that allows nursing homes to make medical decisions unconstitutional
The former law allowed nursing homes to make medical decisions on behalf of mentally incompetent residents. Read More » PA attorney general files lawsuit against Golden Living for patient neglect allegations
Golden Gate National Senior Care LLC operates 36 facilities in Pennsylvania. Read More » Brookdale, HCP complete $847M Chartwell portfolio acquisition
Brookdale Senior Living Inc. and HCP, Inc. completed the acquisition June 30. Read More » Proposed bill would help ensure home health agencies are reimbursed by Medicare
Two senators have introduced a bill that would reduce the number of inappropriate Medicare denials for home health agencies. Read More » Washington governor enacts law requiring adequate staffing at nursing homes
Gov. Jay Inslee signed the “safe staffing” law to ensure every resident receives 3.2 hours of direct care daily. Read More » Study: Even residents not taking antibiotics experience drug-resistance effects
In a new JAMA study, researchers found that even residents who aren't taking antibiotics can be affected by overuse in a nursing home. Read More » Senior housing industry experts create quality care organization
Two long-term care industry leaders join forces to create Innovative Health LLC. Read More » OSHA inspections add focus on nursing risks
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration expanded its inspections to include musculoskeletal injuries related to patient or resident handling and four other risks to nurses. Read More » Caregivers fired after ignoring resident injury, dragging him across the floor
Three caregivers from Peninsula Nursing and Rehabilitation Center face felony charges for ignoring a sick, bleeding resident and then dragging him across the floor. Read More » Assessment finds missing measures in Medicare’s pay-for-quality programs
A new Avalere assessment of quality measures finds many important medical conditions are not represented in Medicare's pay-for-quality programs. Read More » Fire at Mexico nursing home kills 16, injures 5
A fire ripped through a nursing home in Mexicali, Mexico City, this week, killing 16 residents and injuring five others Read More » BREAKING NEWS: SCOTUS votes to uphold subsidies in King v Burwell
The U.S. Supreme Court voted 6-3 today to uphold marketplace subsidies in the landmark case King v Burwell. Read More » Texas governor signs ‘three strikes’ bill to improve nursing home oversight
A measure to strengthen nursing home regulations in Texas was signed by Governor Greg Abbott this week. Read More » Report: Nursing homes inflate staff numbers for better Nursing Home Compare ranking
A Center for Public Integrity report shows as many as 80 percent of nursing homes are inflating their staffing levels on Medicare.gov for higher rankings. Read More » New Senior, Health Care REIT announce major acquisitions
In the last week, Health Care REIT and New Senior Investment Group announced acquisitions totaling more than a billion dollars. Read More » What is your facility’s bullying policy?
What happens when one of your residents is the victim of bullying? Do you have a policy in place to address it? Read More » Feds arrest several doctors, nurses in largest Medicare fraud bust ever
More than 240 people were arrested in 17 cities for allegedly billing Medicare for $712 million for care that was never given. Read More » Providers pleased by House vote to remove Medicare cuts from trade bill
The American Medical Association and LeadingAge offer praise for the House's vote to remove Medicare cuts that would have funded the Trade Adjustment Assistance program. Read More » Walgreens announces expansion of 24/7 telemedicine app
Walgreens is jumping on the telemedicine bandwagon by launching a 24/7 mobile app for consumers. Read More » Miami SNF settles $17M fraudulent referrals case
Hebrew Homes Health Network was accused of improperly paying physicians for referrals of Medicare patients that need skilled nursing care. Read More » California nursing home chain gets government regulations smackdown
California's largest nursing home chain has been under fire for years. Read More » 