Polsinelli Shughart PC expands its Health Care practice with the addition of Chicago attorney Meredith A. Duncan. Duncan joins the firm as associate, and will assist clients in general health care issues. Her clients will include a variety of health care facilities, including long-term care and senior housing, assisted living and skilled nursing facilities.
“Given the increase in federal government investigations, it is critical that we have strong health care business and trial attorneys representing our clients,” said Health Care Chair Matthew J. Murer. “Meredith’s trial skills will enhance her expanding regulatory practice. With her background, she is a valuable resource and a tremendous asset for clients.”
Duncan’s addition to the Health Care practice is a result of the recently enacted Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPCA), or Health Reform. Last year, Modern Healthcare magazine named Polsinelli Shughart the 10th largest health care law firm in the country based on the number of attorneys and other professionals who are members of the American Health Lawyers Association. The firm’s Health Care practice includes more than 60 attorneys in Chicago, Kansas City, St. Louis and Washington, D. C.
“Polsinelli Shughart has an impressive national team of health care attorneys,” said Duncan. “I’m excited and honored to be adding my litigation background to this dynamic and successful practice while also vastly expanding my own portfolio of services.”
A former trial attorney at Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP in Chicago, Duncan will now use her experience to assist health care clients on matters including regulatory compliance, survey issues, health care fraud and abuse, Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement, operational issues, health planning including Certificates of Need and Certificates of Exemption, Fair Housing Act compliance, Life Safety Code compliance, and general corporate counseling. Duncan will also work with clients handling their Regulatory Audit Contractor (RAC) audits and appeals. She also represents them in regulatory matters before state and federal health care agencies.
Duncan earned her law degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 2004. She was on the Dean’s list and served as President of Moot Court Honor Society. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2001.
Duncan recently completed a two-year term as a Director for the Chicago Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section and was selected for inclusion in Illinois Super Lawyers as a “Rising Star” in 2009 and 2010.
Duncan is an excellent source for reporters working on stories about:
• Regulatory Audit Contractor (RAC) audits and appeals
• CMS / IDPH surveys (Regulatory agency surveys)
• Life Safety Code surveys (Annual surveys determining architectural standards)
• Health Reform impact on health care providers
For information contact:
Public Relations Manager Heather McMichael, 816-395-0618,
Bob Inderman, Parris Communications, 816-931-8900, binderman@parriscommunications.com
About Polsinelli Shughart PC
With more than 500 attorneys, Polsinelli Shughart PC (www.polsinelli.com) is a national law firm that is a recognized leader in the areas of business law, financial services, real estate and business litigation. Serving corporate, institutional and individual clients, Polsinelli Shughart is redefining the business of law by sharing ideas, goals and outcomes with its clients. The firm builds enduring relationships by creating value beyond legal services - with passion, ingenuity and a sense of urgency. The firm has offices located in Kansas City; St. Louis; Phoenix; Chicago; Denver; Washington, D.C.; New York; Wilmington, Del.; Overland Park, Kan.; St. Joseph, Springfield, and Jefferson City, Mo.; Topeka, Kan.; and Edwardsville, Ill.