Anti-Kickback and Stark Laws

The Stark Law is a healthcare fraud and abuse law that prohibits physicians from referring patients for certain designated health services paid for by Medicare to any entity with which they have a ‘financial relationship.’ It is also known as the Physician Self-Referral Law.

The federal government interprets the term ‘financial relationship’ broadly to include any direct or indirect ownership or investment interest by the referring physician, as well as any financial interests held by any of the physician’s immediate family members.

Unlike the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, the Stark Law is not a criminal statute. However, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Inspector General’s (OIG) Office can pursue civil action against Stark Law violators under the civil monetary penalties law.

At Healthy.io, we are committed to following federal and state laws and regulations designed to prevent fraud or abuse of public health care funds. We expect all employees to maintain these standards. Employees are familiar with and must fully comply with federal and state laws, which prohibit payments and financial incentives from patients’ referrals (federal and state Anti-Kickback and Stark Laws).