The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) continues to crackdown on its fight against illegal kickbacks. The feds are clear in their belief that what it considers bribes within the healthcare industry for medical services or equipment taint the ability to provide...
Stark Law/Anti-Kickback Statutes
Texas docs tried and sent to prison under novel legal theory
The federal government continues its crackdown on illegal kickbacks. Although this is no surprise, the method is a bit surprising. In a recent case out of Texas, the government moved forward with a case against 14 Texans. One of the main laws used to build this case:...
Three things pharmacies should know about kickbacks
The Department of Justice (DOJ) aggressively pursued cases alleging Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS) violations against pharmacies in 2020. In one example, the feds built a case against three pharmacy owners for false claims involving compounded medications. The feds...
Healthcare leaders take note: Billing error can lead to AKS violation
Private practices, hospitals and other healthcare facilities balance an enormous workload. Many of these professionals entered the healthcare field to help patients manage their health. They likely find themselves also balancing business needs and reviewing practices...
Can health centers give patients gift cards?
The Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (OIG) recently issued an Advisory Opinion with information about whether or not it is appropriate for healthcare centers to provide patients with gift cards. The opinion is in response to a...
HHS announces updates to Stark Law and AKS
The federal government gave healthcare providers a gift this holiday season. The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced changes to the Stark Law and the Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS). These changes, according to the feds, will...
Compliance violations and diagnostic labs: Top three violations
Lab owners must balance a multitude of tasks to have a successful business. They need to make sure they have the staff needed to run a safe, accurate and efficient facility. In addition to watching the bottom line, these entrepreneurs also need to have a basic...
Hospital pays $50M to settle FCA allegations
The United States Department of Justice recently announced that a hospital out of Virginia has agreed to pay $50 to settle claims that it violated the False Claims Act (FCA). This most recent settlement highlights the government's continued focus on aggressively...
A roadmap for diagnostic labs: Federal regulations
Stark law. Congress intended this prohibition of self-referrals to reduce the risk of physicians referring to certain labs purely for financial gain. Any connection must fit within an exception, referred to as IOAS exception. Anti-Kickback Statues. This...
As patient admissions grow, will medication errors also spike?
Pockets throughout the country are experiencing a jump in COVID-19 cases that require medical intervention. As a result, local facilities are finding themselves facing an onslaught of patients. This surge can lead to physically and mentally overwhelmed medical...