Anti-Kickback Statute

The Anti-Kickback Statute is a federal law in the United States that prohibits the exchange or offer of any form of remuneration—whether it be money, gifts, or services—in return for referrals of patients or business involving any item or service covered by federal healthcare programs such as Medicare or Medicaid. The statute is designed to prevent corruption in medical decision-making by ensuring that healthcare decisions are made in the best interest of patients, rather than being influenced by financial incentives.

Violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute can result in severe penalties, including criminal fines, imprisonment, and exclusion from federal healthcare programs. Certain safe harbors exist within the law, which outline specific payment practices and business arrangements that are not subject to prosecution under the statute, provided they meet defined legal standards.