Anti-Kickback Statute

The Anti-Kickback Statute is a federal law designed to prevent corruption in healthcare. It makes it illegal for healthcare providers to offer, solicit, or receive any form of compensation (like money or gifts) to influence patient referrals or services paid for by government programs, like Medicare or Medicaid. The goal is to protect patients and ensure that medical decisions are made based on the best interests of the patient, rather than financial incentives. Violating this law can lead to severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.