Stark Law

The Stark Law is a U.S. federal law that prohibits doctors from referring patients to receive services from facilities or providers with whom they have a financial relationship, unless certain exceptions apply. Its main goal is to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure that medical decisions are made based on patient needs rather than financial incentives. Violating the Stark Law can result in penalties, including fines and exclusion from Medicare and Medicaid programs. Ultimately, it aims to maintain integrity in healthcare by promoting fair practices and protecting patient care.