Stark Law

If you have federal health plan patient, you need to pay careful attention to the rules of the Stark Law and the federal Anti-Kickback Statute.

While the concept of physicians disclosing potential wrongdoing might appear valid on paper, it is actually more trouble that it is worth.

If you as a physician have ownership interests in any facility that you refer patients to, be sure you are in compliance with federal and state statutes.

Before you give - or receive - a gift this year, understand the federal and state laws that govern gifts to physicians and medical practices.

EHRs can be expensive for small practices. But a stipulation of the Stark Law allows a hospital to donate funds and partner with you for meaningful use.

If properly done, a health law opinion letter may insulate physicians from prosecution or penalties associated with their investment decisions.

No matter how cleverly structured, schemes to circumvent Stark Law are risky for physicians, and the consequences of failing to comply can be devastating.

A recent decision by HHS' Office of the Inspector General raises some interesting issues with ACOs participating in the Medicare Shared Savings Program.

With health insurance exchanges on the horizon, some controlled by HHS, will federal laws fighting fraud and abuse have new teeth for physicians and practices?

Here's an explanation of the rationale behind the Stark Law, the government's conflict of interest statute your medical practice needs to be aware of.

Antiquated though the distinctions between socialism, communism, and capitalism may seem, healthcare would do well to keep one eye on lessons learned long ago.

The physicians' oath not only predicts major federal statutes, but also reminds that a respectful team approach to healthcare is vital.

Here are some legal and ethical issues to consider before you own and operate a compounding pharmacy at your medical practice.

Here's why physicians should set their alarms for August 1, 2013, for the beginning of disclosures under the Physician Payments Sunshine Act.

Business practices generally accepted in other industries can be illegal in healthcare, so it is important to be sure you are in compliance.

Physicians are being presented with chances to invest in ancillary services, but they need to be aware of all the legal issues involved to avoid potential pitfalls.

Want to know what the government looks for in healthcare fraud investigations? Here's some conduct you may want to avoid at your medical practice.

There will be a lot more data gathering and reporting of physician payments from pharma and others under the proposed Sunshine Act. Here's what you need to know.

A new year is the perfect time to be proactive and ensure your medical practice is compliance with all the regulations it faces.

Every new business venture into which physicians enter could present significant legal risk and should properly be vetted.

Concierge medicine may have its critics, but it is the very essence of American ingenuity to identify a problem, and come up with a free-market solution.

Here's a primer on independent practice associations. Not all are created alike, so be aware of the differences.

Just because someone is not offering your medical practice cash does not mean what they are offering is any less illegal. So you are right to be skeptical.

Yes, your medical practice can accept gifts from the healthcare industry, but be aware of the rules before saying thanks. Here's some guidance.

While Stark Law and the Anti-Kickback Statute can be confusing, simply following AMA Ethics Opinion 8.06 should set you on the right course.