Which law is known as the Physician Self-Referral Law (Stark Law)?

• A. Stark Law (Physician Self-Referral Law)
• B. False Claims Act
• C. Civil Monetary Penalties Law
• D. Anti-Kickback Statute

Answer: (A)

Stark Law, the Physician Self-Referral Law, prohibits physicians from referring patients for designated health services that are payable by Medicare or Medicaid to an entity in which the physician (or an immediate family member) has a financial relationship, unless a statutory exception applies. This focuses on preventing financial ties from improperly influencing referrals and patient care. It’s a distinct rule from other laws: the False Claims Act targets submitting false claims for payment, the Civil Monetary Penalties Law imposes penalties for a range of improper practices, and the Anti-Kickback Statute bars paying or receiving kickbacks to induce referrals. Stark Law is a strict self-referral prohibition with specific safe harbors and exceptions to allow legitimate arrangements.