By Kim Stanger
Healthcare providers often offer free screening tests or services as a way to generate business for their facility or practice; however, doing so may violate federal and state laws unless structured properly. The federal Anti-Kickback Statute (“AKS”)1 and Civil Monetary Penalties Law (“CMPL”)2 generally prohibit offering free or discounted items or services to patients as a way to generate business payable by Medicare, Medicaid or other federal healthcare programs unless the arrangement fits within a regulatory exception.3 Violations of the AKS or CMPL may result in criminal, civil, and/or administrative penalties. Continue reading