The Anti-Kickback Statute: A Continuing Compliance Challenge

In recent months, the spotlight in the healthcare industry has largely been focused on the Congressional debate regarding healthcare reform, including implementation of federal and state Health Insurance Exchanges and Shared Savings Programs. Despite these ongoing activities directed toward healthcare reform, attention should not be distracted from ensuring compliance with the federal Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS). The AKS, enacted in 1972 and amended on several subsequent occasions, is a not a new development.  However, it needs to be considered in conjunction with the ever-changing regulatory and enforcement environment.

About the Author

Suzanne Dallas Castaldo, JD, is a certified Healthcare Compliance Professional (CHC, CHPC), qualified in the development, implementation, and evaluation of compliance programs for the health care industry. She has assisted a variety of health care providers including hospitals, physician practice groups, skilled nursing facilities, clinical laboratories, managed care organizations, and pharmacies.