The settlement is based on the hospital’s financial condition and stems from a voluntary self-disclosure made by the hospital regarding potential law violations.
In a July 7 press release from the Justice Department, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian Boynton said that the department would continue investigating relationships that may improperly influence physician decision-making.
“Healthcare decisions should be based on patients’ medical needs, not physicians’ financial interests,” Mr. Boynton said.
The Stark Law prohibits a hospital from billing Medicare for certain services referred by physicians with whom the hospital has a financial relationship unless that relationship satisfies a statutory or regulatory exception.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
