Federal Anti-Kickback Laws

There are federal laws that prohibit kickbacks in the healthcare industry. Generally, these laws prohibit healthcare providers from profiting from referrals they make for federal Medicare-related services. These laws carry serious penalties, and if you have been accused of such a crime, you will want to work with a New Jersey federal criminal defense lawyer.

Anti-Kickback Statute

The federal anti-kickback statute prohibits healthcare providers from receiving compensation when they make a referral for Medicare services. The laws prohibits referrals for money along with receiving payments to order, purchase or lease goods or services paid for by Medicare. Someone convicted under the Anti-Kickback statute faces felony charges. The penalties can include up to a five-year prison sentence, or even more. In addition, the individual may be prohibited from participating in federal healthcare programs in the future. Individuals who may be convicted under the anti-kickback statute can include both the party receiving the kickback as well as the party offering it.