Overview:

The session will provide an overview of the Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS) and review what it prohibits, as well as review the Statute's available safe harbors. It will also show how violation of the AKS can raise FCA concerns, and it will provide an assessment of enforcement activities, showing how participants may be at risk. In addition, the session will review recent cases and show how they potentially impact participants.

We will provide an in-depth review of the AKS, focusing on what is prohibited under the Act and what the exceptions are. We will also review the case law, particularly the early case law that sets the stage and basis for how the courts interpret the law. Since one of the exceptions to enforcement under the Act is regulations promulgated by the Secretary, the "safe harbors," payment practices that will not be subject to criminal prosecution and that will not provide a basis for civil monetary penalties or exclusion from the Medicare or Medicaid programs, we will examine these safe harbors, particularly those more frequently used, to show how protection from enforcement can be achieved. Specifically, we will review the investment, space and equipment rental, personal services/management contracts, and physician recruitment safe harbors.

In addition, we will discuss the OIG's Joint Venture Advisory Opinion, where a hospital expands into a related service line by contracting with an existing provider of that service. The OIG has significant problems with such an arrangement. We will also discuss the recent advisory opinion by the OIG regarding Physician-Owned Entities. OIG views PODs as inherently suspect under the AKS because the opportunity for a referring physician to earn a profit, including through an investment in an entity for which he or she generates business, could constitute illegal remuneration under the AKS.

Finally, the webinar will review various cases to show how easy it is to run afoul of the Statute, and how the courts view compliance with it.

Areas Covered in the Session:

• Federal Civil Anti-Kickback Statute,
• Safe Harbors providing protection under the AKS,
• Enforcement activities involving the AKS,
• The OIG's Joint Venture Advisory Opinion,
• The OIG's advisory opinion regarding Physician-Owned Entities, and
• The anti-fraud provisions of the Affordable Care Act.
  

Who Will Benefit:

• Hospital executives, particularly CEOs, COOs, CFOs, CNOs, and CMOs
• Nursing home executives
• Physicians
• Physician practice managers
• Other healthcare provider executives
  

Educational Objectives(S)
Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Explain the Anti-Kickback Statute and what is prohibited as well as safe.

CME Credit Statement
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint sponsorship of Colorado Foundation for Medical Care (CFMC) and MentorHealth. CFMC is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Colorado Foundation for Medical Care designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Other Healthcare Professionals Credit Statement
This educational activity has been planned and implemented following the administrative and educational design criteria required for certification of health care professions continuing education credits. Registrants attending this activity may submit their certificate along with a copy of the course content to their professional organizations or state licensing agencies for recognition for 1 hour.

Disclosure Statement
It is the policy of Colorado Foundation for Medical Care (CFMC) and MentorHealth that the faculty discloses real or apparent conflicts of interest relating to the topics of the educational activity. All members of the faculty and planning team have nothing to disclose nor do they have any vested interests or affiliations.


Obtaining Certificate of Credit

Colorado Foundation for Medical Care (CFMC) hosts an online activity evaluation system, certificate and outcomes measurement process. Following the activity, you must link to CFMC's online site (link below) to complete the evaluation form in order to receive your certificate of credit. Once the evaluation form is complete and submitted, you will be automatically sent a copy of your certificate via email. Please note, participants must attend the entire activity to receive all types of credit. Continuing Education evaluation and request for certificates will be accepted up to 60 days post activity date. CFMC will keep a record of attendance on file for 6 years.