What counts as a kickback
Anything of value offered to induce referrals for services paid by federal healthcare programs can qualify — cash, free rent, inflated consulting fees, lavish meals, or waivers designed to drive volume.
Anti-Kickback Statute
The federal AKS is a criminal and civil statute with safe harbors for certain compliant arrangements. Violations tied to false claims can trigger FCA liability.
Red flags insiders see
Speaker programs paying doctors for minimal work, lab deals tied to referral volume, and hospital arrangements that look like payment for referrals rather than fair market services.