Even as we wait for the second draft of the proposed new value-based kickback relief rules—see National Intelligence Report (NIR), Nov. 15, 2019—the OIG issued its annual call for recommendations for new or revised Anti-Kickback Statute safe harbors. From now through March 2, 2020, the agency will entertain suggestions and evaluate them on the basis of whether they would increase or decrease:
- Access to healthcare services;
- Quality of healthcare services;
- Patient freedom of choice among healthcare providers;
- Competition among healthcare providers;
- Costs to federal healthcare programs
- Potential overutilization of healthcare services; and
- The ability of healthcare facilities to provide services in medically underserved areas or to medically underserved populations.
