What statute could Dr. Johnson be violating by accepting free DME equipment?

Accepting free Durable Medical Equipment (DME) can raise significant issues under the Anti-kickback Statute. This federal law prohibits the exchange of remuneration for referrals of services covered by federal health care programs. If Dr. Johnson accepts free DME equipment in return for referring patients or prescribing this equipment, it could be seen as an inducement that encourages Medicare or Medicaid patients to utilize certain services or products, which the statute aims to prevent to protect patients and the integrity of health care decision-making.

The importance of the Anti-kickback Statute lies in its role in preventing corruption within healthcare systems, ensuring that medical decisions are made based solely on patient needs rather than financial incentives. Violating this statute can result not only in civil penalties but also criminal charges, making it a critical consideration for any healthcare provider.