What is the main principle behind the Stark Law?

The main principle behind the Stark Law is to prohibit physician self-referral, particularly concerning Medicare and Medicaid patients. This law makes it illegal for healthcare providers to refer patients for designated health services to entities with which they have a financial relationship, unless certain exceptions are met. The intention of the Stark Law is to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure that patient care decisions are based on medical necessity rather than financial incentives. By restricting such referrals, the law aims to promote a higher standard of care and safeguard the integrity of the healthcare system.

While the other options touch on relevant aspects of healthcare regulations, they do not directly align with the primary focus of the Stark Law. For instance, regulating nurse licensure is more about ensuring that nursing professionals meet educational and professional standards. The prohibition of kickbacks is governed by the Anti-Kickback Statute, which addresses financial incentives in a broader sense than the Stark Law. Finally, the mandate for reporting medical errors is comprehensive and relates to patient safety and quality of care, but it does not specifically pertain to the principles of the Stark Law.