Which statement best describes the purpose of the Self-referral Disclosure Protocol (SDRP)?

Which statement best describes the purpose of the Self-referral Disclosure Protocol (SDRP)?

• A. The SDRP is used for potential or actual Stark Law violations.
• B. The SDRP is used for Anti-Kickback Statute violations.
• C. The SDRP is a general compliance training program.
• D. The SDRP is a method to obtain an advisory opinion.

Answer: (A)

The Self-referral Disclosure Protocol is a formal process through which providers voluntarily disclose potential or actual Stark Law violations to the OIG and CMS. Stark Law prohibits physicians from referring patients for designated health services payable by Medicare or Medicaid to entities with which they have a financial relationship, unless an exception applies. The SDRP gives a pathway to address these issues, typically leading to remediation and with the possibility of reduced penalties in exchange for full cooperation. It is not about Anti-Kickback Statute violations, not a general compliance training program, and not a mechanism to obtain an advisory opinion.

The Self-referral Disclosure Protocol is a formal process through which providers voluntarily disclose potential or actual Stark Law violations to the OIG and CMS. Stark Law prohibits physicians from referring patients for designated health services payable by Medicare or Medicaid to entities with which they have a financial relationship, unless an exception applies. The SDRP gives a pathway to address these issues, typically leading to remediation and with the possibility of reduced penalties in exchange for full cooperation. It is not about Anti-Kickback Statute violations, not a general compliance training program, and not a mechanism to obtain an advisory opinion.