EKRA Compliance For New York And New Jersey Diagnostic Testing Labs

A recently enacted law can significantly affect the business operations and practices of diagnostic testing laboratories. The Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act of 2018 (EKRA) places additional regulations on how testing labs can compensate employees and independent contractors. It also prohibits kickbacks, rebates and certain volume-based or dollar-based billing schemes. According to the act, each violation of EKRA is punishable by a fine of up to $200,000 and a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

At Rivas Goldstein, LLP, our knowledgeable New York attorneys defend diagnostic testing laboratories accused of EKRA violations. Our lawyers use their decades of combined health care law experience to build strong defenses and protect our clients’ rights. We assist diagnostic testing laboratories in New York and New Jersey.

What Is EKRA And How Does It Work?

The opioid epidemic presents immense challenges to governments and health care providers across the country. On the one hand, those addicted to painkillers and their families must endure unimaginable suffering. On the other, some pharmaceutical companies and health care providers are profiting by feeding the demand for these drugs. The purpose of EKRA is to reduce the incentive some health care providers have to facilitate the distribution of opioids.

These are EKRA’s most important provisions:

• Health care providers (including diagnostic testing labs and drug treatment centers) are prohibited from soliciting, paying or accepting remuneration (such as a kickback, bribe or rebate) for referring or sending business to a testing laboratory or referring a patient to a treatment facility.
• EKRA applies to both employees and contractors of these organizations.
• The act appears to prohibit many types of commission-based compensation schemes. However, compensation or payment of remuneration is allowable when it does not vary due to:
  • The number of individuals referred to a health care provider
  • The number of tests or procedures performed
  • The amount billed to or received from a health care benefit program

We Are Ready To Help Your Testing Lab

At Rivas Goldstein, LLP, we enable diagnostic testing laboratories to comply with the law while helping them grow their businesses. If the government does allege EKRA violations, our lawyers will tenaciously defend your business. Our attorneys can:

• Help you understand EKRA and how it affects your business
• Conduct an audit of your compensation programs and billing practices to assess your compliance with EKRA
• Recommend changes to those programs and procedures where necessary

Contact Our Firm

To learn more about EKRA and how Rivas Goldstein, LLP can assist your business, contact our EKRA defenses lawyers by calling 800-761-5190 or sending an email.