The Stark Law primarily addresses which aspect of healthcare?

The Stark Law primarily addresses financial relationships between healthcare providers, specifically prohibiting physician self-referrals for certain health services. This law is designed to ensure that referrals for services are made based on the best interests of patients rather than financial gain. It restricts physicians from referring patients to entities with which they have a financial relationship, unless certain exceptions apply. This regulation aims to prevent conflicts of interest and potential overutilization of services, ensuring that patient care decisions are made primarily for medical reasons rather than for profit.

Understanding this aspect of the Stark Law is crucial as it emphasizes the importance of maintaining ethical standards in healthcare practices by scrutinizing the financial interactions between doctors and other healthcare entities. In contrast to other options, this focus on financial relationships uniquely defines the Stark Law's role in the broader healthcare compliance landscape.