Kathryn Edgerton, Esq, CHPC, CIPP-US
Supported by: Nelson Hardiman, LLP
Time: 8:30 AM – 12:15 PM
Level of Instruction: Introductory/Intermediate
The SUPPORT Act takes sweeping aim at the opioid crisis. Providers of addiction treatment and recovery services should pay careful attention to Section 8122 of the Act entitled “Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act of 2018,” which makes it illegal to pay for patient referrals and to offer to pay for patients’ transportation or to waive or discount fees to induce patients to receive addiction treatment services. The Act imposes prison sentences of up to 10 years and fines of up to $200,000 for violation of this section. The Department of Justice is dedicating additional enforcement resources to address the opioid crisis. This program will (1) provide addiction treatment providers with the resources necessary to recognize marketing and operational pitfalls, including activities that are now illegal, (2) explain best practices for compensation relationships with employees and independent contractors providing marketing services to your facility, and (3) explain how addiction treatment providers may legally assist patients who have financial hardships with transportation and the costs of treatment.