By Kim Stanger

As discussed in our recent client alert, the Civil Monetary Penalties Law generally prohibits providers from offering gifts to Medicare and Medicaid patients or other program beneficiaries if such gifts would induce the patient to receive care from a particular provider; however, the OIG allows gifts of “nominal value.” The OIG just issued a policy statement increasing the limit from $10 to $15 per item, and from $50 to $75 in the aggregate per patient on an annual basis. The items may not be cash or cash equivalents. Providers may want to modify their policies accordingly. Happy holidays from the OIG!

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For questions regarding this update, please contact:
Kim C. Stanger
Holland & Hart, 800 W Main Street, Suite 1750, Boise, ID 83702
email: kcstanger@hollandhart.com, phone: 208-383-3913

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