What do Stark Laws primarily address?

Stark Laws primarily address financial relationships between physicians and healthcare entities, specifically prohibiting physicians from making referrals for certain designated health services to entities with which they have a financial relationship unless an exception applies. This legislation aims to eliminate conflicts of interest in healthcare referrals, ensuring that medical decisions are made based on patient needs rather than financial incentives. By regulating these relationships, Stark Laws help maintain ethical standards and promote fairness in the healthcare system, ultimately protecting patient interests. The laws are essential for creating transparency and accountability in physician relationships with healthcare providers, reducing the potential for overutilization of healthcare services driven by financial ties.