Which of the following is a common cause of problems with the Stark Law?

Expired agreements are a common cause of problems with the Stark Law because this law imposes strict requirements on physician self-referrals, particularly when financial relationships between physicians and healthcare entities are involved. If an agreement has expired, it can create a situation where the financial arrangement is no longer compliant with the law, potentially exposing healthcare entities to significant liabilities. Maintaining current and valid agreements is crucial to ensure compliance, as expired contracts can lead to misunderstandings about the scope, terms, and legality of the financial relationships, resulting in unintended violations of the Stark Law.

On the other hand, consistent lease agreements and properly signed agreements typically demonstrate adherence to legal expectations, helping to mitigate risks. Regular fair market value (FMV) evaluations contribute to compliance by ensuring that arrangements remain within acceptable limits, thereby reducing the chances of disputes and allegations of fraud. However, an expired agreement can undermine all of this, as it may mean that a financial relationship is operating outside of the legal framework intended by the Stark Law.