Several physicians and medical practices in South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, and Illinois recently agreed to pay $1,913,808 after allegedly engaging in a scheme that violated the federal Anti-Kickback Statute. As the Department of Justice continues to investigate other alleged schemes, the parties involved in this case have agreed to cooperate with said investigations.

It's worth noting that violating a law like the Anti-Kickback Statute can result in more than just criminal penalties for a medical professional. It can also potentially result in a licensing agency taking action against their license.

Are you facing license suspension, revocation, or other such disciplinary action because of alleged wrongdoing? If so, a criminal defense attorney who doesn't understand the unique processes these cases involve may not be able to properly represent you.

At the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team, you'll find attorneys with the experience necessary to handle a case like yours. Learn more about how we can help by submitting your information through our online form or by calling our offices at 888-535-3686.

Referral Scheme Results in Charges of Violating the Anti-Kickback Statute

The following physicians and their associated practices all agreed to pay the amount referenced above due to their alleged participation in a referral scheme:

• Gerald Congdon, M.D., of Pawleys Island, South Carolina
• Gbenga Aluko, M.D., of Charlotte, North Carolina
• Anup Banerjee, M.D., of Gastonia, North Carolina
• Curis Healthcare Inc., of Chicago, Illinois
• Curis Healthcare Inc., of Chicago, Illinois
• Saeed Medical Group Ltd. doing business as Alliance Immediate and Primary Care of Chicago, Illinois

The Anti-Kickback Statute is meant to prohibit medical professionals from receiving financial payment or similar payment in return for referring patients to the services of specific providers. In this case, the above parties allegedly received kickbacks in return for referring patients to an Anderson, South Carolina laboratory.

Such schemes are illegal because they threaten to compromise the judgment of medical professionals, who could refer patients for services they don't need if they have a financial incentive to do so. This may result in false claims being submitted to Medicare, TRICARE, etc., which is allegedly what occurred in this case.

Kickback Schemes Can Involve Professional Consequences

Whether you're a nurse, doctor, or other such medical professional, you may operate under the supervision and oversight of a licensing board or agency. Often, the statutes and rules these agencies enforce include prohibitions against various forms of unprofessional conduct, such as the type subjects of this case allegedly engaged in.

Regardless of the criminal penalties, a licensing board can take action against a medical professional's license if said medical professional engages in a violation. If you ever face such disciplinary action against your license, a proper defense can make a significant difference in your ability to continue in your career.

A proper defense is exactly what we offer at the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team. We're available to take on your case if your license is on the line because of an alleged violation. We can even enter litigation against your licensing board if necessary. Get started today by calling us at 888-535-3686 or by submitting your information through our online form.