To whom does the Stark Statute specifically apply?

The Stark Statute, formally known as the Ethics in Patient Referrals Act, specifically applies to physicians who refer patients for certain services covered by Medicare and Medicaid. This legislation was designed to prevent conflicts of interest in medical referrals, particularly where physicians might be financially incentivized to refer patients to services in which they have a financial interest.

The correct answer is particularly focused on the involvement of physicians in the referral process under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. It is important to note that the statute's safeguards are aimed at maintaining ethical standards in these high-stakes environments where patient care and financial interests may intersect.

While the Stark Statute does apply to all healthcare providers in a broader sense, its provisions are specifically concerned with the actions of physicians. Therefore, the inclusion of only those who refer patients covered by Medicare and Medicaid aligns with the Statute’s intent to regulate physician behavior regarding these governmental healthcare programs.

In summary, the Stark Statute targets the conduct of physicians relative to patient referrals within Medicare and Medicaid systems to ensure that ethical practices are upheld, which justifies why the answer is focused on this specific context.