What is the primary purpose of the Self-Referral Disclosure Protocol (SDRP)?

The primary purpose of the Self-Referral Disclosure Protocol (SDRP) is indeed to manage liability for Stark law violations. The Stark law, which governs self-referrals by physicians for designated health services, prohibits physicians from referring patients to facilities where they have a financial interest, unless certain exceptions are met. The SDRP provides a mechanism for physicians and healthcare entities to voluntarily disclose any potential violations of the Stark law in a manner that can help reduce penalties.

By utilizing the SDRP, healthcare providers can address compliance issues proactively, potentially mitigating severe legal consequences or financial penalties that could arise from unintentional violations. This protocol is essential in ensuring that healthcare providers engage in ethical business practices while still seeking to correct any inadvertent missteps regarding referral practices.

This option accurately reflects the SDRP’s role in fostering compliance with the Stark law and provides a structured path for addressing any issues that may arise from conflicts of interest in medical referrals.