Which individuals can be excluded from Medicare under the Exclusion Statute?

Individuals convicted of a criminal offense related to healthcare can be excluded from Medicare under the Exclusion Statute. This applies not just to those found guilty of felonies, but also to certain misdemeanors, depending on the nature of the conviction. The purpose of this exclusion is to protect the integrity of federal healthcare programs by disallowing those who have demonstrated a lack of integrity due to criminal behavior from participating in these programs.

Other options suggest that individuals with no criminal convictions or those convicted of misdemeanors alone can be excluded, which does not align with the statute's intent. The inclusion of "any healthcare worker" is too broad, as not all healthcare workers are subject to exclusion unless they meet specific criteria regarding their criminal history. Therefore, the focus on physicians specifically highlights the significant concern with those actively practicing in roles that directly impact patient care and the overall healthcare system's trustworthiness.