Offering or taking a bribe, kickback, bonus, commission, or inducement is against the board's rules and the law.
Many companies give away small promotional items, such as pens or notepads, to promote their products. This is legal, but be cautious about accepting more valuable items. This could be seen as a bribe. Directors and supervisors should be careful when negotiating with vendors to avoid situations perceived as kickbacks.
All of the following are severe violations of Board, state, and federal rules:
- Participating in any commissions, bonuses, kickbacks, inducements, or split-fee arrangements from physicians, health care providers, suppliers, hospitals, nursing homes, other clinical laboratories, pharmacies, or other facilities.
- Exploiting or influencing a patient for financial gain, including promoting, selling, or withholding services, drugs, or referrals.
