The Stark Act prohibits which of the following actions by physicians?

The Stark Act, formally known as the Physician Self-Referral Law, specifically aims to prevent conflicts of interest in the healthcare system by prohibiting physicians from referring patients to facilities in which they have a financial interest, particularly when those referrals are made under government healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid. The underlying concern of the Stark Act is to eliminate the potential for over-utilization of services and to ensure that clinical decisions are made based on the best interests of the patient rather than personal financial gain.

This legislation is critical in maintaining ethical standards in healthcare and ensuring that patients receive care based solely on necessity rather than the potential for financial conflict. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the restriction imposed by the Stark Act regarding referrals for services in which a physician might have a vested interest, thereby protecting patients and the integrity of healthcare services.