Virginia law § 18.2-502 prohibits profit-driven businesses from referring or recommending patients to healthcare providers unless they disclose selection criteria. Accepting fees for referrals creates a presumption of profit motive, and violations are punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor. The law also allows for injunctions to stop ongoing violations.
Businesses cannot profit from referring patients to healthcare providers without disclosing the criteria used for recommendations.
Yes, licensed physicians can make referrals without fees as part of their professional practice.
Violations are classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor, and injunctions can also be issued to stop ongoing violations.
It applies to any referral or recommendation made for profit, but not to routine professional referrals made without fees.