Which organization provides opinions regarding Stark law?

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is the correct organization that provides opinions regarding the Stark law. The Stark law, officially known as the Physician Self-Referral Law, prohibits physician referrals for certain designated health services payable by Medicare to entities with which the physician or an immediate family member has a financial relationship, unless an exception applies.

CMS is responsible for administering the Medicare program and ensures compliance with Medicare regulations, including those related to the Stark law. It issues guidance, interpretative rules, and advisory opinions to clarify the application of Stark law and the exceptions that exist under it. This guidance helps healthcare providers understand their obligations under the law and aligns their practices with regulatory requirements.

In contrast, the Office of Inspector General (OIG), while also involved in compliance and enforcement of healthcare fraud and abuse laws, does not specifically provide opinions regarding the Stark law. The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) focuses primarily on civil rights and data privacy issues in healthcare rather than on the Stark law. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is concerned with regulating controlled substances and does not have a role pertaining to Stark law. Thus, CMS stands out as the definitive authority on this matter within the context of the Stark law.