Who primarily oversees issues related to the anti-kickback statute?

The correct answer is C. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) is primarily responsible for overseeing compliance with the anti-kickback statute within healthcare. The OIG plays a crucial role in enforcing laws that prevent fraud and abuse in federal healthcare programs, including Medicare and Medicaid. The anti-kickback statute prohibits healthcare providers from offering, paying, soliciting, or receiving any form of remuneration to induce referrals of services reimbursable by these programs. The OIG conducts investigations and audits, issues guidelines, and educates healthcare professionals about compliance with this statute, making it the key agency in this area.

The other agencies mentioned have distinct roles: the Department of Justice (DOJ) has the authority to prosecute violations but primarily aids in enforcement rather than overseeing compliance. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) focuses on the administration of Medicare and Medicaid programs rather than direct oversight of anti-kickback violations. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) deals with broader antitrust matters and consumer protection but does not primarily engage with the specifics of healthcare fraud related to the anti-kickback statute. This division of responsibilities clarifies why the OIG is the central authority on this issue.