Which of the following actions is prohibited by the Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS)?

The Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS) is designed to prevent financial incentives that might influence healthcare providers to make decisions that are not in the best interest of patients. The correct answer highlights an action that directly violates the principles behind the AKS: offering payment for increased business. This is prohibited because such arrangements can lead to overutilization of services, unethical medical practices, and the prioritization of profit over patient care.

When a healthcare provider requests more business in exchange for additional payments, it creates a conflict of interest, compromising the integrity of medical decision-making. This could result in unnecessary tests or treatments solely for financial gain, undermining patient trust and the overall quality of care.

In contrast, while options like offering discounts for services, providing free samples of medications, and referral incentives for insurance companies might raise ethical questions, they do not inherently involve direct monetary exchange for the purpose of increasing business volume in the same manner as option B. These actions can still be governed by guidelines and regulations, but they do not constitute a straightforward violation of the AKS like the offering of payment for business does. This distinction underscores the specific intent of the AKS to curb practices that could harm patients and exploit the healthcare system.