AMNews: Sept. 28, 2009. Stricter self-referral rules may end some physician contracts with hospitals ... American Medical News

As of Oct. 1, physicians will have to restructure or unwind many hospital arrangements to avoid federal penalties. Some doctors worry patient care will suffer.

Sweeping changes to the federal anti-self-referral rules, approved more than a year ago, will take effect Oct. 1, potentially causing many physician-hospital arrangements to fall out of compliance if doctors are not prepared. Being unaware of the Stark law revisions or the structure of a particular deal will not excuse physicians from liability, legal experts say.
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