Scenario
Dr. No is invited by Novarmints to take part in a study involving a recently FDA-approved drug that it is in the process of marketing to the public. Dr. No would be required to prescribe the drug for his patients and then complete a brief questionnaire about each patient’s experience with the drug. The questionnaire for each patient is expected to take about 15-20 minutes to complete. Novarmints will pay Dr. No $3,000 for each completed questionnaire. Dr. No sees this as “easy money” and a great way to increase practice revenues. Would this arrangement be lawful under the Anti-kickback statute? Explain your answer. What could be the potential consequences of a violation?
Hint: Is this a real drug study?