Please identify a potential agency to report a suspected Stark violation.

Reporting a suspected Stark violation to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is appropriate because CMS is the primary agency responsible for administering the Stark Law, which is designed to prevent physician self-referral in Medicare and Medicaid. This law restricts physicians from referring patients to facilities in which they have a financial interest, ensuring that patient care decisions remain based on medical necessity rather than potential financial gain.

CMS oversees compliance with the Stark Law and has the authority to investigate potential violations, impose penalties, and enforce regulations. By reporting a suspected violation to CMS, individuals can help ensure that violations are addressed, promoting fair practices within the healthcare system.

The other agencies listed have different primary focuses and do not handle Stark Law issues. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) focuses on food safety, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices; NIH (National Institutes of Health) engages in medical research; and CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) is concerned with public health and safety. Their missions do not align with enforcing or investigating Stark Law violations, making CMS the correct choice for reporting such concerns.