What organization determines and publishes the annual limits for professional courtesies allowed under Stark?

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is responsible for determining and publishing the annual limits for professional courtesies allowed under the Stark Law. The Stark Law, officially known as the Physician Self-Referral Law, restricts physician referrals for certain health services to entities with which they have a financial relationship, unless a specific exception applies.

CMS is charged with the regulation and enforcement of this law and is tasked with providing guidance on its implementation, which includes setting limits on professional courtesies. These limits ensure that the care provided is not unduly influenced by financial relationships and that compliance with ethical standards is upheld in the healthcare industry. The agency's role is critical to maintaining the integrity of patient care by establishing clear guidelines and regulatory frameworks.

While other organizations mentioned in the options, such as the Department of Health and Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration, play important roles in healthcare regulation, they do not handle the specifics of professional courtesies under the Stark Law. The American Medical Association focuses on the interests of medical professionals but does not determine compliance parameters like those set by CMS.