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Anti-Kickback Agreement

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ANTI-KICKBACK AGREEMENT

This Anti-Kickback Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into as of , by and between Provider Name: , a organized under the laws of with principal place of business at ; and Recipient Name: , a organized under the laws of with principal place of business at . Provider and Recipient are each a "Party" and collectively the "Parties."

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Provider provides goods or services described as (the "Services"); and

WHEREAS, Recipient engages in activities that may result in referrals, purchases or other transactions involving Provider; and

WHEREAS, the Parties desire to set forth express covenants prohibiting kickbacks, improper remuneration and other unlawful or improper payments and to establish compliance procedures and remedies.

NOW, THEREFORE

In consideration of the mutual covenants and other good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency of which is acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:

1. DEFINITIONS

For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

"Kickback" means any direct or indirect payment, fee, commission, rebate, kickback, bribe, or any other thing of value offered, given, solicited or received in exchange for referrals, purchases, or for the purpose of improperly influencing a business decision, in violation of applicable anti-kickback and anti-corruption laws.

"Permitted Payment" means a payment or remuneration that (a) is documented, (b) is consistent with fair market value for bona fide services actually performed, and (c) is not contingent upon the volume or value of referrals, business or other transactions.

2. PROHIBITED CONDUCT

Each Party represents and warrants that it shall not, directly or indirectly, offer, pay, solicit or receive any Kickback in connection with the Services, including but not limited to: (a) payments to induce referrals; (b) payments disguised as consulting fees, travel, entertainment, gifts, or other reimbursements when the substance is a referral fee; or (c) any other remuneration intended to improperly influence business decisions.

3. AUTHORIZED AND PERMITTED PAYMENTS

Notwithstanding Section 2, the following categories of remuneration shall be permitted only if fully documented and consistent with this Agreement and applicable law:

Reasonable compensation for bona fide services actually performed by an independent contractor at fair market value.

Reimbursement of documented, reasonable expenses directly related to performance of contracted services.

4. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS AND POLICIES

Each Party shall comply with all applicable federal, state and local anti-kickback, anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws and regulations. Each Party shall maintain and enforce policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent Kickbacks and shall ensure that its employees, agents and subcontractors are aware of and adhere to those policies.

5. REPORTING; INVESTIGATION; AUDIT RIGHTS

Each Party shall promptly report in writing any known or suspected Kickback, attempted Kickback or other noncompliance to the other Party's compliance officer identified below and shall cooperate in any investigation. The Parties shall permit the other Party, or its designated auditor, to inspect relevant records and documentation during normal business hours upon reasonable notice to verify compliance with this Agreement.

6. RECORDS AND RETENTION

Each Party shall keep complete and accurate books and records reflecting all payments, contracts, invoices and supporting documentation related to the relationship governed by this Agreement. Such records shall be retained for a minimum of years and longer if required by applicable law.

7. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

Each Party represents and warrants that: (a) it has the full power and authority to enter into and perform this Agreement; (b) its execution and performance will not violate any agreement or law binding on it; and (c) it will not take any action that would cause the other Party to be in violation of applicable anti-kickback, anti-corruption or similar laws.

8. INDEMNIFICATION

Each Party (the "Indemnifying Party") shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the other Party (the "Indemnified Party") from and against any loss, liability, damages, fines, penalties, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of a breach of this Agreement, unlawful Kickbacks, or violations of applicable anti-kickback or anti-corruption laws attributable to the Indemnifying Party's acts or omissions.

9. REMEDIES

In addition to any remedies at law or equity, upon a material breach relating to Kickbacks the non-breaching Party may suspend payments, terminate this Agreement for cause, seek disgorgement of amounts paid, and pursue injunctive relief or other equitable remedies to prevent further violations.

10. TERM AND TERMINATION

This Agreement shall commence on the effective date set forth above and shall continue for years, unless earlier terminated by either Party upon days' prior written notice. Termination shall not relieve a Party of obligations accrued prior to termination, including indemnification and record retention requirements.

11. CONFIDENTIALITY

The Parties shall maintain the confidentiality of nonpublic information disclosed in connection with this Agreement and shall not disclose such information except as required by law or to enforce rights under this Agreement. Confidentiality obligations shall survive termination for a period of years.

12. NOTICES

All notices required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered to the addresses set forth below by hand, nationally recognized overnight courier, or certified mail (return receipt requested). Notices shall be deemed given upon receipt.

13. AMENDMENTS; WAIVER; COUNTERPARTS

This Agreement may be amended only by a written instrument signed by both Parties. No failure or delay by a Party in exercising any right shall operate as a waiver. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one instrument.

14. SEVERABILITY

If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect and the Parties shall negotiate in good faith to replace the invalid provision with a valid provision that achieves, to the extent possible, the original economic and legal intent.

15. GOVERNING LAW; ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of without regard to conflict of laws principles. This Agreement, together with any written schedules or exhibits signed by the Parties, constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter herein and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, understandings and communications, whether written or oral, relating to such subject matter.

16. MISCELLANEOUS

The Parties acknowledge that a material breach of the provisions prohibiting Kickbacks may cause irreparable harm for which monetary damages would be an inadequate remedy. Accordingly, in addition to any other remedies, the non-breaching Party shall be entitled to seek injunctive or equitable relief.

The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect interpretation.

Provider (Printed Name):

By:

Date:

Recipient (Printed Name):

By:

Date:

Enter text✕

What an Anti-Kickback Agreement Is and When it Applies

An Anti-Kickback Agreement is a contractual document used to document arrangements intended to prevent or manage improper remuneration that could influence referrals, purchases, or endorsements in regulated industries. The agreement typically sets out permitted and prohibited payments, disclosure obligations, compliance representations, audit rights, and remedies for breaches. In the United States these agreements are often used where federal statutes or program rules (for example, the Federal Anti-Kickback Statute and related administrative rules) may govern provider, vendor, or intermediary conduct. Properly written agreements reduce exposure and support internal compliance programs.

Why a Clear Anti-Kickback Agreement Matters

A precise Anti-Kickback Agreement clarifies acceptable financial interactions, documents compliance controls, and provides contractual remedies for violations. It supports risk management, facilitates audits, and demonstrates good-faith controls to regulators and program contractors.

Why a Clear Anti-Kickback Agreement Matters

Who Typically Prepares and Signs These Agreements

The agreement serves stakeholders across legal, finance, and operational teams and should be signed by authorized representatives with delegated authority.

  • Healthcare providers and clinics that contract with suppliers and referral partners to document permitted arrangements and safeguard Medicare/Medicaid obligations.
  • Vendors and suppliers that deliver services or goods to regulated entities and need to document compensation and disclosure terms.
  • Corporate legal and compliance teams responsible for drafting, reviewing, and enforcing anti-fraud and anti-kickback controls.

Core Elements to Include in a Professional Anti-Kickback Agreement

A comprehensive agreement balances commercial detail with clear compliance controls. Include provisions that specify scope, payment terms, permitted interactions, monitoring rights, and termination triggers tied to regulatory risk.

Parties

Identify legal entities and roles precisely, including DBA names and the entity signing the agreement for accountability and enforceability.

Scope of Services

Describe deliverables, performance metrics, and the operational relationship; avoid vague service descriptions that invite differing interpretations.

Compensation

State exact rates, formulas, timing, and permissible reimbursements and disallow contingent payment structures tied to referrals or utilization.

Compliance Warranties

Require representations that both parties will comply with applicable federal and state laws, including the Anti-Kickback Statute and program-specific rules.

Audit & Records

Grant audit and inspection rights, specify retention periods for supporting records, and require cooperation during internal or government reviews.

Remedies

Define corrective actions, termination rights, indemnities, and recovery mechanisms if prohibited conduct is discovered.

Essential Information and Fields to Capture

Legal Name: Full registered entity name
Authorized Signer: Name and title of signer
Effective Date: MM/DD/YYYY
Payment Terms: Amount, timing, method
Scope Summary: Services or goods listed
Governing Law: Designated state law

Step-by-Step: How to Complete an Anti-Kickback Agreement

Follow a clear sequence to reduce rework and ensure the agreement meets regulatory and corporate requirements.

  • 01
    Prepare draft: Assemble parties, scope, and compensation details
  • 02
    Review compliance: Legal confirms anti-kickback and program alignment
  • 03
    Obtain approvals: Internal sign-offs from finance and compliance
  • 04
    Execute signatures: Collect authorized signatures and dates

How to Configure an Online Signing Workflow

Set up a digital workflow that captures signatures, enforces authentication, and preserves an audit trail appropriate to the agreement's sensitivity.

Field Configuration
Signature Field Require signer signature and date
Authentication Use email plus optional SMS or KBA
Conditional Fields Show payment fields only when applicable
Notifications Notify parties on completion

Where to Send or File the Signed Agreement

After execution, route the agreement to internal and external recipients and file copies according to records policies.

  • Counterparty: Provide executed copy to signing party
  • Compliance Team: File copy for monitoring and audits
  • Finance: Send payment schedule and backup
  • Records System: Store master copy in secured repository

Digital Signing and Technical Considerations

Ensure chosen tools meet legal and corporate security requirements and retain execution evidence for the required retention period.

  • Authentication Options: Email link, SMS code, or knowledge-based checks
  • Document Formats: PDF and DOCX preserve layout
  • Integrations: Connectors with document storage and ERP

Typical Timing and Key Deadlines

Track execution, notice, and review windows so obligations and audit triggers are clear and enforceable.

Execution Window:

Sign and return within agreed days

Effective Date:

Date the parties enter in the Effective Date field

Notice Periods:

Specified days for termination or breach notice

Audit Response:

Respond to audit requests within set timeframe

Renewal Deadlines:

Automatic or notice-based renewal terms

Common Mistakes When Preparing an Anti-Kickback Agreement

  • Using vague compensation language such as 'reasonable' without a formula, which invites disputes and compliance scrutiny.
  • Failing to obtain or document the signer’s authority, leading to questions about enforceability and potential contract voiding.
  • Neglecting to include audit or record-retention provisions that regulators expect during reviews or investigations.
  • Not aligning contract language with applicable federal statutes and program rules, increasing risk of civil or criminal exposure.

Legal and Financial Risks of an Incorrect or Missing Agreement

Civil Penalties: Monetary fines and damages (see 42 U.S.C. §1320a-7b)
Criminal Liability: Potential criminal charges for knowing violations
Exclusion Risk: Exclusion from federal healthcare programs
Contract Loss: Termination and repayment obligations
Reputational Harm: Public enforcement can damage trust
Audit Exposure: Increased audit and record demands

eSignature Pricing and Capability Comparison

Cost and feature differences matter when selecting an eSignature solution for sensitive compliance documents. The table compares starting price and key capabilities across common vendors.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial Yes — 7-day free trial, no credit card Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies Varies Varies

Real-World Examples of Agreement Use

These short examples show how organizations use agreements and eSignature tools to manage risk and execution.

Optica Ventures LLC — COO

Optica centralized contract execution to ensure consistent compliance language across vendors and partners.

  • They relied on clear compensation formulas to avoid ambiguity.
  • Brian Fitzgibbons noted the interface is simple and easy-to-use for the team and customers, supporting consistent execution and recordkeeping across transactions.

Fertility Centers of Illinois — Founder

A healthcare provider standardized vendor agreements with compliance clauses and retention schedules.

  • The team required signed attestations for HIPAA handling.
  • John Butler reported the platform was responsive and provided necessary security and audit features to meet regulatory expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Anti-Kickback Agreements

Answers to common questions about enforceability, e-signatures, and compliance when preparing Anti-Kickback Agreements.


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