A psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner buys an ownership stake in a behavioral health hospital with the expectation that she will be able to refer the hospital's clients to the outpatient clinic she owns. Which of the following best describes this scenario?

Choice A reason: While financially strategic, the ownership arrangement raises legal and ethical concerns and cannot be considered purely a savvy business plan. Choice B reason: Ownership of a hospital is not inherently outside the scope of practice, but the issue arises from the referral expectation and potential self-referral, not from ownership itself. Choice C reason: The Stark Law prohibits physicians and certain healthcare providers from referring patients to facilities in which they have a financial interest if reimbursed by Medicare or Medicaid, making this scenario a legal violation. Choice D reason: Acting in one’s self-interest in this way is ethically problematic and legally restricted; autonomy does not justify violation of federal law.