A medical clinic physician who refers patients to you offers to take you out to lunch weekly to thank you for referrals. What should you tell the doctor?

• A. You need to go during your off hours.
• B. You can't do it because it is a misdemeanor.
• C. You can't do it because it is a felony.
• D. You need to get permission from your supervisor.

Answer: (D)

The situation hinges on avoiding any improper influence in referrals by accepting gifts or inducements. Because a weekly lunch offer from a referring physician could create a conflict of interest or be perceived as a kickback, the correct course is to bring it to your supervisor for review. Getting permission ensures your clinic’s compliance policies and any legal/ethical rules are applied, and it documents how such situations are handled. If the supervisor, following policy, approves a permissible arrangement or sets clear boundaries, you can proceed accordingly; otherwise, you decline. The other options miss the necessary step of policy review and accountability—the immediate issue is not simply the timing or a legal label, but ensuring proper authorization and protection against conflicts of interest.