For treatment centers

EKRA-compliant marketing: What treatment centers need to know

Published May 3, 2026 · 8 min read

EKRA (Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act) changed treatment center marketing permanently. Understanding it protects your organization.

What EKRA prohibits

Paying for referrals tied to patient volume. Per-lead fees based on calls or admissions. Per-admission referral arrangements. Kickbacks to referral sources. Patient brokering.

What EKRA allows

Flat-rate marketing arrangements (no volume-based payment). Employment relationships. Fixed consulting fees. Directory listings at flat monthly rates. Content marketing. SEO services.

Safe marketing channels

Treatment Association verified listings ($497/month flat rate, no per-lead fees). Your own website and SEO. Google Ads (through LegitScript). Social media. Community events. Referral relationships (no payment for referrals).

Penalties

Up to $200,000 per violation. Up to 10 years imprisonment. These are serious. Compliance is not optional.

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Frequently asked questions

What is EKRA?

The Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act prohibits paying for referrals tied to patient volume in addiction treatment.

Are per-lead companies EKRA compliant?

Per-lead models where payment varies with volume create EKRA exposure. Flat-rate marketing is the compliant approach.

Are directory listings EKRA compliant?

Flat-rate directory listings are the safest marketing model because payment does not vary with patient volume.