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 membership (from $129/mo 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.

Ready to fill more beds?

Join 18,215 facilities on Treatment Association. Free listings for every facility; membership from $129/mo.

Learn More →

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.