Which of the following is an example of a permissive exclusion?

A permissive exclusion refers to a situation where an individual or entity can be excluded from participation in federal healthcare programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, but is not mandated to be excluded by law. This gives the authorities discretion in deciding whether to exclude the individual based on specific circumstances.

In this case, a conviction for interference with an investigation exemplifies a permissive exclusion because it demonstrates behavior that could compromise the integrity of the healthcare system, yet still allows for discretion in the enforcement of exclusion. Authorities may choose to take action based on the severity of the interference, the context of the conviction, and whether the individual poses a continuing risk to the program.

Other options represent situations that typically result in mandatory exclusion. For example, convictions for fraud against a patient or medical neglect directly violate the trust and safety expected in patient care and healthcare programs, often leading to definitive exclusion requirements. A felony related to controlled substances also usually warrants a mandatory exclusion due to the serious implications for patient safety and public health.