Final answer:
Dr. Sheehan's referral of patients to his own lab can implicate legal issues under the Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute, depending on whether financial benefit occurs without proper disclosure and if it limits patient choice.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question concerns the legality of Dr. Sheehan's actions regarding his partial ownership of a reference lab to which he sends his patients for blood work. The ethical and legal implications for Dr. Sheehan in this scenario depend on the specific laws and regulations in place that govern such conflicts of interest and self-referrals in the healthcare industry. In the United States, the Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute may apply.
If Dr. Sheehan is benefiting financially from referring patients to a lab he co-owns without proper disclosure and without allowing for patient choice, he could be in violation of these laws. However, if all referrals are compliant with legal exceptions, proper disclosures are made to the patients, and the quality of care is the priority, then Dr. Sheehan may not be violating the law. Each situation must be considered based on the details and the applicable laws.