Recent Answers to Physician Employment Agreement Law Questions

N'kia N.

Answered Sep 24, 2023

Generally, a physician employment agreement contains most of the same terms as any other employment agreement. However, some of the terms must be tailored to the role. Additionally, the agreement may contain terms that are specific to the physician role. Below are some key terms in physician employment agreements: License and Continuing Education - By law, to be a physician, an individual must obtain a professional license and then must earn continuing education credits to retain the license. Most physician employment agreements address these requirements, including such factors as whether the employer or the employee is responsible for the costs associated with compliance. Privacy and Confidentiality - Physicians have more privacy and confidentiality obligations than the typical employee. For example, a physician must comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act ("HIPAA"). Physician employment agreements commonly address standards regarding patients' information, as well as the employers' proprietary information. Special Restrictions - Due to the nature of the physician role, employers might prohibit their physician employees from providing physician services elsewhere ("non-competition agreement"). Also, some might prohibit their physician employees from soliciting patients to receive physician services elsewhere ("non-solicitation agreement").   Special considerations - Further, as applicable, physician employment agreements will detail any special considerations for the role, such as stock options, relative value unit ("RVU") expectations, or volunteering, teaching, or scholarship requirements.

Thomas L.

Answered Aug 15, 2023

Non-Competes in Connecticut for physicians are limited to 15 miles and one year. In addition, a non-compete agreement is not enforceable if the employment relationship is terminated by the employer without cause, or the agreement is not made in anticipation of, or as part of, a partnership or ownership agreement. Aks your prospective employer if they are aware of Connecticut law, and in particular Conn. Gen Stat. § 20-14p.

Merry K.

Answered Aug 11, 2023

You would be wise to request that an attorney review the proposed employment agreement before you sign. In addition to ensuring that you would have voting rights, there are numerous other terms that should be carefully reviewed, such as non-compete language if and when you leave employment; TRAP language (usually requiring an employee to reimburse the employer if the employee receives training during his or her employment); terms and conditions of employment (such as schedule, work type, and duties); vacation hours; how disputes will be resolved; and, sometimes, future severance.

Nicholas M.

Answered Aug 11, 2023

The federal ESIGN Act, passed in 2000, gives full force and effect to digital signatures with the same weight as "wet" signatures. However, you should discuss this with an Attorney for your specific agreement if you are concerned. An Attorney can research your specific industry, regulations, and state statutes that may impact digital signatures or have specific requirements around digital signatures that are different from other documents.

Mark D.

Answered Aug 4, 2023

This would require a review of the agreement. The typical cost for such a review is $750 but can cost more depending on the complexity of the issues involved.

Daniel D.

Answered Jul 18, 2023

Physician employment agreements are not required by Law but that does not mean they are not required by the Employer. Employers have these agreements in place to set the terms of the employment regarding salary, length of employment and any other relevant terms that they want the employee to agree to. But, that also means you as the employee could negotiate provisions into the agreement that you want if the employer is willing to put them in. You legally don't have to sign one, but your future employer can still require a signed agreement. Before you sign anything you should make sure you understand the terms and provisions of the agreement.