A new law that would allow providers to include non-compete clauses in some physician contract is making headway in Tennessee. The bill, which applies to podiatrists, chiropractors, dentists, medicine and surgery doctors, optometrists and psychologists, would let providers bar doctors from practicing within a 10-mile radius of a practice where they'd once been employed--or within 10 miles of any facility where the provider offers services. (The last clause clearly attempts discourage the formation of nearby specialty centers and hospitals by physicians.) The bill would also allow providers to restrict a physician's new practice for a limited time if he or she sells their existing practice. The bill originally included ER physicians as well, but opponents argued successfully that such a restriction made no sense, given that ER doctors don't take patients with them when they leave a facility.
To learn more about the legislation:
- read this Nashville Business Journal piece