Physician Employment Agreements: Problem Areas that can be Landmines

Formal written contracts establish the legal relationship between the parties; they state the terms and conditions of that relationship and the rights and obligations of each party. They confirm the intentions and relationships of the parties as they enter into this relationship, and they eliminate uncertainties regarding mutual rights, obligations, and relationships. If everything remained as it is at the time the agreement is signed, there would be little need for formal documents. However, the agreement serves to protect against future disputes. Therefore, it should include as precise language as possible. Ambiguous terms in agreements are of little effect when disputes occur over the meaning of a party's rights or obligations.

This webinar will review the elements of the physician employment agreement that can cause the greatest problems, focusing on the pitfalls and the complications that can develop when the parties do not fully understand what is being agreed to. Such items as corporate practice, term and termination, termination for cause, duties of the physician, call, non-compete clauses, and compensation are all items that should be clearly set out in the agreement and fully understood by the parties.

Webinar Objectives

You should attend to gain an understanding of what should and what should not be in a physician employment agreement, as well as the pitfalls of some of the problem areas.

Webinar Agenda

• Corporate practice of medicine.
• Term and termination.
• Duties of the physician.
• Call
• Referral to hospital.
• CLE
• Reports and records.
• Notice.
• Compensation.
• Benefits.
• Non-Compete Clauses.

Webinar Highlights

1. Understand the language in terms used in Physician employment agreements.
2. Review Corporate Practice of Medicine.
3. Review Non-Compete agreements.
4. Avoid mistakes commonly made by Physicians and their employers when entering into employment agreements; and
5. Understand what to look for when entering into an employment agreement and avoid potential pitfalls.

Who Should Attend

• Hospital executives, particularly CEOs, COOs, CFOs, CNOs, and CMOs,
• Physicians,
• Physician practice managers, and
• Attorneys who represent physicians and/or hospitals