Covenant Not to Compete – for Physicians in Connecticut

The law with regard to Non-Compete clauses has changed in Connecticut, for physicians, as of 2016.   The new law is below.

Sec. 20-14p. Covenants not to compete involving physician. (a) For purposes of this section: (1) “Covenant not to compete” means any provision of an employment or other contract or agreement that creates or establishes a professional relationship with a physician and restricts the right of a physician to practice medicine in any geographic area of the state for any period of time after the termination or cessation of such partnership, employment or other professional relationship; (2) “physician” means an individual licensed to practice medicine under this chapter; and (3) “primary site where such physician practices” means (A) the office, facility or location where a majority of the revenue derived from such physician’s services is generated, or (B) any other office, facility or location where such physician practices and mutually agreed to by the parties and identified in the covenant not to compete.

(b) (1) A covenant not to compete is valid and enforceable only if it is: (A) Necessary to protect a legitimate business interest; (B) reasonably limited in time, geographic scope and practice restrictions as necessary to protect such business interest; and (C) otherwise consistent with the law and public policy. The party seeking to enforce a covenant not to compete shall have the burden of proof in any proceeding.

(2) A covenant not to compete that is entered into, amended, extended or renewed on or after July 1, 2016, shall not: (A) Restrict the physician’s competitive activities (i) for a period of more than one year, and (ii) in a geographic region of more than fifteen miles from the primary site where such physician practices; or (B) be enforceable against a physician if (i) such employment contract or agreement was not made in anticipation of, or as part of, a partnership or ownership agreement and such contract or agreement expires and is not renewed, unless, prior to such expiration, the employer makes a bona fide offer to renew the contract on the same or similar terms and conditions, or (ii) the employment or contractual relationship is terminated by the employer, unless such employment or contractual relationship is terminated for cause.

(3) Each covenant not to compete entered into, amended or renewed on and after July 1, 2016, shall be separately and individually signed by the physician.

(c) The remaining provisions of any contract or agreement that includes a covenant not to compete that is rendered void and unenforceable, in whole or in part, under the provisions of this section shall remain in full force and effect, including provisions that require the payment of damages resulting from any injury suffered by reason of termination of such contract or agreement.

Several things to note

  1.  The covenant can be part of a contract, or the covenant can be the whole contract.
  2. The restriction  applies with regard to a physicians right to practice medicine.  Therefore, if a physician is doing research, the statute does not apply.
  3. The restriction only applies if the physician is working within the state of Connecticut.
  4. a.  The statute only permits a restriction which is no longer than 1 year, and no more than 15 miles from the primary site where a physician practices (may be more than one primary site) or

b.   any restriction is unenforceable if the employer terminates the physician, unless termination is for cause (legitimate reason for firing – such as drug or alcohol use) or

c.  if there was contract not made as part of a partnership agreement (or anticipation to have a partnership agreement)

1. in case agreement ends, either not renewed or expired

a.  for non-compete to be enforceable – need offer of continued contract

on same or similar terms

 

Examples –

4.a –   non compete provides for no work within 30 miles – too far distance

4.a – non compete provides for no work for 3 years – too long of time

4.b.   non compete and termination for no reason – unenforceable

4.b.  non compete and termination after allegations of patient abuse- enforceable

4.c – contract without anticipated of partnership agreement – if no subsequent offer – unenforceable.

 

Whether or not you are physician, Courts do not always enforce non-compete clauses, often finding that such a clause is an improper restraint on trade.

If you have any questions about non-compete clauses, please feel free to contact

Attorney Robert M. Singer, 2752 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, CT  06518

203-248-8278    rsingerct@yahoo.com

Serving New Haven County and all of Connecticut

 

 

Property that is Exempt from Execution – 2021 Law

On July 12, 2021, Governor Lamont signed Public Act 21-161 into law.   The law changes certain amounts of property which is exempt from a judgment creditor.  (the exempt prevents a judgment creditor from selling exempt property).

The major changes are as follows

CGS 53-352b (10) Up to two motor vehicles to the value of
seven thousand dollars in the aggregate,
provided value shall be determined as the fair market value of the motor
vehicles less the amount of all liens and security interests
which encumber  them;

The number of motor vehicles protected increased to two, from one

The value of the equity protection increased from $3,500 to $7,000

(the equity is the fair market value of the property less any lien including a lien against the vehicle)

 

CGS 53- 352b(21) The homestead of the exemptioner to the value of  two hundred fifty thousand dollars, provided value
shall be determined as the fair market value of the real property less the
amount of any statutory or consensual lien which encumbers it, except
that, in the case of a money judgment arising out of a claim of sexual
abuse or exploitation of a minor, sexual assault or other wilful, wanton,
or reckless misconduct committed by a natural person, to the value of
seventy-five thousand dollars; and

The general homestead exemption increased to $250,000.   For many debtors, this will protect the full value of any equity in a residence.

 

CGS 53-352b(20) – provides an exemption for the cash surrender value of any life insurance policy (with limited exception).

 

If  you have any questions on any exemptions from creditors, please feel free to call

Attorney Robert M. Singer, 2572 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, CT 06518

203-248-8278    rsingerct@yahoo.com

Serving New Haven County and all of Connecticut