Webinar Overview

A physician employment agreement is the foundational document that defines the professional and legal relationship between a physician and an employer. While it outlines the exciting beginning of a new role, its true purpose is to serve as a critical risk-management tool, providing clarity and protection when unforeseen challenges or disputes arise.

This webinar delves into the specific elements of the physician employment agreement that most frequently lead to conflict and legal complications. We will focus on the pitfalls that occur when parties do not fully grasp the long-term implications of the clauses to which they are agreeing. Key areas of focus will include corporate practice of medicine restrictions, the critical definitions within the term and termination sections, ambiguous definitions of physician duties and call coverage, high-stakes non-compete clauses, and the intricacies of various compensation models.

Why You Should Attend

A well-drafted contract eliminates uncertainties and protects all parties against future disputes. Ambiguous or poorly understood terms, however, are ineffective when conflicts occur, potentially leading to costly litigation, career disruption, and financial loss.

Attending this session will empower you to:

• Identify and Negotiate High-Risk Clauses: Gain a clear understanding of what should and should not be in a physician employment agreement, with a focus on the most problematic areas.

• Avoid Common and Costly Mistakes: Learn the common oversights made by both physicians and employers during the contracting process and how to prevent them.

• Interpret Contract Language with Confidence: Understand the precise meaning behind the legal and business terms used in these agreements to ensure your rights and obligations are clearly defined.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Accurately interpret the key terms and language used in standard physician employment agreements.

• Identify and proactively address common mistakes made by both physicians and employers when negotiating and entering into employment agreements.

• Develop a strategic checklist of what to look for in an employment agreement to avoid potential legal and professional pitfalls.

Areas Covered in the Session

• Corporate Practice of Medicine (CPOM): Understanding this legal doctrine and how it impacts employment structures.

• Term and Termination Clauses: Analyzing the dangers of automatic renewal and the critical importance of clearly defining "Termination for Cause."

• Defining Physician Duties: Ensuring the contract accurately reflects expectations for clinical duties, administrative responsibilities, and 24/7 call coverage.

• Restrictive Covenants (Non-Compete Clauses): Evaluating the reasonableness, scope, and enforceability of non-compete provisions that can impact future career opportunities.

• Compensation Structures: Deconstructing various models (e.g., productivity-based, salary, bonuses) to understand how they are calculated, reported, and potential areas for dispute.

• Other Critical Provisions: A review of important clauses covering malpractice insurance (tail coverage), intellectual property, and dispute resolution processes.

Who Will Benefit

This webinar is essential for all stakeholders involved in the physician employment process, including:

• Hospital and Health System Executives (CEOs, COOs, CFOs, CNOs, CMOs)

• Physicians (both employed and those considering employment)

• Physician Practice Managers and Administrators

• Attorneys who represent physicians, hospitals, and medical practices