Special Contractual Issues for Female Physicians-330284

330284 - Article 2

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The comprehensive checklist for physician contracts is designed to provide guidance for physicians navigating employment agreements. Developed by Dennis Hursh, a seasoned attorney specializing in physician representation, the checklist offers a thorough examination of key contractual elements to ensure fair and transparent agreements.

Key areas covered include:

1. <strong>Compensation</strong>: Evaluates base salary and productivity compensation structures, advocating for clear and fair formulas. Physicians are advised to ensure that compensation is not solely tied to productivity to avoid financial risks.

2. <strong>Bonus and Relocation</strong>: Checks for productivity goals, clear bonus formulas, and included sign-on or relocation expenses. It emphasizes the importance of negotiable amortization for bonuses and inclusion of a sign-on bonus, if not already provided.

3. <strong>Insurance and Benefits</strong>: Reviews health, disability insurance, and vacation policies, urging verification of coverage and cost-sharing responsibilities. It underscores the necessity for substantial disability pay, dependent coverage, and CME paid time off.

4. <strong>Restrictive Covenants</strong>: Discusses the acceptability and scope of employment limitations post-termination, including geographic and time constraints. It advises on negotiating favorable terms to minimize negative impacts when leaving an employer.

5. <strong>Termination Conditions</strong>: Analyzes termination clauses, conditions to move start dates, and rights to cure breaches. The checklist urges clarity on for-cause, without-cause, and notice period details.

6. <strong>Work Schedule and Duties</strong>: Encourages clarity in call coverage, expected work hours, start date conditions, and employer obligations to provide necessary resources and support.

7. <strong>Malpractice Insurance</strong>: Focuses on ensuring sufficient coverage, including "tail coverage,” especially upon termination without cause or due to death.

8. <strong>Ownership Opportunities</strong>: Discusses pathways to partnership or ownership, evaluation criteria, and the importance of understanding buy-in and buy-out valuation methods.

Overall, the checklist serves as a tool to inform physicians of potential negotiation points and contractual pitfalls while emphasizing the importance of legal consultation to tailor agreements to individual needs.

Keywords

physician contracts

employment agreements

compensation

bonus relocation

insurance benefits

restrictive covenants

termination conditions

work schedule

malpractice insurance

ownership opportunities