Family physicians from across the country have long expressed concerns about how noncompete agreements in physician employment contracts adversely impact their practice and patients. Now, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has proposed a rule to ban noncompete clauses in employment agreements. The AAFP strongly supports this proposed rule, which would ensure patients have continued access to their physicians and would allow physicians to freely practice medicine in their communities.  

Noncompete agreements in health care employment impede patient access to care and disrupt care continuity, deter advocacy for patient safety, limit physicians’ ability to choose their employer, and stifle competition. Despite well-documented physician shortages, many health care employers still intentionally restrict physician mobility and workforce participation via noncompete agreements. Noncompete agreements also contribute to burnout and mental health struggles by forcing clinicians to remain in unsustainable work environments or risk losing their livelihood or uprooting their families. 

Your lawmakers need to hear from family physicians like you. Speak Out today and urge Congress to support the FTC’s proposed rule to ban noncompete clauses in physician employment contracts!