2016 -- S 2578

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LC004698

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2016

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS - BOARD OF MEDICAL LICENSURE

AND DISCIPLINE

     

     Introduced By: Senators Goldin, Satchell, and Miller

     Date Introduced: February 25, 2016

     Referred To: Senate Health & Human Services

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Chapter 5-37 of the General Laws entitled "Board of Medical Licensure and

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Discipline" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

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     5-37-33. Restrictive covenants. – (a) Any contract or agreement which creates or

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establishes the terms of a partnership, employment, or any other form of professional relationship

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with a physician licensed to practice medicine pursuant to this chapter which includes any

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restriction of the right of such physician to practice medicine shall be void and unenforceable

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with respect to said restriction; provided, however, that nothing herein shall render void or

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unenforceable the remaining provisions of any such contract or agreement.

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     (b) Restrictions rendered void under subsection (a) of this section shall include, but shall

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not be limited to, the following:

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     (1) The right to practice medicine in any geographic area for any period of time after the

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termination of such partnership, employment, or professional relationship; and

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     (2) The right of such physician to provide treatment, advise, consult with, establish, or

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seek to establish a physician/patient relationship, with any current patient of the employer;

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provided, however, that such restriction shall be enforceable within the first five (5) years of

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employment.

 

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS - BOARD OF MEDICAL LICENSURE

AND DISCIPLINE

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     This act would render most restrictive covenants in employment agreements with

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physicians void and unenforceable.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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