prout02
07-30 12:26 PM
I have read in this forum frequent questions about this - legality/enforceability of noncompete clause. Here's a recent court decision from Kansas. It talks about physician practices. No idea if it is applicable to other professions. But the four factors cited in the decision seem relevant.
Interestingly, it talks about 8 states -- Alabama, California, Colorado, Delaware, Massachusetts, North Dakota, Tennessee and Texas -- that have been known to outlaw or significantly restrict such clauses.
Please take it for whatever it's worth.
======================
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2008/08/04/prsa0804.htm
amednews.com
Kansas court enforces noncompete clause
The court looked at a number of factors in weighing the contract's impact on the doctor, the employer and patient care.
By Amy Lynn Sorrel, AMNews staff. Aug. 4, 2008.
A Kansas appeals court recently affirmed the enforceability of noncompete clauses in a ruling that puts the spotlight on issues that can arise in drafting or signing the employment contracts.
Kansas is among a majority of states that consider noncompete clauses legal, with varying case law or statutes as to when and how the provisions can be used. Eight states -- Alabama, California, Colorado, Delaware, Massachusetts, North Dakota, Tennessee and Texas -- have been known to outlaw or significantly restrict such clauses.
In June, the Kansas Court of Appeals upheld a contract that restricted a family physician from practicing for three years in the same county as the group she left unless she paid the clinic 25% of her earnings during those three years after her termination.
In its decision, the court analyzed four factors to determine the validity of the contract provision. The court looked at whether the restrictive covenant:
* Protected a legitimate business interest of the employer.
* Created an undue burden on the employee.
* Harmed the public welfare.
* Contained time and geographic limitations that were reasonable.
In upholding the noncompete clause, the court found that Wichita Clinic PA had a legitimate interest in protecting its patient base and the investment it made in establishing the practice of Michelle M. Louis, DO, when she joined the group in 1991. The court said the contract did not unfairly restrict competition or patient access because Dr. Louis had the option to continue practicing in the area, where other family physicians were available.
Gary M. Austerman, Dr. Louis' attorney, said the court essentially ruled that "a contract is a contract" while giving "short shrift" to other concerns, including patient care. Dr. Louis plans to petition the Kansas Supreme Court to take her case.
8 states outlaw or significantly restrict noncompete clauses.
"A doctor's right to practice and continue her relationship with her patients in this case is greater than the employer's right to restrain that right," Austerman said. "Patient choice is affected any time you say you can't take care of patients just because of a business relationship."
Austerman said Wichita Clinic -- a practice of nearly 200 multispecialty physicians -- was not harmed by Dr. Louis' departure, and the contract was aimed at protecting itself from competition rather than protecting patient care. He argued that the 25% damages clause imposed an arbitrary penalty on Dr. Louis and was not intended to apply to the income she would make when she left the clinic in 2004.
AMA policy states that covenants not to compete "restrict competition, disrupt continuity of care and potentially deprive the public of medical services." The AMA discourages any agreement that restricts the right of a physician to practice medicine and considers noncompete clauses unethical if they are excessive in scope.
Striking a balance
Gary L. Ayers, an attorney for Wichita Clinic, said the group's contract struck an appropriate balance.
He said the clinic hired Dr. Louis after she completed her residency and helped set up her practice with an existing source of patient contacts and referrals, and by covering administrative and overhead costs. But if doctors decide to leave and take a portion of their patients with them, the group would lose out financially without some reimbursement arrangement, Ayers said. As a result, patient care would suffer.
Restrictive covenants "allow groups to protect their patient base and in turn give them the ability to grow the practice to provide a vast array of patient services," Ayers said.
Doctors on either side of the negotiating table should consult legal counsel to know where their state stands on enforcing noncompete provisions, said Richard H. Sanders, a Chicago-based health care lawyer with Vedder Price.
Employers drafting contracts should make sure time and distance limitations are reasonable and reflect where the practice draws its patient base from, he said. On the flip side, individual doctors should not hesitate to negotiate and ask for a buyout clause or a carve-out leaving a particular geographic territory open.
Jerry Slaughter, executive director of the Kansas Medical Society, warned that doctors should take the contracts seriously. The medical society was not involved in the Wichita Clinic case.
"If properly constructed, [restrictive covenants] are legal and binding, so it's really about the parties going into it understanding it's a contract."
Discuss on Sermo Discuss on Sermo Back to top.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Case at a glance
Was a noncompete clause in a doctor's employment contract enforceable?
A Kansas appeals court said yes.
Impact: Some individual physicians say the provisions restrict their rights to practice in any given area and infringe on patients' rights to choose a doctor. Physicians on the medical group side say the contracts help protect the investment a practice makes in new doctors and its existing business, which, in turn, helps maintain access to care.
Wichita Clinic PA v. Michelle M. Louis, DO, Kansas Court of Appeals
Back to top.
Copyright 2008 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
Interestingly, it talks about 8 states -- Alabama, California, Colorado, Delaware, Massachusetts, North Dakota, Tennessee and Texas -- that have been known to outlaw or significantly restrict such clauses.
Please take it for whatever it's worth.
======================
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2008/08/04/prsa0804.htm
amednews.com
Kansas court enforces noncompete clause
The court looked at a number of factors in weighing the contract's impact on the doctor, the employer and patient care.
By Amy Lynn Sorrel, AMNews staff. Aug. 4, 2008.
A Kansas appeals court recently affirmed the enforceability of noncompete clauses in a ruling that puts the spotlight on issues that can arise in drafting or signing the employment contracts.
Kansas is among a majority of states that consider noncompete clauses legal, with varying case law or statutes as to when and how the provisions can be used. Eight states -- Alabama, California, Colorado, Delaware, Massachusetts, North Dakota, Tennessee and Texas -- have been known to outlaw or significantly restrict such clauses.
In June, the Kansas Court of Appeals upheld a contract that restricted a family physician from practicing for three years in the same county as the group she left unless she paid the clinic 25% of her earnings during those three years after her termination.
In its decision, the court analyzed four factors to determine the validity of the contract provision. The court looked at whether the restrictive covenant:
* Protected a legitimate business interest of the employer.
* Created an undue burden on the employee.
* Harmed the public welfare.
* Contained time and geographic limitations that were reasonable.
In upholding the noncompete clause, the court found that Wichita Clinic PA had a legitimate interest in protecting its patient base and the investment it made in establishing the practice of Michelle M. Louis, DO, when she joined the group in 1991. The court said the contract did not unfairly restrict competition or patient access because Dr. Louis had the option to continue practicing in the area, where other family physicians were available.
Gary M. Austerman, Dr. Louis' attorney, said the court essentially ruled that "a contract is a contract" while giving "short shrift" to other concerns, including patient care. Dr. Louis plans to petition the Kansas Supreme Court to take her case.
8 states outlaw or significantly restrict noncompete clauses.
"A doctor's right to practice and continue her relationship with her patients in this case is greater than the employer's right to restrain that right," Austerman said. "Patient choice is affected any time you say you can't take care of patients just because of a business relationship."
Austerman said Wichita Clinic -- a practice of nearly 200 multispecialty physicians -- was not harmed by Dr. Louis' departure, and the contract was aimed at protecting itself from competition rather than protecting patient care. He argued that the 25% damages clause imposed an arbitrary penalty on Dr. Louis and was not intended to apply to the income she would make when she left the clinic in 2004.
AMA policy states that covenants not to compete "restrict competition, disrupt continuity of care and potentially deprive the public of medical services." The AMA discourages any agreement that restricts the right of a physician to practice medicine and considers noncompete clauses unethical if they are excessive in scope.
Striking a balance
Gary L. Ayers, an attorney for Wichita Clinic, said the group's contract struck an appropriate balance.
He said the clinic hired Dr. Louis after she completed her residency and helped set up her practice with an existing source of patient contacts and referrals, and by covering administrative and overhead costs. But if doctors decide to leave and take a portion of their patients with them, the group would lose out financially without some reimbursement arrangement, Ayers said. As a result, patient care would suffer.
Restrictive covenants "allow groups to protect their patient base and in turn give them the ability to grow the practice to provide a vast array of patient services," Ayers said.
Doctors on either side of the negotiating table should consult legal counsel to know where their state stands on enforcing noncompete provisions, said Richard H. Sanders, a Chicago-based health care lawyer with Vedder Price.
Employers drafting contracts should make sure time and distance limitations are reasonable and reflect where the practice draws its patient base from, he said. On the flip side, individual doctors should not hesitate to negotiate and ask for a buyout clause or a carve-out leaving a particular geographic territory open.
Jerry Slaughter, executive director of the Kansas Medical Society, warned that doctors should take the contracts seriously. The medical society was not involved in the Wichita Clinic case.
"If properly constructed, [restrictive covenants] are legal and binding, so it's really about the parties going into it understanding it's a contract."
Discuss on Sermo Discuss on Sermo Back to top.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Case at a glance
Was a noncompete clause in a doctor's employment contract enforceable?
A Kansas appeals court said yes.
Impact: Some individual physicians say the provisions restrict their rights to practice in any given area and infringe on patients' rights to choose a doctor. Physicians on the medical group side say the contracts help protect the investment a practice makes in new doctors and its existing business, which, in turn, helps maintain access to care.
Wichita Clinic PA v. Michelle M. Louis, DO, Kansas Court of Appeals
Back to top.
Copyright 2008 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
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roseball
04-04 02:21 PM
Hello Everyone, I have one specific issue.
My Priority date is May 2007, and i am under 3rd category h1b 3-years extension at the moment in the USA. I140 has been approved and i am waiting for priority date to be current so i can apply for i485. but its taking too long because of the backlog. What are my overseas travelling options during this LOOONG waiting period.
Can me and my wife (holding h4) travel overseas while waiting for the priority date to be current? like i said we have an approved i140 and h1b 3-years approval notice, but have not yet applied for i485 as we are waiting for priority date to be current. please help? anyone is the same situation?
Just use your valid H1/H4 visa for travel. If you had applied for I-485, then you would have had an extra option to apply and use AP for travel. Since you haven't filed I-485 yet, you can continue to use H1/H4 visa for travel while you wait to file I-485. Btw, if you are already over your 6 year H1 visa limit, then having an approved I-140 entitles you to get 3 yr H1 extensions whenever you are due for H1 renewal.
My Priority date is May 2007, and i am under 3rd category h1b 3-years extension at the moment in the USA. I140 has been approved and i am waiting for priority date to be current so i can apply for i485. but its taking too long because of the backlog. What are my overseas travelling options during this LOOONG waiting period.
Can me and my wife (holding h4) travel overseas while waiting for the priority date to be current? like i said we have an approved i140 and h1b 3-years approval notice, but have not yet applied for i485 as we are waiting for priority date to be current. please help? anyone is the same situation?
Just use your valid H1/H4 visa for travel. If you had applied for I-485, then you would have had an extra option to apply and use AP for travel. Since you haven't filed I-485 yet, you can continue to use H1/H4 visa for travel while you wait to file I-485. Btw, if you are already over your 6 year H1 visa limit, then having an approved I-140 entitles you to get 3 yr H1 extensions whenever you are due for H1 renewal.
monkeyman
10-11 01:00 PM
Hi,
I do not if I had the same situation as yours - however, this is what happened to me:
1. I completed the Masters in 2003 - all course work and required credits by fall of 2003. PD for the LC was on Oct 28, 2003. I skipped the convocation ceremony (due to lack of funds) - yes, I lived on Campbell soup for 3 months. Initially, I had planned on attending it - however, circumstances changed. After some work, I got the degree on March 2004.
I got an RFE saying I wasn't eligible because I got my Masters after I applied for Labor. So first of all I got the letter from the dean of the university detailing the chronological events of credits completion and a justification for getting the late degree (stating about convocation and missing it). The lawyer drafted a response and referred to the dates in the letter issued by the dean and dates on when the credits were issued citing the administrative delays on my part.
Put it all together and send it and I-140 got rejected after 3 months. Then we opened a MTR and resend the package again and everything went through. Its not a death blow, but it involves quite a bit of running around to get a letter from the university and then have the dean approve it.
I do not if I had the same situation as yours - however, this is what happened to me:
1. I completed the Masters in 2003 - all course work and required credits by fall of 2003. PD for the LC was on Oct 28, 2003. I skipped the convocation ceremony (due to lack of funds) - yes, I lived on Campbell soup for 3 months. Initially, I had planned on attending it - however, circumstances changed. After some work, I got the degree on March 2004.
I got an RFE saying I wasn't eligible because I got my Masters after I applied for Labor. So first of all I got the letter from the dean of the university detailing the chronological events of credits completion and a justification for getting the late degree (stating about convocation and missing it). The lawyer drafted a response and referred to the dates in the letter issued by the dean and dates on when the credits were issued citing the administrative delays on my part.
Put it all together and send it and I-140 got rejected after 3 months. Then we opened a MTR and resend the package again and everything went through. Its not a death blow, but it involves quite a bit of running around to get a letter from the university and then have the dean approve it.
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jsb
09-07 09:26 AM
Hi:
...
Can someone help me on the procedure how to withdraw my second application and also not lose money from the checks on the second application. ...
Gopi
Are you more worried about losing money, or any other negative repercussions? Money? it is not significant in the overall picture.
Did you say in your second application that you were doing so because your checks on original application may be bad?
In any case, USCIS system should not allow to accept an application the second time.
...
Can someone help me on the procedure how to withdraw my second application and also not lose money from the checks on the second application. ...
Gopi
Are you more worried about losing money, or any other negative repercussions? Money? it is not significant in the overall picture.
Did you say in your second application that you were doing so because your checks on original application may be bad?
In any case, USCIS system should not allow to accept an application the second time.
more...
nk2006
12-14 12:15 PM
Getting CIR passed (or even bring back to attention) may not be that easy. These types of raids are increasing and many people are thinking that goverment is doing something about an important problem.
Bringing back CIR and passing it will entirely depend on the political moves of the two parties and important players. Any raids and resulting street rallies are not going to do anything. If you want proof just see last years momentum and what happened eventually.
Bringing back CIR and passing it will entirely depend on the political moves of the two parties and important players. Any raids and resulting street rallies are not going to do anything. If you want proof just see last years momentum and what happened eventually.
vivache
11-06 03:26 PM
Does bad credit history or defaults affect getting a job?
Any ideas?
Any ideas?
more...
jindal_sanjeev
06-23 03:12 AM
Hi,
I wanted to know how critical are the tax returns for GC processing. I am asking this because i have filed the tax returns for 2006 as married even though i got married in January'07.
Now my marriage certificate reflects jan'07 and the tax return for 2006 was filed as joint.
Will this be of issue in the processing? Is there a way out from this, like readjust the tax returns?
Any help in this regard with be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
I wanted to know how critical are the tax returns for GC processing. I am asking this because i have filed the tax returns for 2006 as married even though i got married in January'07.
Now my marriage certificate reflects jan'07 and the tax return for 2006 was filed as joint.
Will this be of issue in the processing? Is there a way out from this, like readjust the tax returns?
Any help in this regard with be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
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plassey
09-06 09:02 AM
2. When she applies for H1B next year i.e. June 2008 will that be considered against the H1B cap ? If not, then can she apply around june next year to get her H1B, as opposed to applying early in April when the H1B quota gets full. Also if we apply in June 2008 will her start date be Oct 1'2008 or can she start working as soon as she receives her WAC/LIN number ?
Confirm this point with your lawyer as I thougt it would be counted against the quota.
Confirm this point with your lawyer as I thougt it would be counted against the quota.
more...
acecupid
08-27 10:15 AM
Definitely possible. I know collegues in my company who have done that.
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kbsyed61
04-07 05:35 PM
Sorry to hear about marital discord. Do talk to your attorney and see what steps needed to be taken further.
My advice, first concentrate on your family. Do try to resolve the issues with your wife. Do give preference to your daughter. Green Cards / Work permits can be obtained later also. Don't worry too much about the GC.
My advice, first concentrate on your family. Do try to resolve the issues with your wife. Do give preference to your daughter. Green Cards / Work permits can be obtained later also. Don't worry too much about the GC.
more...
sujitg
11-28 02:38 PM
Hi,
I have seen that myself a couple of times. I had read somewhere on the USCIS site that the dates get updates also as a result of some backend process that they run on their side too, not necessarily when status change happens.
Hope that helps
Sujit
PD april 30, 2002
I-485 Jan 8, 2007
Waiting....waiting...waiting...
I have seen that myself a couple of times. I had read somewhere on the USCIS site that the dates get updates also as a result of some backend process that they run on their side too, not necessarily when status change happens.
Hope that helps
Sujit
PD april 30, 2002
I-485 Jan 8, 2007
Waiting....waiting...waiting...
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gcdreamer05
11-18 02:11 PM
May be they are upgrading their systems, there was a post in this forums about uscis plans to merge 3 databases etc... may be its happening at last.:D
more...
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sertasheep
07-11 11:42 AM
NDTV wants to talk to members from New York from diverse nationalities. She already has one person lined up for a TV shoot today. This must happen today.
Prerequisites:
- Must have participated in flower campaign
- Must be in New York
- Must be from "diverse" nationalities
Details:
Sarah Jacob
Special Correspondent, NDTV.
172 Ludlow St, 3A
New York, NY 10002
646-280-6993
sarah AT ndtv.com
Prerequisites:
- Must have participated in flower campaign
- Must be in New York
- Must be from "diverse" nationalities
Details:
Sarah Jacob
Special Correspondent, NDTV.
172 Ludlow St, 3A
New York, NY 10002
646-280-6993
sarah AT ndtv.com
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vactorboy29
02-19 06:01 PM
Vivek Dude, I don't know about that...
After speaking to my lawyer, it is my understanding that when you use EAD or AP, you are no longer on H1 and it is considered AOS. However, you can reapply for H1 after you use your AP...As far as I know AP does have an affect on your immigration status...Please someone correct me if you know for sure that AP does not affect H1/H4 status...
For the OP, please consult with other lawyers or chat with someone on free immigration lawyer chat forums...
AP - Is for travel purpose,no connection to your work status in US.
EAD - is your work status .If you use it your H1b is envalid.
After speaking to my lawyer, it is my understanding that when you use EAD or AP, you are no longer on H1 and it is considered AOS. However, you can reapply for H1 after you use your AP...As far as I know AP does have an affect on your immigration status...Please someone correct me if you know for sure that AP does not affect H1/H4 status...
For the OP, please consult with other lawyers or chat with someone on free immigration lawyer chat forums...
AP - Is for travel purpose,no connection to your work status in US.
EAD - is your work status .If you use it your H1b is envalid.
more...
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zCool
04-02 11:26 AM
You are kidding!
USCIS can't keep track of applications they receive..:)
Every document they want they "REQUEST" from you.
W2, paystubs this is basic stuff dude..
If you don't have them, there's less certainity.. but this is funny process, people have gone thro' easier on lesser evidence.. !So nothing is a dead-ender if you are lucky..
In normal cases though.. I think IF (and that's a big IF) you get an RFE, you will have hard time proving A2P but then again maybe your employer is big and has enough profits etc to prove A2P .. so don't loose heart.. but I would advise to just change to a good employer instead of working in this messy situation to get 1 or 2 yrs advantage on PD
USCIS can't keep track of applications they receive..:)
Every document they want they "REQUEST" from you.
W2, paystubs this is basic stuff dude..
If you don't have them, there's less certainity.. but this is funny process, people have gone thro' easier on lesser evidence.. !So nothing is a dead-ender if you are lucky..
In normal cases though.. I think IF (and that's a big IF) you get an RFE, you will have hard time proving A2P but then again maybe your employer is big and has enough profits etc to prove A2P .. so don't loose heart.. but I would advise to just change to a good employer instead of working in this messy situation to get 1 or 2 yrs advantage on PD
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netsavvy
03-28 08:12 PM
This is a very good point.
Given that the 5/6 year timeframe is being already mentioned for illegal immigrants, it should be easy to have this extended for all immigrants who qualify as of the date of implementation of this bill.
Given that the 5/6 year timeframe is being already mentioned for illegal immigrants, it should be easy to have this extended for all immigrants who qualify as of the date of implementation of this bill.
more...
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redelite
08-19 10:32 AM
I'll try to get one up sometime today along with a YA RLY one, I got a few ideas up in my noggin'..
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like_watching_paint_dry
03-05 09:26 AM
My I140 is approved, 180 days complete and looking to change jobs in May/June.
I have another 2 months with the present client. I want to Use AC21 but not inform USCIS. Does filing G28 and changing lawyer trigger a notice to my present company lawyer?
It takes USCIS a little time to update your case with the new G-28. So make sure you file your new G-28 (or removal of existing G-28) at-least a couple of months ahead of your determined job change date. You don't want your current employer to be in any position to influence your I-485 processing once he finds out that you are leaving.
I have another 2 months with the present client. I want to Use AC21 but not inform USCIS. Does filing G28 and changing lawyer trigger a notice to my present company lawyer?
It takes USCIS a little time to update your case with the new G-28. So make sure you file your new G-28 (or removal of existing G-28) at-least a couple of months ahead of your determined job change date. You don't want your current employer to be in any position to influence your I-485 processing once he finds out that you are leaving.
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desi485
01-08 04:29 PM
Does the cover-letter you included while filing your 485 include your job duties?
thats basically what you need, to make sure your new duties/position are inline with what was decribed in the LC.
We have a company lawyer. Only thing I have is 485 receipts, FP notice, EAD and AP.
Nothing has been shared with us till I-140 approval.
Upon my demands, all I got is my I-140 application number. My HR dept has a strict position that I-140 & LC are employer documents and it will NOT BE Shared with employees.
I still doubt that USCIS will expect me to have these documents.
Any ideas How can I know job description? Can I call USCIS? dont' think they will entertain?
I am about to file for H1B extension. Is there anything here that can give me some idea about job description? I guess H1B and LCA job description should be same. isn't it???
thats basically what you need, to make sure your new duties/position are inline with what was decribed in the LC.
We have a company lawyer. Only thing I have is 485 receipts, FP notice, EAD and AP.
Nothing has been shared with us till I-140 approval.
Upon my demands, all I got is my I-140 application number. My HR dept has a strict position that I-140 & LC are employer documents and it will NOT BE Shared with employees.
I still doubt that USCIS will expect me to have these documents.
Any ideas How can I know job description? Can I call USCIS? dont' think they will entertain?
I am about to file for H1B extension. Is there anything here that can give me some idea about job description? I guess H1B and LCA job description should be same. isn't it???
felix31
12-04 11:09 PM
the scary thing with imm lawyers is that they can mismanage client's case for one reason or another, but the client is the one who gets penalized...
I mean, what's the purpose in hiring a lawyer, if one is expected to know every single nuance of ever changing imm laws...
I mean, what's the purpose in hiring a lawyer, if one is expected to know every single nuance of ever changing imm laws...
delhirocks
07-26 10:39 AM
Ha...
Just on the lighter note I wonder if even USCIS ignores that mistake and give you and your co-worker's wife a GC.
Just on the lighter note I wonder if even USCIS ignores that mistake and give you and your co-worker's wife a GC.
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