Bill > SB301

This bill establishes new regulations for noncompete clauses in employment contracts for health care professionals at nonprofit hospitals. The bill defines key terms such as health care professional employees (physicians, physician assistants, and advanced practice registered nurses, but excluding management employees), and specifies that nonprofit hospitals cannot require these employees to agree to broad post-employment restrictions. Specifically, the bill prohibits hospitals from mandating that employees refrain from working in a particular geographic area, with a specific employer, or in a certain industry after leaving their employment. However, the bill does allow hospitals to include a limited noncompete provision that restricts employees from working within a 15-mile radius of their original workplace for up to six months, with the specific location clearly identified in the employment contract. The bill also preserves hospitals' ability to restrict employees' concurrent employment during their contract term. If a hospital violates these provisions, the employee can bring a civil action and potentially receive damages, attorney's fees, and costs. Any agreement by an employee to waive these rights would be considered void and unenforceable, providing strong protections for health care professionals seeking new employment opportunities.

Government Affairs

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/sb301