reachinus
07-14 12:21 PM
i don't know if its an EB 485, but even FB are very backloged.
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chanduv23
01-05 12:03 PM
Is Eb3 --> Eb2 porting a wide spread phenomina?
seems like it. A lot of people seem to be doing it which is why EB2 is not moving fast enough
seems like it. A lot of people seem to be doing it which is why EB2 is not moving fast enough
chanduv23
10-28 07:15 AM
Come on Mariners - everyone must be at the meet.
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jsb
01-08 10:22 AM
Folks,
As many of us get ready to use AC21 to switch from current employers, i wanted to get your feed back on a very common contartual obligation.
...
...
Now my employer had nothing to do with me getting my clients, i do my own marketing and negotiationas, but of course the employer signs on all the papers. Will i still have to change clients when i switch employer?
Whatever work related activities you do, including finding new clients, while employed, belongs to the employer (unless you have an agreement to the contrary, which you don't). Therefore, when you leave the employer, as per agreement you have, you can not take those clients with you.
As many of us get ready to use AC21 to switch from current employers, i wanted to get your feed back on a very common contartual obligation.
...
...
Now my employer had nothing to do with me getting my clients, i do my own marketing and negotiationas, but of course the employer signs on all the papers. Will i still have to change clients when i switch employer?
Whatever work related activities you do, including finding new clients, while employed, belongs to the employer (unless you have an agreement to the contrary, which you don't). Therefore, when you leave the employer, as per agreement you have, you can not take those clients with you.
more...
chantu
02-19 01:54 PM
Anybody?
I have one question:
My wife is currently working on EAD. I am a primary applicant. Can she apply for H1-B without jeopardizing our GC application?
I have one question:
My wife is currently working on EAD. I am a primary applicant. Can she apply for H1-B without jeopardizing our GC application?
harsh
03-20 01:10 PM
sure seems like it. As with L2 visa holders, this would allow H4 spuses to apply for work permit.
more...
crystal
07-11 02:54 PM
Good job Hope someone is close enough to help.
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StuckInTheMuck
08-12 08:27 PM
If you e-file EAD renewal, you will get FP notice. To avoid it, paper-file your renewal.
more...
MightyIndian
10-04 11:02 PM
see my signature
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horscorp
02-06 08:29 PM
Ann,
Thanks for your response, really appreciate it.
I read through the memo and found guidance on changing companies while I140 is pending but did not find anything on transferring H1b while Perm is pending.
I am sure you are referring to the first part of the memo which mentions validity and expiration of LC and Perm should be filed 365 days before the end of 6 years of H1b.
Hypothetical (and probable) scenario:
She joins the company in the next three months and applies for Perm before Sep 2010. By Sep 2011, her Perm might have been denied or approved and expired or (small chance of it being approved and not expired) . In first two cases, she cannot use her current Perm and has to rely on new Perm application with new company to extend H1B. Could this petition for extension be rejected because the new Perm was not filed 365 days before end of 6 years? I am looking at worst case scenario and the basis for USCIS to reject the extension.
Sorry for asking too many questions. Hope you enjoyed 28.5 inches of snow :) we live in the suburbs.
horscorp
A new PERM filed before September 2010 will [I]probably[I] support an H1 extension beyond September 2011. There is contrary language in a May 30, 2008 USCIS memo on this issue, but the Vermont Service Center in liaison meetings with AILA has specifically confirmed that as long as the Perm is filed at least 365 days before the start date of the H-1 petition a one year extension is available.
Thanks for your response, really appreciate it.
I read through the memo and found guidance on changing companies while I140 is pending but did not find anything on transferring H1b while Perm is pending.
I am sure you are referring to the first part of the memo which mentions validity and expiration of LC and Perm should be filed 365 days before the end of 6 years of H1b.
Hypothetical (and probable) scenario:
She joins the company in the next three months and applies for Perm before Sep 2010. By Sep 2011, her Perm might have been denied or approved and expired or (small chance of it being approved and not expired) . In first two cases, she cannot use her current Perm and has to rely on new Perm application with new company to extend H1B. Could this petition for extension be rejected because the new Perm was not filed 365 days before end of 6 years? I am looking at worst case scenario and the basis for USCIS to reject the extension.
Sorry for asking too many questions. Hope you enjoyed 28.5 inches of snow :) we live in the suburbs.
horscorp
A new PERM filed before September 2010 will [I]probably[I] support an H1 extension beyond September 2011. There is contrary language in a May 30, 2008 USCIS memo on this issue, but the Vermont Service Center in liaison meetings with AILA has specifically confirmed that as long as the Perm is filed at least 365 days before the start date of the H-1 petition a one year extension is available.
more...
thomachan72
01-12 08:28 AM
:p
Call me superstitious but just wanted to kick off this thread again in the hope that this miracle will repeat this year. I have a gut feeling 2011 will bring that magic moments again.
Hi Floridasun, hope your superstition pulls off a miracle!!
If it does I would strongly adivce you to purchase a lottery ticket :):):)
Call me superstitious but just wanted to kick off this thread again in the hope that this miracle will repeat this year. I have a gut feeling 2011 will bring that magic moments again.
Hi Floridasun, hope your superstition pulls off a miracle!!
If it does I would strongly adivce you to purchase a lottery ticket :):):)
hot Cartoon Wallpaper - Bugs Bunny
jatinr
09-27 06:50 AM
Did some one call USCIS to get receipt numbers? Any pointers to calling USCIS...what do i give as reference numbers?
Thanks.
FP and 485 will have same receipt number
Thanks.
FP and 485 will have same receipt number
more...
house The Banana Baby Cartoon HD
waitingmygc
10-12 07:08 PM
Please ask an attorney.
why?
If H1B extension is pending and going out of country even if travelling with valid AP, then there are chances that pending H1B extension denied by USCIS.
I advice you to consult a good attorney.
why?
If H1B extension is pending and going out of country even if travelling with valid AP, then there are chances that pending H1B extension denied by USCIS.
I advice you to consult a good attorney.
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blondhenge
08-31 09:15 AM
I had asked this question to the immigration lawyer at IV. She said that if you are working for the same company at their offices aboard & go for Consular Processing ( it is the only option as you can not go 485 route) it should be just fine. However, if the company that you are working for when you are abroad and the company that did your GC are not the same thenit is almost impossible to prove that the job exists when you arrive in USA after CP.
That is why you need a new employment letter from your US employer to bring to the consular interview. The letter is the proof that the job exists for when you arrive in the US.
However, if the individual has no intention of working at the US company upon arrivial, or if they do not want to hire him back (and thus not give him the letter), he will not be approved at the consulate.
That is why you need a new employment letter from your US employer to bring to the consular interview. The letter is the proof that the job exists for when you arrive in the US.
However, if the individual has no intention of working at the US company upon arrivial, or if they do not want to hire him back (and thus not give him the letter), he will not be approved at the consulate.
more...
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lutherpraveen
01-22 07:27 PM
Please be assured that your patience and perserverance is much appreciated and I'll never doubt your intentions and efforts.
My trust for you and all that you do is well past the initial phase of knowing IV and what it stands for.
Your dignified and decent conduct when dealing with "impolite doubters" commanded my respects and many others.
My trust for you and all that you do is well past the initial phase of knowing IV and what it stands for.
Your dignified and decent conduct when dealing with "impolite doubters" commanded my respects and many others.
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gc_on_demand
05-20 10:46 AM
Members
Please participate in this survey.. This will help people who didnot get a chance to file for AOS
Please participate in this survey.. This will help people who didnot get a chance to file for AOS
more...
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vxg
09-17 11:48 PM
Hi, My wife and I received three emails each regarding 485 approval ("notice mailed welcoming new permanent resident," "CPO ordered," and "approval notice sent") on 9/8. My wife received her "welcome notice" and the card itself within a few days. But I have not received either yet.
1. I know the CPO email says wait 30 days, but given that my wife has already received hers, I suspect that mine was either sent to an incorrect address or there's some other hold up. Anyone else in a similar situation? Any thoughts/ideas/suggestions?
2. I guess I can wait 30 days and then apply for a replacement card with an I-90 (for which the current processing time is 3.5 months). How can I travel internationally in the interim? If anyone is aware, please let me know; I am trying to have a plan in place, in case an emergency arises.
Per my lawyer stamp is risky as it can be forged. carry your GC approval notice with you if you have it else have it fedex to you. Carry an advance parole if you have one valid. I suggest travel only if emergency else avoid.
1. I know the CPO email says wait 30 days, but given that my wife has already received hers, I suspect that mine was either sent to an incorrect address or there's some other hold up. Anyone else in a similar situation? Any thoughts/ideas/suggestions?
2. I guess I can wait 30 days and then apply for a replacement card with an I-90 (for which the current processing time is 3.5 months). How can I travel internationally in the interim? If anyone is aware, please let me know; I am trying to have a plan in place, in case an emergency arises.
Per my lawyer stamp is risky as it can be forged. carry your GC approval notice with you if you have it else have it fedex to you. Carry an advance parole if you have one valid. I suggest travel only if emergency else avoid.
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meridiani.planum
01-08 12:03 AM
Below mentioned points are from the NAFSA Adviser's Manual (2006 release)
7.27.2.1 Exception for travel to Canada or Mexico for 30 days or less
Under the "automatic extension of validity at ports-of-entry" provision, an H-IB alien may reenter the U.S. after a trip solely to Canada or Mexico that lasted no more than 30 days, without the need to obtain a new H-IB visa, even if the individual's prior H-IB visa has expired.
H-1B automatic revalidation different than that for F and J nonimmigrants
F and J nonimmigrants can use the automatic revalidation of visa provision not only after a trip to Canada and Mexico, but after a trip to the islands in the Caribbean as well. H-lB travel under this provision is limited to Canada and Mexico only.
7.27.2.2
Continued validity of H visas after employer change If the H-IB worker has changed employers since first entering the United States and has a valid visa annotated for the previous employer, he or she may reenter the U.S. using that visa, provided he or she presents a valid H-IB approval notice for the new employer upon reentry to the United States.
7.27.2.3 Revalidation of H visas in the United States no longer possible
Prior to July 17,2004, nonimmigrants in H status could apply for a new H visa through the DOS Visa Office in Washington, D.C., but only if they had already obtained one visa abroad in the category being applied for. This process was known as "revalidation." Effective July 17, 2004, the Department of State no longer accepts applications for revalidation of H visas.
7.27.2.4 H-1 B visa eligibility after an extension of H-1 B status beyond 6 years
Caution! H-IB nonimmigrants that have received extensions ofH-lB status beyond 6 years under AC21 continue to be bound by the requirement to have a valid H-IB visa for entry to the United States after travel abroad. If the nonimmigrant's visa has expired, he or she will
have to obtain a new H -1 B visa on the basis of an approved H -lB petition in order to reenter the United States, like any H-IB nonimmigrant.
Please let me now if these points are in place currently.
And if yes then please consider this case gurus. If somebody has a valid first H1B extension (with I-94) till 2012 and if he goes for stamping in mexico and gets 221(g). Then can he come back to USA even if his old H1B and old I-94 has expired while his case is pending under 221(g) status in mexico?
I will appreciate your thoughts on this.
no, when you go for visa stamping the first thing they typically do is stamp a 'cancelled without prejudice' on yuor old visa, and they also usually take your I-94. So if you do get a 221(g), then the typical option is to either wait it out or take the passport back and go to the home country.
P.S: fix the subject, it is too generic...
7.27.2.1 Exception for travel to Canada or Mexico for 30 days or less
Under the "automatic extension of validity at ports-of-entry" provision, an H-IB alien may reenter the U.S. after a trip solely to Canada or Mexico that lasted no more than 30 days, without the need to obtain a new H-IB visa, even if the individual's prior H-IB visa has expired.
H-1B automatic revalidation different than that for F and J nonimmigrants
F and J nonimmigrants can use the automatic revalidation of visa provision not only after a trip to Canada and Mexico, but after a trip to the islands in the Caribbean as well. H-lB travel under this provision is limited to Canada and Mexico only.
7.27.2.2
Continued validity of H visas after employer change If the H-IB worker has changed employers since first entering the United States and has a valid visa annotated for the previous employer, he or she may reenter the U.S. using that visa, provided he or she presents a valid H-IB approval notice for the new employer upon reentry to the United States.
7.27.2.3 Revalidation of H visas in the United States no longer possible
Prior to July 17,2004, nonimmigrants in H status could apply for a new H visa through the DOS Visa Office in Washington, D.C., but only if they had already obtained one visa abroad in the category being applied for. This process was known as "revalidation." Effective July 17, 2004, the Department of State no longer accepts applications for revalidation of H visas.
7.27.2.4 H-1 B visa eligibility after an extension of H-1 B status beyond 6 years
Caution! H-IB nonimmigrants that have received extensions ofH-lB status beyond 6 years under AC21 continue to be bound by the requirement to have a valid H-IB visa for entry to the United States after travel abroad. If the nonimmigrant's visa has expired, he or she will
have to obtain a new H -1 B visa on the basis of an approved H -lB petition in order to reenter the United States, like any H-IB nonimmigrant.
Please let me now if these points are in place currently.
And if yes then please consider this case gurus. If somebody has a valid first H1B extension (with I-94) till 2012 and if he goes for stamping in mexico and gets 221(g). Then can he come back to USA even if his old H1B and old I-94 has expired while his case is pending under 221(g) status in mexico?
I will appreciate your thoughts on this.
no, when you go for visa stamping the first thing they typically do is stamp a 'cancelled without prejudice' on yuor old visa, and they also usually take your I-94. So if you do get a 221(g), then the typical option is to either wait it out or take the passport back and go to the home country.
P.S: fix the subject, it is too generic...
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amitjoey
03-20 04:18 PM
Something has already happened in the background.
ivar
01-21 04:23 PM
WITHDRAWAL
Question: How can a pending application filed under PERM be withdrawn?
If the application was filed on-line, the application can be withdrawn by accessing the account wherein the application was filed and simply marking the appropriate box.
If the application was filed by mail, a withdrawal request, in writing, must be sent to the National Processing Center to which the application was originally submitted.
Question: Must the employer wait to receive confirmation of withdrawal from a Backlog Elimination Center (BEC) prior to refiling an application?
No, the employer does not need to wait to receive confirmation of withdrawal prior to refiling an application.
Source: http://usavisanow.com/perm-faq-4.html
(I think the same rule should apply for PERM and appealed case)
EDIT: Sorry the following information seems to suggest otherwise.
http://www.visapro.com/Immigration-News/?a=377&z=12
Sathweb,
Thank you for your reply. I just checked the links you have provided and i understand that i need to wait for DOL to first withdraw my PERM application before filing a new perm. I am not sure how long i have to wait and its frustrating. I was just checking if some one is there in the same boat as me. I have been on and off this green card train through out my stay in US.
Applied for 1st PERM in Mar2006
Got my PERM approved in Nov 2006
Quit my first employer (DESI) for all the troubles he was giving me inspite of having my labour approved.
Joined new company in Mar07
Than followed the July 07 fiasco and missed my bus
New employer filed for PERM in JUN/JUL 07
Got Audit, Sent Audit reply, Got Denied
Re appealed against my wishes.
Ran all the ad campaign and GC process again.
AFter all this now waiting for earlier PERM TO be withdrawn..
Folks, everybody here on this forums have a painful Green card story. Some are lucky but most of us are not. I have read on IV forums that people are waiting for 8,9 years still to get there GC so i totally understand. The worst part is i missed the July 07 fiasco.
Question: How can a pending application filed under PERM be withdrawn?
If the application was filed on-line, the application can be withdrawn by accessing the account wherein the application was filed and simply marking the appropriate box.
If the application was filed by mail, a withdrawal request, in writing, must be sent to the National Processing Center to which the application was originally submitted.
Question: Must the employer wait to receive confirmation of withdrawal from a Backlog Elimination Center (BEC) prior to refiling an application?
No, the employer does not need to wait to receive confirmation of withdrawal prior to refiling an application.
Source: http://usavisanow.com/perm-faq-4.html
(I think the same rule should apply for PERM and appealed case)
EDIT: Sorry the following information seems to suggest otherwise.
http://www.visapro.com/Immigration-News/?a=377&z=12
Sathweb,
Thank you for your reply. I just checked the links you have provided and i understand that i need to wait for DOL to first withdraw my PERM application before filing a new perm. I am not sure how long i have to wait and its frustrating. I was just checking if some one is there in the same boat as me. I have been on and off this green card train through out my stay in US.
Applied for 1st PERM in Mar2006
Got my PERM approved in Nov 2006
Quit my first employer (DESI) for all the troubles he was giving me inspite of having my labour approved.
Joined new company in Mar07
Than followed the July 07 fiasco and missed my bus
New employer filed for PERM in JUN/JUL 07
Got Audit, Sent Audit reply, Got Denied
Re appealed against my wishes.
Ran all the ad campaign and GC process again.
AFter all this now waiting for earlier PERM TO be withdrawn..
Folks, everybody here on this forums have a painful Green card story. Some are lucky but most of us are not. I have read on IV forums that people are waiting for 8,9 years still to get there GC so i totally understand. The worst part is i missed the July 07 fiasco.
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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