Chelle Law can review your contract, identify the areas that could be improved, and assist you in negotiating the best contract possible. Each nurse practitioner that requests Chelle Law’s assistance receives:
- Review of your proposed employment agreement
- Consultation reviewing the contract term by term
- Assistance in negotiating with the employer
Contracts are a pervasive and obligatory part of nearly all business and legal transactions. Well-drafted contracts help to enumerate the responsibilities of the involved parties, divide liabilities, protect legal rights, and ensure future relationship statuses. These touchstones are even more crucial when applying their roles to the case of a nurse-practitioner employed by a hospital, medical group, or other health care provider. While contract drafting and negotiation can be long and arduous, legal representation is a must to protect your rights.
The present-day conclusion is simple: A nurse practitioner should not enter into any contract without having the agreement reviewed by legal counsel.
There is too much at risk for a nurse-practitioner to take contract matters into their own hands. In addition to the specific professional implications, contract terms can significantly impact a nurse practitioner’s family, lifestyle, and future. There are many important contract terms and clauses which can present complex and diverse issues for any nurse practitioner, including:
- Non-compete clauses
- Damages
- Indemnification
- Verbal guarantees
- Insurance statements
Additionally, often the most influential terms and clauses in any employment contract are the ones that are not present. With the advent of productivity-based employment agreements, any nurse-practitioner must review an employment agreement before it is executed. Chelle Law has practical experience drafting and reviewing nurse-practitioner contracts for nearly every specialty.
A thorough contract review can benefit new residents, attending vets, doctors entering their first employment contract, or established vets looking for new employment. By employing an experienced attorney for your representation, you can ensure that you will be able to fully understand the extensive and complex wording included in your contract. By fully understanding the contract, you will be in a better position to make your own decision on whether or not you want to enter into the agreement, which will affect your career life for years to come.
The financial benefits gained from having your contract reviewed and negotiated by an experienced healthcare attorney far outweigh the costs associated with a review. You are a valuable resource, and you should be treated and respected as such. Chelle Law will personally dedicate their time to ensure that you are fully protected and assist you in the contract process so that your interests are fairly represented.
Common dangers associated with not having your employment agreement reviewed are:
- Inadequate professional liability and tail coverage
- Misidentifying negative terms
- Not enough paid time off (PTO) or Vacation time
- Provisions that violate Stark and the Anti-Kickback Statutes and Regulations
- Unfair restrictive covenants (non-competes)
- Unfavorable call schedules
- Lack of Benefits
- Biased Termination Provisions (With or Without Cause)
- Small Production Bonuses (RVU and gross income)
Additionally, common terms that need to be examined include:
- Arbitration
- Call Schedule
- Continuing Medical Education (CME)
- Dues and Fees
- Holiday Pay
- Hours
- Insurance
- Moving Expenses
- Repayment Obligations
- Salary
- Signing Bonus
- Suspension provisions
- Tail Insurance
- Termination
Coming into a new organization with a favorable contract can put the nurse practitioner in a positive financial situation for years to come. Before you sign the most important contract of your life, turn to Chelle Law for assistance.
Chelle Law has extensive experience in the healthcare industry, representing various clients. Coupled with their strong legal knowledge in employment law and contracts, their unique background provides clients with expert representation that will help ensure they receive fair treatment in the contractual obligations of you and your employer.
If you need assistance with an employment agreement or contract review, schedule a Nurse Practitioner Contract Review with Chelle Law today!