Honoraria Payments - Physician Contract Glossary

Honoraria Payments

Definition

Payments received for professional services outside your primary employment, such as speaking engagements, expert witness work, or advisory roles.

Examples in Context

“The physician may retain the first $5,000 of honoraria annually; amounts exceeding this will belong to the employer.”

“Honoraria earned from academic lectures performed during personal vacation time shall remain the property of the physician.”

“The physician must notify the employer of any honoraria payments exceeding $2,500 per engagement to ensure compliance with contract terms.”

Implications for Physicians

• Can provide supplemental income but may conflict with your employer’s exclusivity clause.
• Some employers may claim ownership of honoraria if the engagement relates to your specialty or is performed on work time.
• Failure to report honoraria may violate contract terms and lead to disciplinary action.

Negotiation Tips

• Request a clear threshold for retaining honoraria without employer involvement.
• Ensure the contract excludes non-clinical work like writing, consulting, or teaching.
• Negotiate for honoraria caps to apply only to engagements directly related to your employer’s specialty or services.

Red Flags and Pitfalls

• Vague language may allow the employer to claim all honoraria, even for unrelated services.
• Some contracts may require employer approval before accepting honoraria-based work, limiting flexibility.
• Be cautious if the contract requires full reporting of all outside income without clear limits.

Related Terms

• Fringe Benefits
• Restricted Activities

FAQs

• “Can my employer claim my honoraria?”
  • Yes, unless your contract excludes personal engagements or specifies a clear threshold for retained payments.
• “Do I need to disclose all honoraria payments?”
  • Most contracts require disclosure of substantial honoraria, typically above a defined threshold (e.g., $2,500 or $5,000).
• “Can I earn honoraria for non-medical work?”
  • Yes, unless the contract specifically restricts outside work unrelated to your clinical duties.

Legal Disclaimer

The information provided in this glossary is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, this content is intended to help physicians better understand common contract terms and does not replace professional legal guidance.

For personalized advice regarding your employment contract or other legal concerns, we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified attorney who specializes in physician employment contracts.

You can find experienced legal professionals through our Physician Contract Lawyer Directory.