Restricted Activities - Physician Contract Glossary

Restricted Activities

Definition

Contractual limits on the types of medical services you can provide during or after employment.

Examples in Context

“The physician agrees not to provide competing telemedicine services during the contract period.”

“The physician shall not engage in moonlighting, locum tenens, or independent consulting services without prior written approval from the Employer.”

“The physician is prohibited from performing medical procedures within 10 miles of the Employer’s primary practice location for a period of 12 months after termination.”

Implications for Physicians

• May limit opportunities for side work, such as moonlighting or telemedicine.
• Could prevent you from starting your own practice nearby.
• Can impact income if additional work is restricted without compensation adjustments.

Negotiation Tips

• Request exceptions for non-clinical roles, such as consulting, teaching, or expert witness services.
• Ask for explicit permission for volunteer work at free clinics or charitable organizations.
• Clarify what activities are considered “restricted” to avoid unintended limitations.

Red Flags and Pitfalls

• Vague language could limit your options more than intended.
• Overly broad terms may unintentionally prohibit common side work like telemedicine.
• Restricted activities that extend beyond your contract term may be excessive and legally unenforceable in some states.

Related Terms

• Non-Disclosure of Confidential Information
• Nonsolicitation Clause
• Covenant Not to Compete
• Injunctive Relief

FAQs

• “Can I volunteer at free clinics?”
  • Clarify with your employer; some contracts restrict even volunteer work to avoid conflicts with the employer's interests.
• “Are educational roles like teaching restricted?”
  • In most cases, teaching roles are not considered "competing services." Request explicit clarification in your contract.
• “Can I consult for a medical device company or provide expert witness services?”
  • Some contracts limit these activities. Ask for language that excludes non-patient care roles from restricted activities.

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.