Starting September 1, 2025, Texas will impose stricter limits on non-compete agreements for physicians—and, for the first time, extend similar restrictions to other healthcare professionals, including dentists, nurses, and physician assistants. The new rules apply to agreements signed or renewed on or after that date. Read more.
Virginia Healthcare Employers: Prepare for New Workplace Violence Reporting Requirements
Starting July 1, 2025, healthcare employers in Virginia must implement workplace violence prevention plans or reporting systems. This mandate requires documenting, tracking, and analyzing incidents of workplace violence, with records maintained for at least two years. Governor Glenn Youngkin signed House Bill 2269 and Senate Bill 162 into law on March 24, 2025. The legislation
Indiana’s New Law Enhances Physician Mobility: Non-Compete Agreements with Hospitals Prohibited Starting July 1
In line with the growing national trend towards enhancing physician mobility, Indiana’s legislature has enacted a significant amendment to the state’s 2020 Physician Non-Compete Statute (Ind. Code § 25-22.5-5.5). This latest amendment expands the limitations on the enforceability of non-compete restrictions to include all physicians employed by hospitals or certain hospital-related entities. Governor Mike Braun
HHS OCR’s Fourth Ransomware Investigation + Settlement: Key Takeaways for Healthcare Providers
The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has announced its fourth cybersecurity investigation and settlement, noting a 264% increase in significant ransomware breaches since 2018. A recent settlement with a medium-sized healthcare provider involved a $250,000 payment and commitments to enhance the security of Protected Health Information (PHI). This investigation and settlement underscore the critical need
What U.S. Healthcare Providers Trying to Leverage AI Can Learn from Australia Privacy Regulator’s Investigation into I-MED Radiology Network
Leveraging AI in healthcare requires vast amounts of data, but navigating privacy and data security laws is crucial. A recent investigation into Australia’s I-MED Radiology Network highlights concerns about using medical data for AI. This case offers valuable insights for U.S. providers, especially regarding compliance with HIPAA and other regulations. Read more.
Louisiana Limits Non-Compete Agreements for Physicians
Following the national trend toward prohibiting or limiting non-compete agreements, Louisiana Senate Bill 165 limits the length and geographical scope of non-compete agreements for both specialty and primary care physicians. The law goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2025. Under Senate Bill 165, non-compete agreements for physicians must expire three years or five years from
Pennsylvania Bans Most Non-Compete Agreements for Healthcare Practitioners
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has signed the “Fair Contracting for Health Care Practitioners Act” (House Bill 1633), which restricts the ability of employers and healthcare practitioners to enter into non-compete agreements. The Act goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2025. The Act represents a significant shift in the employment landscape for healthcare practitioners in Pennsylvania
Rhode Island Prohibits Use of Non-Competition Agreements With Nurses; Governor Vetoes Broader Ban
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee signed a new law (R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-34-50) that prohibits the enforcement of non-competition agreements with advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in the state on June 17, 2024. Surprisingly, only three days after the APRN prohibition was enacted, the Rhode Island legislature sent a proposed bill containing a full
District Court Strikes Portions of Inglewood’s Healthcare Worker Minimum Wage Ordinance
In 2022, the City of Inglewood passed a healthcare worker minimum wage ordinance. The new $25.00 minimum wage applies to private-sector healthcare employees who work in hospitals, integrated health systems, and dialysis clinics in Inglewood. The new minimum wage applied to clinicians, nurses, certified nursing assistants, aides, technicians, maintenance workers, janitorial or housekeeping staff
Nuanced Privacy Laws Means Healthcare Organizations Should Prioritize Protecting Personal Information
The healthcare industry is among the most highly regulated industries when it comes to privacy protections. In addition to the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), healthcare providers also must comply with a growing number of state laws governing data privacy and security. Fully complying with this patchwork of privacy protections is a