Alabama Veterinarian Contract Attorney

Alabama Veterinarian Contract Attorney

Our Alabama veterinarian contract review attorney can review your contract, identify the areas that could improve, and assist you in obtaining the best Alabama veterinarian contract possible. Each Alabama veterinarian that requests our assistance receives the following:

• Available in any state
• Flat-rate pricing with no hidden costs
• Review of your proposed employment agreement
• Phone consultation with our lawyer, reviewing the contract term by term
• Follow up with a review of the needed clarifications

Alabama at a Glance

Alabama, known as the “Heart of Dixie,” offers a rich mix of Southern tradition, history, and cultural diversity. From the Appalachian Mountains in the north to the Gulf Coast’s beaches, Alabama has a diverse landscape that makes it a fascinating place to live and work. For more details about life in Alabama, visit the state’s official website.

Building a Successful Veterinary Career in Alabama

Understanding Alabama’s Veterinary Landscape

Alabama’s diverse geographic regions and its mix of urban and rural communities provide a broad spectrum of opportunities for veterinary associates. From small animal practices in bustling cities like Birmingham to large animal opportunities in rural areas, there’s a place for every veterinary professional in Alabama.

Licensing Requirements for Veterinary Associates in Alabama

Before you can begin practicing in Alabama, you’ll need to acquire a state veterinary license. The Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners provides detailed information about licensure requirements, applications, and exams.

Joining the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association

Becoming a member of the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association (ALVMA) can connect you with a network of professionals in the field, provide you with resources for continuing education, and give you access to various professional events.

Living the Alabama Life

Finding Your Perfect Alabama Home

Alabama offers many housing options, from bustling urban apartments to tranquil suburban homes or rustic countryside settings. Visit the Alabama Real Estate Commission for more details about housing options in Alabama.

Exploring Alabama’s Outdoor Adventures

If you enjoy the outdoors, Alabama’s state parks, such as Gulf State Park or Cheaha State Park, offer great opportunities for exploration and recreation. And don’t forget to visit the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville.

Engaging in Alabama’s Community and Culture

Alabama has a rich cultural scene, with numerous festivals, music events, and historical sites. Experience the vibrant music scene in Muscle Shoals, explore history at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, or savor Southern cuisine at one of Alabama’s many food festivals.

Final Thoughts

As a veterinary associate moving to Alabama, you’re embarking on an exciting journey. Embrace the vibrant culture, diverse professional opportunities, and stunning natural beauty that Alabama has to offer. Welcome to your new home in the Heart of Dixie!

Important Terms in a Medical Contract

The present-day conclusion is simple: veterinary professionals should only enter into contracts by having the agreement reviewed by legal counsel. There is too much at risk for a veterinarian to take contract matters into their own hands. In addition to the specific professional implications, veterinary associate contract red flags and terms of medical contracts can significantly impact a veterinarian’s family, lifestyle, and future.

There are many important terms and clauses in medical contracts which can present complex and diverse issues for veterinarians, including:

• Non-compete clauses
• Inadequate professional liability insurance and tail coverage
• Unfavorable call schedules
• Practice support (Staffing, Supplies, etc.)
• Production Bonuses (RVU, net income, or hybrid structures)
• Not enough paid time off (PTO) or Vacation time
• Biased Termination Provisions (With or Without Cause)
• Continuing Dental Education (CDE)
• Dues and Fees (ADA, Dental Board)
• Compensation

Non-Compete Clauses

Dentists with non-competes in their veterinarian employment agreements were initially considered restraints of trade. Thus, they were invalid in public policy at common law. However, many restraints on trade incident to healthcare contracts were upheld based on the rule of reason. Thus, restrictive covenants between veterinarians not to compete after the termination of employment are generally enforceable as long as it is reasonable.

However, there are a few states which prohibit non-compete clauses. Please review your state laws for non-compete rules and regulations to see the specific rules for your state.

The general test for reasonableness of these clauses holds that on termination of employment, a covenant that restrains an employee from competing with his former employer is termed reasonable if:

• The restraint is not more than required to protect the employer,
• It does not inflict any untold hardships on the employer, and
• The restraint is not detrimental to the public.

In one such case, a provider restricted from practicing his specialty after leaving the hospital where he worked had their non-competition clause considered unreasonable. The judge ruled that this would be harsh if enforced because only a few other hospitals in the area with subspecialties like this one. They needed to protect themselves by preventing transfers of knowledge between providers.

Courts generally find that these clauses were only enforceable if there was some legitimate interest from the employer and would damage their ability to find qualified staff later or hurt public health care. Those needing legal advice should consult an attorney before signing any contract. Hence, they know what rights may come into play when things go wrong with their current job, regardless of whether non-compete reviews by Alabama veterinary associate contract lawyers seem necessary at first glance! We also offer contract review for all states, including Alaska Veterinarian Contract Review and Wyoming Veterinarian Contract Review.

Veterinary Employment Agreement Checklist

Employee or veterinary contracts are all unique. However, nearly all medical and veterinary professional’s contracts for veterinary providers should contain several essential terms. If these contracts do not spell out the critical terms, disputes can arise when there is a disagreement between parties regarding the details of the specific term. For instance, if the doctor is expecting to work Monday through Thursday and the employer thinks it’s Monday through Friday. Still, the particular workdays are absent from the contract—who prevails?

Spelling out the details of a veterinarian’s job is crucial to avoid healthcare contract conflicts during the employment contract term.  Below is a checklist of important terms that contracts should contain (and a brief explanation of each term generally discussed in negotiations):

1. Practice Services Offered: What are the clinical patient care duties? Is there time for a review of administrative tasks? How many patients is the veterinarian expected to see?
2. Patient Care Schedule: What days and hours are employees expected to provide patient care per week? What is the surgery schedule? Are employees involved in the planning of their schedules?
3. Locations: Which facilities will the employer schedule the employees to provide care at (outpatient clinic, surgical sites, in-patient services, etc.)?
4. Outside Activities: Are employees permitted to pursue moonlighting or locum tenens opportunities? Does a physician need permission from the employer before accepting medicine-related positions?
5. Disability Insurance: Is disability insurance provided (short-term and long-term)?
6. Professional License: Will the practice offer reimbursement for licensing? Will an advisor be provided?
7. Practice Call Schedule: How often is the employed physician on call (after-hours office call, ASC, hospital call (if applicable))?
8. Electronic Medical Records (EMR): Will the employer provide training resources or time to review the system before delivering care?
9. Base Compensation: What is the annual base salary? What is the pay period frequency? Does the base compensation increase over the term of the agreement? Is there a yearly review or quarterly review of compensation? Is there a group management relationship?
10. Productivity Compensation: If there is productivity compensation, how is it calculated (wRVU, net collections, patient encounters, etc.)? Is there an annual review?
11. Practice Benefits Summary: Are standard benefits offered: health, vision, veterinary, life, retirement, etc.? Who is the advisor of human resource benefits?
12. Paid Time Off: How much time off does the job offer? What is the split between vacation, sick days, CME attendance, and holidays? Is there an HR guide?
13. Continuing Dental Education: What is the annual allowance for CME expenses, and how much time off do they offer?
14. Dues and Fees: Which business financial expenses are covered (board licensing, DEA registration, privileging, AVMA membership, Board review)?
15. Relocation Assistance: Is relocation assistance offered? What are the repayment obligations if the contract is terminated before the expiration of the initial term?
16. Signing Bonus: Is an employee signing bonus offered? When is it paid? Does the employee have to pay it back if they leave before they complete the initial term? Are student loans paid back? Is there a forgiveness period for student loans?
17. Professional Liability Insurance: What type of liability insurance (malpractice) the employer offers: claims made, occurrence, self-insurance? License and litigation defense? Can you negotiate tail?
18. Tail Insurance: If tail insurance is necessary, who pays for it when the agreement terminates?
19. Term: What is the length of the initial term? Does the agreement automatically renew after the initial term?
20. For Cause Termination: What are the grounds for immediate termination for cause? Is a review provided to dispute the termination?
21. Without Cause Termination: How much notice is required for either party to terminate the agreement without cause?
22. Practice Post-Termination Payment Obligations: Will the physician receive production bonuses after the agreement terminates?
23. Non-Compete: How long does the non-compete last, and what is the prohibited geographic scope?
24. Financial Retirement: Is a financial retirement plan offered?
25. Non-Solicitation: How long does it last, and does it cover employees, clients, patients, and business associates?
26. Notice: How is the notice given? Via hand delivery, email, US mail, etc.? Does it have to be provided to the employer’s attorney?
27. Practice Assignment: Can the employer assign the agreement? Will the healthcare agreement require ongoing compliance with a new employer?
28. Alternative Dispute Resolution: If there is a conflict regarding the contract, will mediation or arbitration be utilized? What is the standard attorney review process for disputes? Who decides which attorney oversees the process?

Attorney Services for an Alabama Veterinary Contract

Coming into a new organization with a favorable contract can put the veterinarian in a positive financial situation for years. We also offer occasional veterinary product reviews. Before you sign the most important contract of your life, turn to an experienced Alabama Veterinarian Contract Attorney for assistance.