ANALYSIS: 22 States Restrict Noncompetes for Health-Care Workers

The Federal Trade Commission and National Labor Relations Board are weighing nationwide proposals to bar employment-related noncompetes, but the health-care industry is ahead of the curve. Many states have already adopted laws that limit restrictive covenants for employees in the medical field.

The unique personal nature of medical services means that patients should be able to choose their health-care providers regardless of competitive restrictions. Health-care access in certain communities could also be harmed—and patients would pay the price—if health-care workers were forbidden from working there, since patients in rural or underserved areas must often travel greater distances to access basic ...