Overview:

We will review the various elements of the physician employment agreement, focusing on the pitfalls and the problems that can develop when the agreement does not clearly define the relationship, and/or when the parties do not fully understand what is being agreed to.

Such items as term and termination, termination for cause, duties of the physician, call, non-compete, and compensation are all items that should be clearly set out in the agreement and fully understood by the parties.

Why should you attend: Formal written contracts establish the legal relationship between the parties; they state the terms and conditions of that relationship and the rights and obligations of each party. They confirm the intentions and relationships of the parties as they enter into this relationship, and they eliminate uncertainties regarding mutual rights, obligations, and relationships. If everything remained as it is at the time the agreement is signed, there would be little need for formal documents. However, the agreement serves to protect against future disputes. Therefore, it should include as precise language as possible. Ambiguous terms in agreements are of little effect when disputes occur over the meaning of a party's rights or obligations. You should attend to gain an understanding of what should and what should not be in a physician employment agreement.

Areas Covered in the Session:

• Corporate practice of medicine
• Term and termination
• Termination for Cause
• Severance pay
• Provision allowing physician to terminate for cause
• Severance pay
• Duties of the physician
• Standards for the provision of professional services
• Referral to hospital
• Continuing medical education
  

Who Will Benefit:

• Physicians
• Healthcare executives
• Physician practice managers
  

Educational Objectives(S)
Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Discuss the various elements of the physician employment agreement focusing on pitfalls and the problems that can develop when the agreement does not have clearly defined terms and conditions.

CME Credit Statement
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint sponsorship of CFMC and MentorHealth. CFMC is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

CFMC designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Other Healthcare Professionals Credit Statement
This educational activity has been planned and implemented following the administrative and educational design criteria required for certification of health care professions continuing education credits. Registrants attending this activity may submit their certificate along with a copy of the course content to their professional organizations or state licensing agencies for recognition for 1 hour.

Disclosure Statement
It is the policy of Colorado Foundation for Medical Care (CFMC) and MentorHealth that the faculty discloses real or apparent conflicts of interest relating to the topics of the educational activity. All members of the faculty and planning team have nothing to disclose nor do they have any vested interests or affiliations.


Obtaining Certificate of Credit

Colorado Foundation for Medical Care (CFMC) hosts an online activity evaluation system, certificate and outcomes measurement process. Following the activity, you must link to CFMC's online site (link below) to complete the evaluation form in order to receive your certificate of credit. Once the evaluation form is complete and submitted, you will be automatically sent a copy of your certificate via email. Please note, participants must attend the entire activity to receive all types of credit. Continuing Education evaluation and request for certificates will be accepted up to 60 days post activity date. CFMC will keep a record of attendance on file for 6 years.