Liability insurance
Find out which type of liability insurance is offered (occurrence-based or claims-made), as well as the limits of liability. Occurrence-based insurance is usually recommended. However, if the policy is claims-made, it’s important to know if the tail coverage will be paid by the employer, or if there is a rider on the physician’s policy. Determine if your contract will allow for the cost of the tail to be deducted from final amounts that may be owed to you upon termination. Be prepared to acquire the tail, if needed, to ensure coverage.
Restrictive covenants (noncompete clauses)
Unfortunately, not all employment relationships work out in the long term. In recognition of this, many professional contracts contain an agreement known as a restrictive covenant, which impedes the NP’s or PA’s ability to practice in the community following a relationship cessation. Depending on where the practice is located, such restrictions can be devastating and may even require the NP or PA to move in order to pursue a career. The law of restrictive covenants varies greatly from state to state. Your attorney can help you evaluate the enforceability and effect of a restrictive covenant, advise you on what is or isn’t reasonable in the community, and give you suggestions on how to negotiate a more reasonable one.
Moonlighting
Whether or not you can moonlight—and where—is often negotiable. An employer certainly has the right to require that moonlighting not interfere with your regular duties or schedule; endorse competitors of your employer or potentially divert patients; or expose the employer to malpractice liability. If you can assure your employer that these three situations will not transpire, then moonlighting (with advance scheduling notice and permission) should be acceptable.
Training/continuing education
It is typical for the employer to reimburse some or all of the cost of continuing education, up to a maximum annual amount. It is also reasonable for the employer (if paying for the CME) to pre-approve the curriculum, as well as the timing to avoid scheduling problems.