Nurse Practitioner Contract Review: Essential Guide for NPs
NP contracts differ from physician contracts but have similar risks: non-competes, productivity pressure, liability coverage. This guide covers what NPs must review before signing.
Key NP Contract Terms
NP-specific: Autonomy level (supervised vs. independent practice), supervising physician requirements, patient panel size, productivity expectations, malpractice coverage (NP-specific policies differ from MDs), liability indemnification, non-compete scope (often broader for NPs than physicians).
NP Red Flags
Red flags: Non-compete restricting NP practice. Supervising physician requirement that limits autonomy. Patient panel assignments slower than physicians. Malpractice coverage insufficient (NP policies cost less but may not cover all scenarios). Productivity targets impossible to meet. Termination without notice.
NP Negotiation Points
Negotiate: Non-compete scope (narrower than offered). Autonomy level (define what you can do independently). Malpractice coverage adequacy (ensure sufficient limits). Productivity targets (achievable given patient load). Termination notice (mutual 30+ days). Call schedule (if required, compensate separately).
When NP Should Hire Attorney
Consider attorney if: Earning $150K+ (NP salaries lower than MDs but attorney still justified for higher earners). Non-compete highly restrictive. Contract has unusual terms. Early in career (contract impacts decades of earnings).
Frequently Asked Questions
What's different in NP vs. physician contract?
NP contracts often: require supervising physician (restricts autonomy), have broader non-competes (less regulated than MD non-competes), assign smaller patient panels, less negotiable salary (NP salaries standardized). Key to negotiate: autonomy level, non-compete scope.
Should NP hire attorney?
For salary $150K+: Yes, attorney adds value. Below $150K: Try $19 AI analysis first. NPs have less legal protection than MDs, so legal review is valuable.
Can NP negotiate non-compete?
Yes, but harder than physicians. NP non-competes often broader and more enforced. Focus on: shorter duration (1-2 years), narrower geography, specific scope. Less negotiable than physician non-competes.
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