![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PD94bWwgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4wIiBlbmNvZGluZz0iVVRGLTgiPz4KPHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHhtbG5zOnhsaW5rPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8xOTk5L3hsaW5rIiB3aWR0aD0iMTQ4Ny41cHQiIGhlaWdodD0iMTkyNXB0IiB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTQ4Ny41IDE5MjUiIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMiI+CjxnIGlkPSJzdXJmYWNlNSI+CjwvZz4KPC9zdmc+Cg==)
contribute to provider shortages.
(5) Continuity of care for patients is a fundamental
goal for health care practitioners and public health
officials alike.
(6) A covenant not to compete in employment agreements
prohibits and prevents health care practitioners from
rendering care to patients after the health care practitioner
leaves employment, even if the agreements are for a limited
period of time or geographic scope.
(7) It is against public policy for health care
practitioners to be prohibited from rendering care to
patients due to a change in employment.
Section 3. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this act shall
have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Covenant not to compete." An agreement between an employer
and a health care practitioner that is designed to impede the
ability of the health care practitioner to compete with the
employer when a separating event occurs.
"Health care practitioner." As defined in section 103 of the
act of July 19, 1979 (P.L.130, No.48), known as the Health Care
Facilities Act.
"Prior patient." An individual to which a health care
practitioner rendered professional services in the health care
practitioner's scope of practice for which compensation has been
received by the health care practitioner, regardless of the
source of the compensation, within three years of the separating
event.
"Scope of practice." The authorized scope of practice of a
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