The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) released a new proposed rule on Jan. 5 to prohibit employers from utilizing non-compete clauses. The Commission raised concerns over how the prevalence of non-competes can harm workers and competition, violating Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act. According to the FTC, approximately one in five American workers are bound by a non-compete clause.

Noting the impact this proposed ban may have on cardiovascular clinicians across the country, ACC Advocacy staff are currently reviewing the proposed rule and gathering feedback from ACC members along with additional expertise from the American Medical Association and other cardiovascular societies and stakeholders.

In July 2022, The ACC Board of Governors published a white paper offering insights into the challenges posed by restrictive covenants and non-compete clauses included in physician contracts.

For more information on the proposed rule, access the FTC press release, fact sheet and full rule text. The Commission is currently seeking public comment on the proposed rule through March 10.

Keywords: ACC Advocacy, United States Federal Trade Commission, Feedback, Prevalence, Physicians

< Back to Listings