New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A10981

Introduced
4/14/26  

Caption

Prohibits non-compete agreements for certain medical professionals; authorizes covered individuals to bring a civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction against any employer or persons alleged to have violated such prohibition.

Impact

If enacted, A10981 will amend the labor law to declare any existing non-compete agreements between employers and covered health-related professionals as null and void. The bill provides legal avenues for affected professionals, empowering them to bring a civil action against employers who violate this prohibition. This change is expected to significantly impact employer-employee dynamics within the healthcare sector, fostering an environment where practitioners can freely transition between jobs without the fear of legal repercussions that could arise from outdated non-compete clauses.

Summary

Bill A10981 aims to prohibit non-compete agreements for certain healthcare professionals in New York. The legislation specifically targets a range of licensed medical practitioners, including physicians, physician assistants, nurses, and other health-related professionals. The objective is to prevent employers from imposing restrictions that would inhibit these professionals from pursuing their careers if they change employers, thereby promoting competition and access to healthcare services in the state.

Contention

The discussion around A10981 has sparked notable contention within legislative circles and the healthcare community. Proponents argue that such restrictions stifle professional mobility and ultimately harm patients by limiting their access to diverse healthcare providers. Conversely, some industry stakeholders believe non-compete agreements are essential for protecting investments in training and development made by healthcare institutions. Balancing the needs of medical professionals while safeguarding employers’ interests has proven to be a complex challenge in the ongoing debates surrounding this bill.

Companion Bills

NY S09228

Same As Prohibits non-compete agreements for certain medical professionals; authorizes covered individuals to bring a civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction against any employer or persons alleged to have violated such prohibition.

Previously Filed As

NY S09228

Prohibits non-compete agreements for certain medical professionals; authorizes covered individuals to bring a civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction against any employer or persons alleged to have violated such prohibition.

NY A10023

Prohibits non-compete agreements and certain restrictive covenants; authorizes covered individuals to bring a civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction against any employer or persons alleged to have violated such prohibition.

NY S09759

Prohibits non-compete agreements and certain restrictive covenants; authorizes covered individuals to bring a civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction against any employer or persons alleged to have violated such prohibition.

NY S04641

Prohibits non-compete agreements and certain restrictive covenants; authorizes covered individuals to bring a civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction against any employer or persons alleged to have violated such prohibition.

NY A10041

Authorizes education-related dual employment for employees of certain schools offering special education services; prohibits certain anti-competitive actions that would impact such schools.

NY S07437

Prohibits agreements between employers that directly restrict the current or future employment of any employee; allows for a cause of action against employers who engage in such agreements.

NY SB744

Labor; prohibiting employers from taking certain adverse actions against certain employees. Effective date. Emergency.

NY SB744

Labor; prohibiting employers from taking certain adverse actions against certain employees. Effective date. Emergency.

NY S08441

Authorizes certain injured employees or their legal representative to claim workers' compensation or to maintain an action in the courts for damages on account of such injury when the commissioner of labor fails to act within a certain time frame for certain violations.

NY A09638

Prohibits the use of a wage-fixing algorithm in combination with personal or behavioral data to set or recommend wages or compensation; defines terms; establishes penalties for violations of such prohibition.

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