Starting July 1, 2025, Maryland will limit the use of non-compete agreements and certain conflict-of-interest clauses for many healthcare and veterinary professionals.
This is good news if you work in healthcare and have ever worried about being locked into a job because of a non-compete clause. The new law is designed to give you more freedom to change jobs, grow your career, and continue caring for patients without legal roadblocks.
Let’s break down what this means for you, who is covered, and how to prepare if you’re thinking about switching jobs.
Maryland House Bill 1388 (HB 1388) updates the state’s Labor and Employment Code. The goal is simple: protect healthcare workers’ ability to find new work by limiting employers’ power to restrict where and when you can work after leaving a job.
This law is part of a growing national trend. Lawmakers are recognizing that non-competes can hurt workers, especially in healthcare, where staff shortages are already an issue.
The law applies to licensed healthcare professionals who provide direct patient care, including:
It also covers veterinary professionals, including veterinarians and veterinary technicians.
The key factors are:
If you earn more than $350,000 annually, your employer may still use a limited non-compete, but only for:
Any contract language that tries to stop you from:
would likely be considered a non-compete under this law.
This law also covers conflict of interest clauses that operate like non-competes by blocking you from working in your field after leaving.
Important: The law does not ban:
The new rules only apply to contracts signed on or after July 1, 2025. If you already have a non-compete in your current job, it remains enforceable until you sign a new agreement after that date.
That means if you’re planning a job change in the next year, it’s smart to get legal advice before signing anything — your new contract could include restrictions that you’ll be stuck with unless you negotiate them out.
If you’ve ever felt trapped by a non-compete, this law could give you more career freedom. You’ll have more leverage to leave a toxic workplace, negotiate better pay, or relocate without worrying about getting sued.
It also helps patients by ensuring they can follow their provider to a new practice if they choose — something that was sometimes blocked under older non-compete rules.
Will this law apply to me if I work at a nonprofit hospital?
Yes. This is a state law and applies regardless of whether your employer is for-profit or nonprofit.
Can my employer still stop me from taking patients with me?
Yes, they can still use non-solicitation clauses, which prevent you from actively contacting patients and asking them to follow you.
What if my employer refuses to remove a non-compete from my new contract?
You may still have to sign it, but it won’t be enforceable if you meet the law’s criteria. Having an attorney review the language can give you peace of mind.
Does this apply if I work remotely or in telehealth?
It depends on where you are licensed and where you provide care. A lawyer can help clarify if the law applies to your situation.
Our job is to make sure you understand your rights and have the freedom to make the career choices that are best for you. If you are a healthcare professional in Maryland and have questions about a non-compete or conflict-of-interest clause in your contract, we can help you:
