Medicine is a unique profession; a life and death calling for many doctors, but for most also a hard-nosed business with little margin for error. Physician contracts reflect the profession’s special status, and the conflicting pressures on employers who want to attract and keep top talent, but also want to pay as little, and retain as much termination autonomy as possible. Especially for younger doctors about to take their first real job, … [Read more...]
Representing Medical Professionals in Board Complaints
Physicians practicing medicine in any state are required to be licensed in each state where they practice. The Minnesota Board of Medical Practice (MBMP) is the state licensing board governing medical practices in Minnesota. Representing physicians in front of the MBPM requires a detailed knowledge of the Minnesota Medical Practice Act (MMPA), set forth in Minn. Stat. Chapter 147. Reporting obligations under the MMPA are described in § … [Read more...]
Minority Shareholder Rights in Minnesota
Small businesses like medical practices and law firms typically are organized as corporations, limited liability companies, or limited liability partnerships. In Minnesota they are governed by the state’s Professional Firms Act. A key feature is that the people who work for such entities are often owners as well as employees – partners, corporate shareholders, or LLC members. Sometimes minority owners have their rights “oppressed” by the … [Read more...]
Top 5 Employment Law Issues Facing Physicians During the Pandemic
COVID-19 has created new legal issues for physicians in Minnesota, while some other typical issues they face have continued or been exacerbated. Below, I address five of the most common legal issues for physicians today. Salary reductions due to COVID-19 Since the pandemic began, numerous physicians in Minnesota have been subjected to pay and hour reductions. While these cuts ostensibly stem from the economic impact of the pandemic, employers’ … [Read more...]
Families First Coronavirus Response Act Provides Paid Leave Rights to Qualified Workers
The growing consensus that Americans need to stay home and otherwise practice social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 has had a massive impact on workplaces. Workers are increasingly needing time away from work because of reasons related to COVID-19. The federal government took a much needed first step in responding to this reality yesterday by passing the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. The Act strengthens … [Read more...]
