Maryland bans noncompetes for veterinary and healthcare professionals

In April, Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed a sweeping ban on noncompete and conflict-of-interest provisions for certain veterinary and healthcare professionals. For veterinary professionals, the law took effect on June 1, 2024. The ban for healthcare professionals becomes effective next year, on July 1, 2025.

What the ban says

For veterinary professionals, House Bill (HB) 1388 declares void all noncompete and conflict-of-interest provisions in employment contracts for veterinary practitioners and technicians under Title 2, Subtitle 3 of the Agriculture Article. Under the Agriculture Article, a “veterinary practitioner” is a licensed and registered veterinarian engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine, and a “veterinary technician” is a person who is registered with the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners as a veterinary technician.

For healthcare professionals, the law will void noncompete and conflict-of-interest provisions for professionals who are required to be licensed under the Health Occupations Article, provide direct patient care, and earn $350,000 or less in total annual compensation. This is a broad ban, as the Health Occupations Article requires licenses for many healthcare professionals, including dentists, massage therapists, nurses, nursing home administrators, occupational therapists, optometrists, pharmacists, physical therapists, professional counselors and therapists, and social workers.