Non-compete laws · ME
Maine physician non-compete law
As of October 21, 2026, Maine law generally makes non-compete agreements void or unenforceable for physicians, with exceptions.
Generally banned for physiciansChecked 2026-10-21
Since July 29, 2026, employers may not require or permit noncompetes with health care practitioners, including physicians, lacking an ownership interest in the employing entity; applies to agreements entered or renewed on or after that date. Owners' noncompetes must be reasonable and recognize patient choice. (26 M.R.S. § 599-A (Noncompete agreements))
Changed recently. The current rule took effect 2026-07-29. Pages and guides written before then may describe the old rule.
Limits in the law
- Pay threshold: General rule for all workers: noncompetes prohibited for employees earning wages at or below 400% of the federal poverty level (26 MRSA § 599-A(3)(A))
- Employer must disclose before the job offer that a noncompete will be required, and provide a copy at least 3 business days before requiring signature (§ 599-A(4))
- An enforceable noncompete with a health care practitioner must recognize an individual's right to choose that individual's own health care practitioner (§ 599-A(2))
- Noncompetes are enforceable only if reasonable and no broader than necessary to protect trade secrets, confidential information, or goodwill (§ 599-A(2))
- Civil fine of not less than $5,000 for violating the prohibition or notice rules; Department of Labor enforces (§ 599-A(6))
- The general delay in a noncompete taking effect (later of 1 year of employment or 6 months after signing) does not apply to health care practitioner agreements (§ 599-A(5), as amended by PL 2025, c. 718)
Who it covers
"Health care practitioner": any individual qualified or licensed under Maine law to perform or provide health care services in the State, so physicians plus other licensed clinicians (e.g., nurses, PAs). Applies to noncompetes entered into or renewed on or after the Act's effective date. Separate existing ban for non-owner veterinarians.
Exceptions
- Health care practitioner who has an ownership interest in the employing entity (noncompete remains subject to the reasonableness test and the patient-choice requirement)
Effective date
The current rule took effect 2026-07-29.
Notes
P.L. 2025, c. 718 (LD 2200), approved April 15, 2026, has no emergency clause; the Legislature's general effective date for that session is July 29, 2026, though some law-firm alerts say July 13. It applies statewide, not only to rural practitioners. Agreements signed before the effective date and not renewed are not covered.
Sources
- 26 M.R.S. § 599-A (Noncompete agreements) (statute)
- P.L. 2025, c. 718 (L.D. 2200, H.P. 1479), approved April 15, 2026 — chaptered law (session-law)
- L.D. 2200 bill status (132nd Legislature) (bill)
- Maine Legislature home page (general effective date of 2026 nonemergency laws: July 29, 2026) (agency)
- Becker's Hospital Review, Physician noncompete crackdown: A 50-state guide (Oct 6, 2026) (secondary)
Questions to ask about your contract
- Is the radius measured from your practice site or from every location the employer owns?
- Does the restriction apply if the employer terminates you without cause?
- Is there a buyout, and how is the amount calculated?
- What does your state's law say about physician non-competes?
Not legal advice. This page summarizes the law as written. Whether a particular agreement is enforceable depends on its wording, when it was signed and court decisions. Ask an attorney licensed in Maine.