Non-compete laws · MA
Massachusetts physician non-compete law
As of October 21, 2026, Massachusetts law generally makes non-compete agreements void or unenforceable for physicians, with exceptions.
Generally banned for physiciansChecked 2026-10-21
Contract provisions restricting a registered physician's right to practice medicine in any geographic area for any period after the professional relationship ends are void and unenforceable; the rest of the contract survives. Similar statutes cover nurses and social workers. (M.G.L. c. 112 § 12X (Restrictive covenants upon physicians rendered unenforceable))
Who it covers
Physicians registered to practice medicine under M.G.L. c. 112 § 2 (partnership, employment, or other professional relationships). Separate statutes void similar restrictions for registered and licensed practical nurses (c. 112 § 74D) and licensed social workers (c. 112 § 135C). Other workers, including clinicians not covered by these sections, fall under the Massachusetts Noncompetition Agreement Act (c. 149 § 24L: 12-month cap, notice, garden leave or other consideration, exclusions).
Notes
§ 12X sets no express exceptions and voids only the practice restriction; other contract terms survive. Physician assistants and dentists are not covered by § 12X.
Bills that have not become law
Non-compete bills from the 2025 and 2026 sessions that had not become law as of 2026-10-21, furthest along first. A bill that died has to be filed again to move in 2027. The 2027 session starts 2027-01-06 and ends formal sessions of the 195th General Court end 2028-07-31.
- S.1336 (2025–2026) · All workers
Would make all noncompetition agreements under G.L. c.149 s.24L void and unenforceable
Committee action · Stalled. Labor & Workforce Development hearing 2025-11-17; reported favorably 2025-12-22 and referred to Senate Ways and Means; no further action
Sources
- M.G.L. c. 112 § 12X (Restrictive covenants upon physicians rendered unenforceable) (statute)
- M.G.L. c. 112 § 74D (nurses) (statute)
- M.G.L. c. 112 § 135C (social workers) (statute)
- M.G.L. c. 149 § 24L (Massachusetts Noncompetition Agreement Act) (statute)
- 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 Massachusetts.