Non-compete laws · NH
New Hampshire physician non-compete law
As of October 21, 2026, New Hampshire law generally makes non-compete agreements void or unenforceable for physicians, with exceptions.
Generally banned for physiciansChecked 2026-10-21
Restrictions on a licensed physician's right to practice in any geographic area for any period after the relationship ends are void in contracts entered or renewed on or after August 5, 2016. Similar statutes cover nurses, APRNs (2025), and physician associates (2026). (RSA 329:31-a (Certain contract restrictions upon physicians unenforceable))
Limits in the law
- Pay threshold: General rule for all workers: noncompetes void for low-wage employees earning an hourly rate at or below 200% of the federal minimum wage (RSA 275:70-a)
- General rule: an employer requiring a noncompete of a new hire must provide a copy before the employee accepts the offer, or the noncompete is unenforceable (RSA 275:70)
Who it covers
Physicians licensed by the NH Board of Medicine (RSA 329:31-a). Parallel statutes: nurses (RSA 326-B:45-a, eff. June 25, 2018), advanced practice registered nurses (RSA 326-B:45-b, 2025 ch. 119, eff. Aug. 23, 2025), and physician associates (RSA 328-D:20, 2026 ch. 55, eff. July 7, 2026). Each applies to new contracts or renewals on or after its effective date.
Effective date
The current rule took effect 2016-08-05.
Notes
Applies to contracts entered or renewed on or after Aug. 5, 2016. The statute has no express sale-of-practice or ownership exception. Parallel bans cover nurses (2018), APRNs (effective Aug. 23, 2025) and physician associates (effective July 7, 2026).
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 2026-12-02 and ends no fixed date (late June 2027 under joint-rule deadlines).
- HB 386-FN (2025) · Some health care workers, not physicians
Would bar nursing (staffing) agencies from non-compete clauses in contracts with health care entities
Committee action · Died. Majority ITL report 2025-02-18 (11-9); laid on table 2025-03-20; died on table, session ended 2025-12-17
Sources
- RSA 329:31-a (Certain contract restrictions upon physicians unenforceable) (statute)
- RSA 326-B:45-a (nurses) (statute)
- RSA 326-B:45-b (advanced practice registered nurses) (statute)
- RSA 328-D:20 (physician associates) (statute)
- SB 402 (2026), Chapter 55 — bill status (bill)
- RSA 275:70 (noncompete disclosure) (statute)
- RSA 275:70-a (low-wage employees) (statute)
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 New Hampshire.