Improving patient outcomes

Today, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced the enactment of a final rule to ban non-compete clauses as an unfair method of competition. This groundbreaking rule prohibits employers from entering into or maintaining non-compete agreements with workers, with limited exceptions. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons has been a strong advocate for this ban, recognizing that non-compete clauses significantly hinder cardiothoracic surgeons by limiting their ability to serve their communities, maintain continuity of care, and ensure patient access to specialized surgical services.  

"STS members and the broader physician community will benefit from the ban on non-competes," says STS President Jennifer C. Romano, MD, MS, and a practicing cardiothoracic surgeon. "Eliminating non-compete clauses removes major barriers for cardiothoracic surgeons, enhancing their ability to decide where and how they practice without undue restrictions. This change is especially crucial in improving access to specialized surgical care across various regions, fostering a more dynamic and responsive healthcare system." 

The unfortunate exclusion of most non-profit hospitals from this rule significantly constrains its benefits. We encourage Congress to continue the momentum on this important issue by enacting S. 220 / H.R. 731, the Workforce Mobility Act, which would extend these crucial protections to all healthcare providers, ensuring a truly competitive and patient-centered healthcare environment.