Employment Law for Healthcare Practices and Clinicians

Hiring, contractors, policies, discipline, and letting someone go. I help Louisiana practices handle the employer side of running a business, and help clinicians understand what they're signing.

Text me to talk

Text (504) 356-9678 and we'll set up a time to talk within one business day. The first conversation is free, and I don't ask for retainers. Just send your name and a good time to reach you; no details needed by text.

Most practice owners went into healthcare to care for patients, not to manage employment law. But the moment you hire your first employee or bring on a contractor, you take on a whole new set of legal obligations. Most employment problems I see didn't start with a lawsuit. They started with a missing policy, a handshake agreement, or a termination that was handled in a hurry.

I've been on both sides of this. As COO of a healthcare agency with more than 200 employees, I hired, managed, and let go of clinical and administrative staff, so I understand what it takes to run a practice day to day, not just what the law says on paper.

For practice owners

Hiring the right way. Offer letters, employment agreements, and onboarding paperwork that set clear expectations from day one.
Employee or independent contractor? Many therapy and healthcare practices bring clinicians on as 1099 contractors. That can work, but only when the relationship actually meets the legal test. Calling someone a contractor doesn't make them one, and getting it wrong can be costly.
Policies and handbooks. Clear, written policies on attendance, conduct, confidentiality, leave, and pay, so everyone is working from the same rules and you can enforce them consistently.
Confidentiality and noncompetes. Agreements that protect your patient relationships and business information. Louisiana has strict rules on noncompetes, including limits on how long they can last and where they can apply, so they have to be drafted carefully to be enforceable.
Discipline and documentation. How to address performance and conduct problems fairly, and how to document them so your decisions hold up.
Terminations and separations. Planning a termination, preparing separation agreements, and handling final pay correctly. Louisiana has strict rules on final paychecks, with penalties for paying late.

For clinicians

If you're a therapist, nurse practitioner, or other clinician joining a practice, I review your offer and employment agreement before you sign, including compensation, schedule, noncompete and confidentiality terms, and what happens if you leave. If you've been let go or offered a separation agreement, I can help you understand your options before you sign anything.

Physicians, see my physician contract review page for employment agreements.

Get ahead of problems

The best time to call an employment lawyer is before something goes wrong: when you're hiring your first employee, bringing on contractors, writing your handbook, or thinking about letting someone go. A short conversation up front can save you a great deal of time, money, and stress later.

No retainer. Payment plans that fit your budget.

I don't ask for retainers. I bill only for work I've completed, and you can set up a payment plan that fits your needs.

Build a team you can count on.

Whether you're hiring your first employee or facing a difficult termination, let's talk before you act. Consultations are available by phone, video, or in person across Louisiana.