Medical Employee Contracts Guide

Employment contracts in healthcare settings require careful consideration of industry-specific requirements and regulations.

Essential Contract Elements

1. Position and Duties

Clear role description

Reporting structure

Scope of clinical responsibilities

Administrative duties

2. Remuneration

Base salary or hourly rate

Medicare billing arrangements

Bonus structures

Leave entitlements

3. Working Hours

Standard hours

On-call requirements

After-hours expectations

Rostering arrangements

4. Professional Requirements

AHPRA registration maintenance

Professional indemnity insurance

CPD obligations

Credentialing requirements

Compliance Considerations

Modern Award Coverage

Most medical employees are covered by:

Health Professionals and Support Services Award

Medical Practitioners Award (for doctors)

National Employment Standards

All employees are entitled to NES minimums:

Maximum weekly hours

Annual leave (4 weeks)

Personal/carer's leave (10 days)

Parental leave

Public holidays

Special Clauses for Medical Practices

Restraint of Trade

Must be reasonable in scope and duration

Consider geographical limitations

Define restricted activities clearly

Intellectual Property

Patient records remain with the practice

Clinical protocols and procedures

Research and publications

Confidentiality

Patient information protection

Practice systems and processes

Commercial information

Termination Provisions

Ensure your contract addresses:

Notice periods (typically 4-12 weeks)

Grounds for summary dismissal

Handover requirements

Post-termination obligations