Contract Review Education

Contract Review Education Curriculum for Doctors

Overview: This curriculum aims to equip doctors with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively review and understand contracts, ensuring they can navigate the complexities of employment agreements, partnership contracts, and other legal documents in their professional practice.

Module 1: Introduction to Contract Law

  • Target Audience: All doctors
  • Duration: 1 hour

Objectives:

  • Understand the basics of contract law and the importance of contracts in the medical profession.

Topics Covered:

  1. Definition of a contract
  2. Key components of a valid contract (offer, acceptance, consideration, legality)
  3. Types of contracts relevant to doctors (employment, partnership, service agreements)

Module 2: Understanding Employment Contracts

  • Target Audience: New and mid-career doctors
  • Duration: 2 hours

Objectives:

  • Learn how to evaluate and negotiate employment contracts effectively.

Topics Covered:

  1. Common clauses in employment contracts:
    • Compensation and benefits
    • Work hours and on-call requirements
    • Non-compete and non-solicitation clauses
    • Termination clauses and severance
  2. Understanding bonuses and incentives
  3. Evaluating benefits (malpractice insurance, retirement plans, continuing education)

Activities:

  • Review sample employment contracts to identify key components.
  • Role-play negotiation scenarios.

Module 3: Partnership and Shareholder Agreements

  • Target Audience: Mid-career and experienced doctors
  • Duration: 2 hours

Objectives:

  • Gain insight into partnership agreements and the implications of joining or forming a medical practice.

Topics Covered:

  1. Key elements of partnership agreements:
    • Roles and responsibilities of partners
    • Profit-sharing and expense allocation
    • Decision-making processes
    • Exit strategies and dissolution procedures
  2. Understanding shareholder agreements in corporate structures
  3. Legal implications of ownership structures

Activities:

  • Analyze sample partnership agreements and identify areas of concern.
  • Discuss the pros and cons of different ownership models.

Module 4: Contract Review Process

  • Target Audience: All doctors
  • Duration: 2 hours

Objectives:

  • Develop a systematic approach to reviewing contracts before signing.

Topics Covered:

  1. Steps in the contract review process:
    • Initial assessment and understanding
    • Highlighting key clauses and terms
    • Seeking clarification and negotiation
    • Understanding potential risks
  2. Common red flags in contracts
  3. When to consult with an attorney

Activities:

  • Group exercise: Review a sample contract and identify critical clauses and potential issues.

Module 5: Risk Management and Liability

  • Target Audience: All doctors
  • Duration: 1.5 hours

Objectives:

  • Understand how to manage risks associated with contracts in the medical field.

Topics Covered:

  1. Identifying potential liabilities in contracts
  2. Understanding indemnification clauses
  3. Importance of malpractice insurance and how it interacts with contracts
  4. Legal recourse in case of contract disputes

Activities:

  • Case studies of contract disputes in the medical field and lessons learned.

Module 6: Continuing Education and Resources

  • Target Audience: All doctors
  • Duration: 1 hour

Objectives:

  • Learn about ongoing education opportunities and resources for contract review.

Topics Covered:

  1. Professional organizations offering contract review resources
  2. Online courses and workshops on contract negotiation and law
  3. Importance of staying updated on legal changes affecting medical contracts

Activities:

  • Create a personalized plan for continued education and resources.

Conclusion and Certification

At the end of the curriculum, participants will receive a certificate of completion. This education will empower doctors to take control of their contracts, minimize risks, and make informed decisions that align with their professional goals.

This curriculum can be offered through workshops, webinars, or online courses, ensuring flexibility for busy medical professionals to engage with the material and enhance their understanding of contract review.