Take Care Health Systems Eliminates Non-Compete Clause for Nurse Practitioners
06.15.07
Leading Convenient Care Company Advocates for the NP Profession; Stands Strong on Reputation as "Employer of Choice"
CONSHOHOCKEN, PA (June 15, 2007) — Effective immediately, Take Care Health Systems has eliminated the non-compete clause in its nurse practitioner employment agreements that barred nurse practitioners from working for a competitor one year following employment with the company. Take Care Health, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Walgreen Co., is the first company in the convenient care industry to eliminate this non-compete clause. The company policy still remains that a current TCNP cannot, at the same time, work with another convenient care operator.
"Take Care Health strives to be the leading advocate for the nurse practitioner — inspiring and encouraging the profession throughout the industry," said Sandra Ryan, RN, MSN, CPNP, Take Care Health Chief Nurse Practitioner Officer. "When we implemented the non-compete clause in 2005 there were many unknowns in our then-nascent industry. After speaking with the Take Care Nurse Practitioners we employ and those we're looking to recruit, we've learned that non-competes can actually hinder the industry goals of providing access to care and promoting the NP profession."
Take Care Health operates 53 health clinics in Chicago, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh and St. Louis. The clinics are staffed by certified nurse practitioners who treat patients 18 months and older for common illnesses such as strep throat, ear and sinus infections, pink eye and poison ivy, and are able to prescribe for the ailments they treat. Take Care Nurse Practitioners also provide diagnostic testing, vaccinations and some physicals.
"By eliminating the non-compete clause, we hope to stand strong on our reputation as the ‘employer of choice' for all NPs. Our Take Care Nurse Practitioners have told me that this policy change is a great step for NPs and the industry, helping to dissolve any hesitation they might have when considering joining Take Care Health," said Hal Rosenbluth, Chairman of Take Care Health and Senior Strategy Consultant, Healthcare, Walgreen Co. "We encourage other Convenient Care companies to follow suit and end non-compete agreements industry-wide."
Revised Agreement
Under the new agreement, if a Take Care Nurse Practitioner (TCNP) were to leave the company, he or she could continue to work in the convenient care industry. A current TCNP cannot, at the same time, work with another convenient care operator.
"This is great practice within the industry," said Mona Counts, PhD, CRNP, FNAP, FAANP, Elouise Ross Professor at the Pennsylvania State University and President of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. "Eliminating non-compete agreements is the right thing to do and underscores Take Care Health's unwavering commitment to the NP profession. Ultimately, consumers nationwide will benefit through greater access to health care as nurse practitioners are able to grow and expand in their profession wherever they choose." Last Month, Walgreen Co. announced its acquisition of Take Care Health Systems. Walgreens expects to have more than 400 Take Care Health Clinics operating within its stores by the end of 2008.
About Take Care Health SystemsSM
Take Care Health Systems (www.takecarehealth.com)a leading operator of convenient care clinics, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Walgreen Co. Take Care Health combines best practices in medicine and the expertise and personal care of Take Care nurse practitioners to provide high-quality, accessible and affordable health care to all individuals. Take Care Health operates 53 health care clinics in Chicago, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh and St. Louis. Take Care Health and Walgreen Co. have announced plans to open more than 400 clinics by the end of 2008. Take Care Health uses nationally recognized clinical guidelines, industry standards set forth by the Convenient Care Association (www.convenientcareassociation.org)and an electronic medical record system to ensure the highest quality care. The company maintains a robust quality assurance program, including collaborating physician record review, peer review and compliance auditing.
Key Contacts:
Lauren Tierney
for Take Care Health Systems
484-351-3212