Memorandum between communities clarifies physician poaching and incentive rules

Prince Edward County has approved joining a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreement with Belleville, Brighton, Quinte West and Hastings County agreeing to basic principles and guidelines around getting, and keeping doctors.

All five communities have their own physician recruitment program – each offering financial incentive for a return of service.

“Given the close proximity of all five communities, the potential exists for a physician to receive their incentive, complete and return of service agreement in one community and then begin discussions with another community,” the MOU states.

Recognizing that it is ultimately the physicians who decide where they end up establishing their practices, (and residing), the MOU parties agree that once an agreement has been made with one of them, no other municipality will offer incentive to that same doctor during or following the completion of their agreement.

For additional clarity, the parties also agree they will not approach or have discussions with a physician who is under contract with another party until such time as they are no longer under contract with another.

“The partners agree to share information when appropriate, regarding activities related to
recruitment which could have an impact on the retention of physicians in the other partner communities. At all times, the confidentiality of the physician must be protected.”

All five municipalities have now agreed to the MOU.