This bill aims to clarify the enforceability of covenant not to compete agreements specifically for licensed medical professionals in Arkansas. It amends existing law to state that such agreements are unenforceable if they restrict a physician's right to practice within their scope of practice. The bill also specifies that the term "physician" includes individuals licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy under relevant Arkansas statutes.

Additionally, the bill modifies the language in Arkansas Code 4-75-101 by changing references from "subsection" to "section" and clarifying that existing common law standards for covenants not to compete outside of employment relationships will remain in effect. It also ensures that the protections under the Arkansas Trade Secrets Act are not impaired by this legislation. Overall, the bill seeks to protect the rights of medical professionals while maintaining the integrity of existing legal frameworks.

Statutes affected:
SB 139: 4-75-101(h), 4-75-101(j), 4-75-101
Act 232: 4-75-101(h), 4-75-101(j), 4-75-101