Becker's Healthcare January 14, 2026
Nearly 1 in 5 workers in the U.S. are bound by a noncompete agreement, according to data released Jan. 13 by the Economic Innovation Group.
Noncompete agreements are regulated at the state level, with four states currently banning the use of noncompete agreements altogether.
Here is a breakdown of where noncompete laws and bills stand by state in 2026:
Full ban
California: Noncompete agreements are broadly unenforceable in nearly all employment contexts, including for physicians and other healthcare professionals. Recent legislation strengthened the state’s long-standing ban by voiding out-of-state noncompetes applied to California workers.
Minnesota: Noncompete agreements entered into on or after July 1, 2023, are prohibited for most workers, including healthcare employees, with limited statutory exceptions.
Montana: Noncompete...
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