Gov. Kristi Noem wants to scrap non-compete contracts for mental health professionals

Governor, lawmakers say contracts exacerbating workforce shortages

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PIERRE — Psychologists, counselors and other mental health professionals would no longer be bound by non-compete contracts under legislation that has the support of the governor’s administration.

It does not, however, have the support of the health care industry, although lobbyists representing the industry on Monday didn’t go hard against the legislation, a sign that resistance could be futile.

House Bill 1087 would also apply to family therapists and addiction professionals. The bill cleared its first legislative hurdle Monday, passing through committee with a 12-1 vote.

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