Are you looking to buy an existing dental practice? Have you already bought a practice and now need help navigating the employment issues that seem to be popping up? Keep reading to find out why you should contact Sunstone Legal and speak with employment lawyer Kim Nutz to navigate those issues.
Have you got an updated Employee Policies and Procedures Manual?
A Policies and Procedures Manual sets out in clear, concise language the expectations that you, as an employer, have for your employees, and also provide employees with important information as to how they will be treated in certain workplace circumstances. Also, various pieces of legislation in Alberta, such as the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Employment Standards Code, and the Human Rights Act, require an employer to have certain types of policies in place. Without those required policies you may be in violation of legislative requirements and could face penalties and administrative fines, as well as potential civil liabilities. Policies that should be addressed specifically are Respect in the Workplace, Harassment, Internet Usage, Overtime, Confidentiality, Family Dental Discounts, Sick leaves and other leave etc. Complete and concise policies are the keys for any successful dental practice.
Have you instituted new written Employment Agreements for your dental practice employees?
You may have purchased a dental practice that either had no written employment agreements in place, or already had employment agreements in place. Depending on how the purchase of the practice was structured, will dictate the purchaser’s liability in relation to their new employees after the closing date. Without new agreements, you could be bound by common law requirements to pay out common law severance based on the length of service the employees had with their former employer, which in some cases could be excessive. Getting clear employment agreements in place provides the new owner of a dental practice with a level of comfort as to what occurs with specific employees should employees have to be terminated with or without cause, after closing.
Help with your New Dental Practice
The process of buying a new dental practice and navigating the HR issues that inevitably ensue is daunting and sometimes overwhelming. You could face significant monetary liability if you do not put in place solid agreements and policies to manage your workforce. It is recommended that you seek assistance from an employment lawyer. Contact Kim Nutz at Sunstone Legal she will be happy to assist you with your employment related needs.
