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Can a home care agency make caregivers sign a non-compete in Michigan?
Last verified October 17, 2026 · All Michigan resources
Generally enforceable if reasonable. Michigan allows an employer to obtain a covenant that protects its reasonable competitive business interests and bars work in a line of business after employment ends. The covenant must be reasonable in duration, geographic area and type of work, and a court may narrow an unreasonable one. There is no wage threshold or healthcare carve-out, so this can apply to caregivers.
| Status | Generally enforceable if reasonable |
|---|---|
| Statute | MCL 445.774a |
What about a client hiring your caregiver directly?
That is usually handled in the client service agreement, not the caregiver's contract: some agencies charge a placement or conversion fee if a client hires a caregiver directly. Whether that clause is enforceable is a contract question, so have a local employment lawyer review it.
General information, not legal advice.
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More for Michigan
Non-compete rules by state: other states
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