Workforce
What Caregiver Retention Strategies Actually Work on a Small Budget?
Give caregivers the hours you promised, keep clients close, pay accurately and recognize good work. Twelve low-cost ideas and how to measure them.
Can a home care agency make caregivers sign a non-compete in New Hampshire?
Last verified October 17, 2026 · All New Hampshire resources
Banned below wage threshold. New Hampshire bans non-competes only for employees paid $14.50 an hour or less (twice the federal minimum wage). Many caregivers earn more than that, so the ban often will not apply; for them, courts use a reasonableness test. Any non-compete for a new hire must be shared before the offer is accepted.
| Status | Banned below wage threshold |
|---|---|
| Wage threshold | Non-competes are void for employees earning an hourly rate at or below 200% of the federal minimum wage, which is $14.50 an hour while the federal minimum is $7.25. |
| Healthcare-specific rule | New Hampshire separately voids practice restrictions for physicians, nurses, podiatrists, advanced practice nurses and (from 2026-07-07) physician associates. |
| Notice requirements | A new hire must receive a copy of any required non-compete before accepting the job offer; otherwise the non-compete cannot be enforced. |
| Statute | RSA 275:70, 275:70-a |
| Latest change | 2026-07-07 |
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.
What should you confirm?
The health care profession bans come from a law firm survey; the physician associate ban took effect 2026-07-07.
General information, not legal advice.
More for New Hampshire
Non-compete rules by state: other states
Related guides
Operations
What Should a Home Care Client Service Agreement Include?
Services, rates, minimums, cancellations, billing, overtime and termination, with a fill-in template and the state disclosure rules that shape it.
These free tools are made by the team behind Caregiver Scheduling, caregiver scheduling software for home care agencies.
Simple pricing
From $199 /month
Up to 10 caregivers on Starter, 50 on Growth.
More than 50 caregivers? We'll put together a custom Scale plan for your agency.