Marc Eisen's article discusses the impact of noncompete agreements imposed by Epic Systems on its former employees, arguing that these restrictions stifle the potential for innovation and entrepreneurship particularly in the health-tech sector in Dane County. Former Epic employees, such as Cassy Smithies and Aris Blevins, express frustration that the stringent noncompete terms prevent them from engaging in healthcare-related employment or starting their own ventures in the field immediately after leaving Epic. This situation also appears to affect the broader economic landscape, as it limits the growth of health-information technology firms that could benefit from the expertise of Epic's ex-staff. The article also touches on a potential change in policy as the Federal Trade Commission considers banning such restrictive employment clauses to foster better wage opportunities and innovation.
