Judge Prevents Aspirus St. Luke’s from Enforcing Non-Compete

February 26, 2026

On February 17, a judge granted a temporary injunction preventing Aspirus St. Luke’s from enforcing a non-compete against a Duluth family physician.  

Nyasha Spears, MD, was employed by Aspirus in 2025, but sought to open her own family practice clinic in Duluth due to the discontinuation of services at the clinic where she was employed. When Spears notified Aspirus of her intent, they stated that they would enforce the non-compete provision contained in her employment agreement. The provision would prevent Spears from providing substantially similar services within 25 miles of the clinic where she was employed for two years.  

During the 2026 legislative session, Minnesota passed a law prohibiting the use of non-compete provisions in all employment agreements signed after the bill’s enactment. MMA strongly supported this legislation, arguing that non-compete provisions limit access to care. 

Spears filed a lawsuit against Aspirus in October 2025 to prevent them from enforcing the non-compete provision. In the order granting Spears request for a temporary injunction, the district court judge reasoned, in part, that “[Dr. Spears’] harm is personal and immediate. She cannot start her own practice or continue her professional practice in the Duluth area if the non-compete is enforced.” The order further stated that “the record reflects a documented shortage of primary care physicians in Minnesota … [and] limiting [Dr. Spears’] ability to practice locally would exacerbate an existing public health problem, in direct conflict with the public interest.” Courts have recognized that non-competes should not be enforced in a manner that harms the community. 

In a statement, Aspirus St. Luke's has said: “We continue to collaborate closely with the Attorney General’s office and are committed to working together toward a mutually agreeable outcome. In protecting our legal rights, Aspirus St. Luke’s is acting in the best interest of our organization and, more importantly, in the best interest of our patients and community.” 

The injunction will allow Spears to move forward with opening a direct primary care practice in Duluth where patients pay a flat fee for primary care instead of paying through insurance.