This National Locum Tenens Week, we join the National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations (NALTO) in honoring the contributions of locum tenens healthcare providers, who go above and beyond to provide quality care to patients across the country.
Why National Locum Tenens Week Matters
While locum tenens has existed since 1979, National Locum Tenens Week is only in its 8th year. That means we have only just begun to recognize the truly invaluable contribution that locum tenens physicians and APPs bring to our healthcare system.
90% of healthcare facilities in the United States depend on locum tenens providers to bridge gaps in patient care each year. Hospitals in every single state in the country rely on the expertise and compassion that locums providers bring to their communities. Their efforts are crucial in bridging gaps in patient care, especially in rural and underserved areas. Without locum tenens providers, the seven and a half million patients they serve across the country would be left without access to healthcare.
Hayes Locums has celebrated National Locum Tenens Week since its inception, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to recognize the indelible impact these providers have on healthcare delivery nationwide.
However, National Locum Tenens Week is just one way that we can celebrate and support these unsung heroes of America’s healthcare system. At Hayes Locums, we’re committed to supporting them year-round.
The Role of NALTO in Supporting Locum Tenens
As a proud NALTO member since 2012, Hayes Locums has been an integral part of setting the industry standard for locum tenens delivery. NALTO acts as a governing board for the locums industry, by providing resources and mutually agreed-upon best practices to NALTO members.
In 2021, Karen Hayes, Chief Risk Officer at Hayes Locums, joined the NALTO® board and became a member of their Credentials Committee. Her expertise in risk management contributed to the creation of a “Risk Management-Best Practices” document to better protect member companies, their providers, and the patients they serve. She is now also the Chairman of the Membership Committee, where all applicants are reviewed for NALTO® compliance and presented to the board for approval.
Through NALTO’s focus on honesty, objectivity, integrity, and competency, they help set an exceptional standard of healthcare delivery across the locum tenens industry. Just like our providers, our priority is always patient care before profits.
How We Work Together to Advocate for Issues That Matter
Another way we support our providers is by partnering with other NALTO members to advocate for issues that are important to our providers.
For example, this year, NALTO is lobbying for H.R. 5208, the Healthcare Provider Shortage Minimization Act. This act is a bipartisan initiative aimed at addressing the nation’s physician shortage.
One of the ways the act is seeking to address the issue is by expanding Medicare-supported medical residency positions. It’s also working to codify locum tenens providers’ status as independent contractors, and thereby making it easier for them to continue providing essential care to the patients and hospitals who need it the most.
This legislation is essential for ensuring that all communities receive the medical care they deserve––just one more way we’re partnering with our providers to improve healthcare access across the U.S.
We hope you’ll join us this week in recognizing all of the providers who work tirelessly to make sure all patients receive the care that they deserve. We are honored to work alongside them in improving healthcare delivery nationwide.
Together, with NALTO, we remain committed to advocating for policies and practices that enhance the delivery of quality care and address critical issues, such as physician shortages.
This National Locum Tenens Week, let’s celebrate the invaluable contributions of locum tenens providers. Their impact is felt in every corner of the country, and their commitment to patient care is inspiring.
Happy National Locum Tenens Week! Learn more about how NALTO is supporting locum tenens agencies and providers, this week and every week.
