We are here for you. Our commitment to our providers during this unprecedented time is something you can count on. Your health, safety and well-being are front and center.
The Coronavirus COVID-19 situation is requiring that we partner together to maintain and fulfill staffing needs at hospitals and healthcare systems nationwide. We value our physicians and advanced practice clinicians and want to thank you for your unwavering dedication in the thick of so many challenges. More than ever, healthcare facilities need qualified specialists with your specific skill sets.
Hayes Locums will keep you informed every step of the way. Click here for a message from Hayes Locums COO, Ryan Scharer, on how Hayes Locums is providing support during COVID-19.
Here’s what providers are asking:
No. 1 — Prior Travel to a High-Risk COVID-19 Country
Q. I traveled to a COVID-19 high-risk hotspot in the last 30 days. How will this affect my assignments moving forward?
A. Prior to your assignment, you will be asked to fill out our Screening Questionnaire. It will be reviewed by our internal team and the hospital/healthcare system with a staffing need. Depending on your answers, if self-quarantining is required, a 14-day self-quarantine is advised.
Q: What is this Screening Questionnaire that I have been requested to fill out?
A: The Screening Questionnaire is being required for all providers starting an assignment on or after March 13, 2020. It is due 72 hours prior to your start date. This helps ensure you can start your assignment as planned and allows us to provide accurate information to the healthcare facility. Please note that if anything changes from your original Screening Questionnaire before you start your assignment, you will need to notify us of those changes.
Q. How should I prepare for the Screening Questionnaire?
A. No preparation is necessary. There are five questions to answer. The Screening Checklist for Hayes Locums providers covers the following:
- Related symptoms
- Proximity to someone exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19
- Related international travel or proximity to someone who has traveled out of the country
- Status of COVID-19 cases at healthcare settings where the provider has recently worked
No. 2 — Assignment Issues Related to COVID-19
Q: Will I be required to get tested for Coronavirus COVID-19 before getting hospital privileges?
A. If you have not experienced any of the symptoms (i.e., fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, headache and muscle pain), then you will not require a test unless the facility asks for one prior to your assignment start date.
Q. Will my Consultant be readily available to discuss my assignment status and any issues that might arise due to COVID-19?
A. Yes, our Consultants are committed to following through with you every step of your assignment. Our Consultants have advised providers currently on assignment to follow COVID-19 protocols at the hospital and healthcare system they are working at. In addition, Hayes Locums will keep providers up to date on the status of current assignments and pending changes to upcoming assignments due to COVID-19. You can also call your Consultant directly, or call 1-888-837-3172 with concerns and COVID-19 questions.
No. 3 — Licensing Changes
Q. How are state medical licensing boards processing/handling healthcare providers from other states as part of the COVID-19 medical response efforts?
A. Our internal licensing team is in contact with all state medical licensing boards to discuss this matter due to the urgency of COVID-19 and immediate staffing needs.
The Department of Health and Human Services is permitting all medical providers to practice across state lines for Medicare billing purposes. Each state regulates the licensing requirements for the practice of medicine in the state.
- Nationwide, states are each determining if they will allow providers actively licensed in a different state to practice in their state and some are enacting temporary emergency licensing procedures.
As this matter is fluctuating daily, our Medical Staff Services Team will continually monitor and update our Consultants, who in turn will inform our providers.
Click here to learn more about provider licensing changes as a consequence of COVID-19.
No. 4 — Assignment Travel
Q. Should I be worried about flying? Will I be able to drive to my assignment?
A. In addition to accommodations, our Travel Team will assist you with your travel arrangements whether you fly or drive. Airlines are taking precautions for passengers due to the high-risk of COVID-19 (see below). However, if you prefer to drive, our Travel Team will assist with your car rental arrangements.
Depending on your preferred carrier, you can review what measures airline carriers are taking at this time. Here are a few resources:
- Delta has taken proactive and voluntary steps to help customers have a healthy flying experience. Click here to learn more.
- American is in contact with U.S. and international authorities, as well as public health officials. Click here to learn more.
- United has teams in place in daily contact with the CDC, WHO and federal agencies. Click here to learn more.
Q. What if the hotel I am booked to stay at for my assignment is temporarily closed because of the COVID-19 situation?
A. We have many lodging options and will work with the provider to locate alternate housing if a hotel has been closed temporarily due to COVID-19 cancellations. In addition, Hayes Locums can lease apartments on behalf of our providers, as needed, if a hotel is unavailable.
Q. What happens if my flight is cancelled due to the COVID-19 situation?
A. Our in-house Travel Team will notify providers immediately if a flight they were booked on is cancelled because of our access to “live” inventory on all major airlines, and, notifications of changes or cancellations that could be due to COVID-19 or other issues. Our Travel Team is here to help providers throughout their assignment journey.
No. 5 — COVID-19 On Assignment
Q. Will the hospital or healthcare system that I am assigned to have COVID-19 protections in place?
A. We have asked our client hospitals and healthcare systems to communicate that the required protocols are in place for providers. This includes proper personal protection equipment (PPE). This information will be provided for you prior to the start of your assignment and can be discussed in detail with your Consultant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) are resources to monitor. Healthcare personnel caring for patients with confirmed or possible COVID-19 should adhere to CDC recommendations for infection prevention and control.
