Jonny Hale

H.R. 7881 Would Permanently Classify Locum Tenens Providers as Independent Contractors

Choosing to practice as a locum tenens provider, which is currently classified as an independent contractor role, allows physicians and advanced practitioners the freedom to accept temporary contracts that fit into their lives and schedules. That flexibility is what many clinicians appreciate the most about the career alternative, and it’s an aspect that would change according to the proposed Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act bill.

Now, H.R. 7881, “The Healthcare Provider Shortage Minimization Act of 2022,” moves to make the independent contractor distinction for locum tenens providers permanent.

The recently introduced bill in the U.S. House of Representatives seeks to amend the IRS code to clarify the treatment of locum tenens physicians, nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs), and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) as independent contractors.

Without that designation, locum tenens providers could still be affected if the PRO Act passes. Not only would this change their tax withholdings, but it could serve to dissuade physicians and advanced practice providers from accepting short-term contracts. That would impact the crucial services they provide to healthcare facilities and patients, and significantly impact our industry.

Key Facts 

• Approximately 52,000 locum tenens providers care for more than 7.5 million Americans every year, some of whom may not receive care otherwise.
• The provider shortage is expected to last several more years, leaving healthcare facilities with staffing voids. Facilities rely on All Star and locum tenens clinicians to fill those gaps.

In support of the clinicians, facilities, and patients, including those in underserved communities who depend on the staffing services we provide, All Star Healthcare Solutions is asking members of the U.S. House of Representatives to support H.R. 7881.

We invite you to join us, along with the National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations (NALTO), in calling on Congress to endorse and pass H.R. 7881, “The Healthcare Provider Shortage Minimization Act of 2022.”

Here’s how you can make your voice be heard:

• Go to org/action and fill out the form with your home address so the message is sent to your specific Representative.
• Select “Send Email.”

It’s as easy as that. Your participation is greatly appreciated.

To learn more about the benefits of working locum tenens and how the practice alternative helps hospitals, health systems, clinics, and other healthcare facilities meet their immediate and long-term staffing requirements, contact All Star Healthcare Solutions online or call us at 800-928-0229.

by Jonny Hale

Working Locums Enables You to Explore New Interests

In a recent Psychology Today article, the author theorizes that we all experience bouts of weariness with the status quo. We cycle through periods when we crave change or “new horizons.” In many ways, that is what locum tenens can accomplish for healthcare providers. Physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and certified registered nurse anesthetists who accept temporary positions in new facilities located in communities near and far place themselves in a position to discover new co-workers, new patient populations, and perhaps even new procedures or techniques. Even the occasional locum tenens assignment offers a break from the status quo and the chance to refresh your perspective.

On a personal level, locum tenens jobs also present opportunities to explore various hobbies and interests. In fact, why not use short-term assignments to try out new experiences you may not have access to and/or the free time to incorporate into your homelife? Use the circumstances to mark off a bucket list entry or simply to do something different because you can.

We compiled a list of activities that may not automatically come to mind when spending time outside but could become your new favorite activities while doing locum tenens. None of the pastimes require previous experience nor large equipment investments, and each can be done in almost any community.

Bird-watching
This hobby made the list because observing creatures of flight requires individuals to slow down and be mindful in the moment. The practice can be relaxing after a busy shift. Plus, there are more than 2,000 species of birds native to North America. When you travel to different parts of the country, you are likely to encounter a variety of feathered friends different than those typically seen flying around your hometown.

Fishing
For some people, there’s something therapeutic about baiting a hook and casting a line, then waiting to see if a fish bites. Indeed, the fluid motions of fly fishing are almost akin to a ballet. If a locums assignment brings you near a river, lake, or coastline, devote a free morning or afternoon to trying your luck with fishing. Many municipalities sell one-day licenses, and sporting goods stores rent rods. In fact, open-water fishing boats typically have all the gear you will need stored on board.

Hiking
While hiking may be a regular go-to outdoor exercise for a lot of people, being in a new area invites you to explore trails that offer a distinctive environment. Even city walking trails present a variety of scenes that are unique to that community. While you are out on the nature trails, conduct your own wildlife survey, observing and counting the plant, insect, and animal life. Some conservancy and forestry organizations welcome citizens’ input.

Horseback Riding
You don’t have to be an expert equestrian to enjoy an outing on horseback. Find a local stable that’s open to the public to book a morning or evening ride. Seeing a landscape from atop of the majestic animal offers a fresh perspective.

Bike Riding
When is the last time you hopped on a bike for the day? It’s great cardio exercise and an engaging mode of transportation to explore a community. Bike rentals have become a mainstay in many cities and offer the choice between traditional pedal power and e-bikes. These models provide a little electrical assist, making the experience more pleasure than work.

Sunrises and Sunsets
Find a peaceful spot where you can watch either the sunrise or sunset. Marking the beginning or end of the day with a one-of-a-kind sky portrait can reset one’s mood. Star gazing is another relaxing and inspiring activity. Locum tenens contracts in the countryside provide a brighter nighttime canvas than a sky dotted by city lights.

Parks
Don’t just take a walk through a park in your temporary neighborhood, play a game. Cities all over the country have built handball and pickleball courts into their recreational sites. Paddles don’t take up a lot of suitcase space if you want to bring your own, and it’s a great game to work up a sweat. Another fun option is disc golf. Check out the city’s park and recreation department’s website to see if there’s a course nearby, and whether discs are available to rent.

Garden Harvest
The popular farm-to-table movement has encouraged cooks to get more connected to food sources. In addition to shopping at farmers markets, inquire with co-workers if there are nearby farms where you can pick your own fruit and vegetables. If you are more into tasting than prepping meals, sign up for a walking tour of local eateries. These food expeditions typically include a retelling of historical tidbits and local lore.

Sporting Events
You don’t have to be a player to enjoy an evening at the ballpark, football field, or hockey rink. Join the local crowd for minor league games or high school sports. Tickets are far more affordable than the pros, but the competitive spirit is just as fierce and loyal.

Other activities also worth noting include antiquing (some shops will ship items for a fee), home and garden tours, or even renting a dream sports car for a day to live it up. Incorporating locum tenens opportunities into both your professional and personal lives can open the door to any number of new experiences and interests. Satisfying that itch for discovery is yet another tool to battle burnout and uplift your outlook.

To hear more about what can be discovered with locum tenens, call an All Star Healthcare Solutions consultant today at 800-928-0229, or contact us online.

by Jonny Hale

7 Ways to Prepare for Your Next (or First) Locum Tenens Assignment

Congratulations, you have completed All Star Healthcare Solutions’ thorough credentialing process. You shared your goals and objectives with your consultant, who used that information to match you with a locum tenens opportunity. You interviewed with the healthcare facility in need of your skills and were offered the locums position, which you accepted. Before you leave for the airport, however, there are a few details that need tidying up. Taking the time now to resolve these issues will free your focus while on assignment so you can devote your attention to caring for patients.

Scan Documents
Scan or take photos of all your professional documents, including licenses, CV, and certifications. Although you already have submitted these for credentialing and privileging, it’s helpful to bring along an electronic version to locum tenens jobs just in case any follow-up is required.

Check Weather Forecast
Regardless of the season, weather always guides clothing choices. In addition to scrubs or work clothes, you’ll have to plan for downtime options as well as outdoor wear, such as jackets, hats, or rain gear. In fact, weather may dictate how you fill your free time, which is why it helps to know long-term forecasts, so you can pack accordingly.

Wrap Up Work Commitments
If working locums is a side gig in addition to your full-time practice, make sure to completely clear your work calendar. Finalize or delegate any lingering details, so you can concentrate on providing high-quality care while on assignment, and your regular co-workers aren’t left with questions in your absence.

Address Family and Household Commitments
Whether a locum tenens job lasts a few days, weeks, or months, the fact remains that you will be away from home for a while. If there are significant personal occasions happening during the contract, such as birthdays, anniversaries, and school or sporting events, determine beforehand how you and the family wish to handle them. Will you ask for the days off, so you can return home briefly? Will you video call from the assignment? In fact, arranging a dedicated day and time to call home for a routine check-in is an effective way to stay in the know and minimize interruptions while on duty. This is especially helpful when dealing with time zone differences.

If you are leaving behind an empty residence, alert trusted friends or neighbors about your plans and request they keep a vigilant eye on your property, even if you have a smart home security app and cameras. Also, turn off water, make arrangements for a mail hold or forwarding, and put a hold on trash pickup.

Guard Financials
Paying bills electronically or through automatic payments is definitely a convenience for locum tenens professionals. Still, there are a few precautions you can take to safeguard your finances. For example, some individuals open separate checking and credit card accounts for locum tenens purposes. This not only protects personal accounts from potential exposure when traveling, but it’s a convenient method to track income and expenses for tax filings as a locum tenens independent contractor. Additionally, inform your bank or credit card issuer about your assignment dates and location so you can maintain access to the account. Sudden, out-of-town transactions may trigger possible fraud alerts that prompt financial institutions to freeze the card.

Collect Reading Materials
One of the advantages to locum tenens shifts is that once you are done for the day, you have time for yourself that isn’t automatically filled with household projects. Some providers use these periods to catch up on journal reading or continuing medical education (CME) requirements. If that’s your plan, make sure electronic subscriptions are current or that you have all the print materials necessary. If you hope to study during flights, download available materials and save to the device’s desktop so you have access without Wi-Fi.

Bring a Touch of Home
Finally, choose a few small, key items that will make your temporary accommodations feel more personal.

To learn more about the benefits of working locum tenens, call All Star Healthcare Solutions today at 800-928-0229 to speak with one of our knowledgeable consultants, or contact us online.

by Jonny Hale

Questions to Ask When It's Your Turn to Interview Facilities

Whether looking for a locum tenens opportunity or hoping to land a new staff position, job candidates fully anticipate hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare organizations will request an interview before extending a job offer. Even with virtual interviews, these conversations offer employers a glimpse into who you are beyond the CV and if you will fit well into their workplace culture.

However, job interviews should be two-way conversations, and they are a prime opportunity for physicians and advanced practice providers to query recruiters and/or hiring managers. After all, it's just as important for candidates to discern if a potential new workplace meets their expectations.

So, when the facility representative says, "Do you have any questions," that's your chance to take charge of the dialogue.

Do Your Homework
All Star Healthcare Solutions collects as many details about prospective jobs as possible. You will learn about facility size, schedule, call duty, start date, and other specifics pertinent to either the locum tenens or direct-hire position. That said, there's still more you can find out with a little internet research of your own. Look for additional datapoints on patient satisfaction scores, staff accomplishments, or industry and community recognition, for example. Seeking public information ahead of the interview not only helps paint a portrait of the facility but also saves your interview questions for details that are less available and are specifically important to you.

If you haven't interviewed in a while or are unsure what to ask, we've compiled a list of some key sample questions for your consideration.

Locum Tenens Questions

• Why is the position open?
  All Star note: There are multiple reasons why a facility enlists the services of All Star Healthcare Solutions, but the response to this question may indicate how busy the setting is or other circumstances affecting staffing.
• Has the facility, and assigned unit, previously utilized locum tenens professionals?
  All Star note: Knowing this will help providers set expectations and better understand the environment.
• What type of staff support is accessible, including specialty consultants and advanced practice providers?
• What is the average admission rate during call duty?
• What is your electronic medical records (EMR) software, and will I be able to access online training before the assignment start date?

Direct-Hire Questions

• What are the short-term plans for the facility (i.e., adding units, expanding specialty coverage)?
• Will my responsibilities change within a year or two?
  All Star note: This type of question can help individuals judge if the facility's future goals match your own.
• What formal (and informal) professional development programs are available?
• Are there any restrictions on provider moonlighting?
  All Star note: This is a great question to ask if you would like to accept the occasional locum tenens contract.

Additional Questions
The following prompts focus more on workplace culture, and apply to either locum tenens or direct-hire jobs.

• How would you describe the management style of the organization and the unit?
• What type of wellness programs are offered to staff?
  All Star note: Burnout among providers runs high, and more organizations are aiding staff in enhancing their mental health. Although not a precise gauge, the answer to this question could suggest the level of support available and whether it meets your hopes for a future employer.
• What does orientation/onboarding cover?
  All Star note: Answers will probably differ between locum tenens and direct-hire opportunities.
• What do new employees find surprising about working here?
• What is your favorite part of working at this facility and living in this community?
  All Star note: This is a great question to wrap up with because it's your chance to hear firsthand what a staff member values about the facility.

All Star consultants are also available to advise on how to handle the interview process. To speak with a dedicated consultant from our Locums Division or Direct Hire Division, call 800-928-0229, or contact us online.

by Jonny Hale

4 Ways Working Locum Tenens Can Refresh Your Professional Perspective

Think back to when you decided to pursue a career in medicine; what was your driving reason? Were you intrigued with the science of diagnosing and treating illnesses? Did you like the idea of helping people in need? Perhaps the profession as a whole appealed to you, from the education and training, to the daily work and patient interactions, to the earning potential.

How do you feel about a career in medicine today? Do you still experience those same levels of enthusiasm you did in school or residency? For some providers, the answer is a resounding yes. But for others, the non-clinical aspects consume more of your attention than you like because they take you way from the practice elements you enjoy the most.

How would you like to rearrange your on-the-job responsibilities so you can once again focus on those elements that deliver the most professional satisfaction? Locum tenens offers physicians and advanced practitioners a career alternative that can revive and refresh your professional perspective.

Break from Routine
Following the same daily routine has its benefits in that you know what to expect and can plan around it. Experiencing the same day-to-day schedule also can become too predictable, even a little lackluster for some people. Introduce a new energy to your professional life with locum tenens. Whether you opt to do it on a full-time basis or once in a while, locums contracts offer a sense of newness—new schedule, new setting, new co-workers, and new patients.

Change of Scenery
Not only do locum tenens jobs provide a break from the routine, they introduce you to various clinical settings. Entering an unfamiliar facility oftentimes injects a bit of professional excitement—after all, you are starting a new job even if it is on a limited basis. Learning the facility’s specifics can be stimulating on its own. But you also have the opportunity to observe the nuances of medicine in the setting, compare how it differs with what you are accustomed to, and combine the best practices of both to provide the highest quality care to those in need.

“Everywhere you go there’s a different environment, a different culture, and different tools that are available at any point in time to diagnosis and solve problems. So, I’ve found my locums work very rewarding," says Michael Plotnick, MD, FACOG, an obstetrician/gynecologist, who has been practicing more than 35 years and is a member of the All Star Physicians Advisory Board.

Of course, a change of scenery applies to living arrangements, too. Temporarily relocating can awaken a personal interest in discovering one’s surroundings.

"Working as a locums doctor, to me, means having a window to the world: to travel; to visit new places; and to enjoy being in new places," says Khalil Nemou, MD, an internal medicine specialist and Physician Advisory Board member who has partnered with All Star Healthcare Solutions since 2019.

Focus on Patient Care
Year after year, physician surveys reinforce the fact that doctors believe they spend too much time attending to non-clinical responsibilities. Locum tenens opportunities at hospitals, outpatient clinics, or multispecialty private groups typically offer a reprieve from many of these administrative duties. This freedom empowers clinicians to concentrate on patient care, which, in fact, was the incentive for many individuals to choose healthcare careers.

Schedule Flexibility
Sometimes taking time off from work can be an effective treatment plan to boost professional satisfaction. Providers who make locum tenens a career choice are able to exert more control over their schedules, from accepting brief assignments that last a weekend or a few days to longer opportunities that could run weeks or months.

Equally important is the choice to take time off between contracts. These breaks could be used for vacation getaways as well as to rejuvenate yourself, physically and emotionally. Days away from the clinical setting could be used to catch up on household and family duties, journal reading and CMEs, or simply to relax before returning to work with a refreshed mindset. The value of locums is that you are the primary decision-maker for how your schedule is set.

If you would like to learn more about the many benefits of locum tenens practice, call 800-928-0229 to speak with an All Star Healthcare Solutions consultant at, or contact us online today.

by Jonny Hale

All Star Celebrates 2022 National Healthcare Recruiter Recognition Day

As we celebrate National Healthcare Recruiter Recognition Day today, June 7, we express our deepest gratitude and appreciation for our healthcare recruiters — or as they’re better known, our All Star consultants. It is both a privilege and an honor to work with these amazing individuals who demonstrate absolute dedication with every interaction because they genuinely care about the providers and facilities — and by extension, the patients — we serve.

In 1991, Congress designated the first Tuesday in June each year as National Healthcare Recruiter Recognition Day in acknowledgement of the professionals who ensure facilities are staffed with skilled and experienced clinicians. All Star Healthcare Solutions’ consultants play a pivotal role in enhancing patient care nationwide.

Our signature “Red Carpet” Service means every All Star consultant, in both our Locums and Direct Hire Divisions, is committed to going above and beyond the expected for our providers and clients. Our consultants develop authentic, typically longstanding relationships with the physicians and advanced practitioners we work with, which helps us better match them to jobs that meet their professional and personal goals. Similarly, our consultants closely partner with our client facilities, which include hospitals, clinics, health systems, and other healthcare organizations, to learn about their unique needs, requirements, and communities, so we can better support them when presenting quality candidates. These extraordinary connections, especially over the past several years, are what make healthcare recruiters and their vital role so special.

Thank you, All Star consultants, for your hard work and dedication toward making a positive impact every day. We appreciate you and all you do!

If being part of a fun and caring culture, the option to work remotely, professional development, and meaningful work appeal to you, click here to visit our All Star Careers page. To learn more about our signature “Red Carpet” Service, and our locum tenens and direct hire staffing services, call 800-928-0229, or contact us online.

by Jonny Hale

Making the Move from Part-time to Full-time Locum Tenens

One of the benefits of working locum tenens is that you can fit opportunities into your lifestyle. For physicians and advanced practice providers who only wish to occasionally supplement their careers with a temporary job outside their primary employment, locum tenens is the answer. Take advantage of contracts that range from long weekends to maybe a week or two if that’s all the time your schedule allows.

Or you can turn locum tenens practice into a lifestyle if you’ve enjoyed the prospect of exercising more control over your schedule, traveling to multiple locations, and caring for various patient populations and wish to do it on a regular basis.

However, choosing locum tenens as a career alternative does differ from accepting the occasional assignment. Here are a few personal and professional factors to review before initiating the transition from part-time to full-time locums.

Financial Planning
Supplementing one’s income oftentimes motivates clinicians to moonlight via locum tenens jobs. It’s a great way to generate extra funds, but when it becomes your primary source of income, there’s more to calculate and plan for. As a full-time locum tenens professional, you have the luxury of deciding assignment frequency along with how much time you take off between jobs, which can affect cash flow. Of course, a monthly budget helps determine your household’s costs, so you can plan accordingly. Be sure to add in amounts for unexpected expenditures, fun cash, and to cover bills incurred during breaks between assignments.

Insurance Coverage
Personal insurance premiums are another expense to add into the budget. Transitioning to the locums lifestyle means adopting an independent contractor status, which requires you to arrange for insurance coverage through a spouse’s employer, private policy, or your state’s ACA marketplace if available. All Star Healthcare Solutions covers liability insurance for all providers while they are fulfilling contracts.

Personal Commitments
Deciding to practice locum tenens full time typically involves longer assignments than when trying to fit them into a calendar already filled with shifts as a staff member. Then again, if you want to stick with shorter contracts, that’s still an option, or you could accept a mixture of quick and long-term opportunities. Locums provides that flexibility.

Whatever your scheduling preferences, be sure to account for personal obligations. For example, clinicians with a family should think about how long you wish to be away for work as well as how long you wish to be home between contracts. Inform your All Star consultant of any important dates (birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, etc.) for which you want to be home. Don’t forget about vacation planning and any volunteer or community obligations for which you need to be present. The more information you can share with your consultant, with plenty of notice, the better schedule accommodations can be made.

If you live alone and anticipate being away on assignment for several weeks or longer, then weigh your options regarding house sitters or asking a trusted friend to keep an eye on the home front. Note: For tips on handling pet care responsibilities, read our blog “Should Your Pet Go on a Locums Assignment with You?”

Practice Parameters
For quick assignments, did you stay closer to home and limit travel? Did you specify wanting to practice in similar clinical settings as your permanent position to capitalize on familiarity? Now, do you wish to broaden those parameters when switching to full-time locum tenens jobs? The decision is yours. Discuss all criteria with your All Star consultant, so they can find the best job matches for you.

Look Into Licenses
Because you’ve already accepted periodic locum tenens opportunities with All Star, all the upfront vetting and credentialing work has been completed, which puts you ahead in the process. However, if you are looking forward to broadening your locum tenens experiences to other regions of the country, then initiate the specific state licensing application as soon as possible. All Star’s licensing specialists will guide you through the steps.

Yet another great thing about doing locum tenens is that you always choose your next move. Whether you look forward to a fresh assignment, hope to return to a favorite facility, or consider settling into your next staff position at some point, All Star remains ready to assist.

To speak with an All Star Healthcare Solutions consultant, call 800-928-0229, or contact us online, today!

by Jonny Hale