Bill aims to address healthcare professional shortage in rural communities

Congressman Earl L. "Buddy" Carter, along with Congressmen Dan Crenshaw, Neal Dunn, Randy Weber, and Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, has introduced the Health Care Provider Shortage Minimization Act. This legislative effort aims to address the shortage of health care professionals in underserved and rural areas.

The bill focuses on the role of locum tenens—temporary physicians and practitioners who fill staffing gaps in hospitals. These gaps can occur due to various reasons such as permanent staff taking leave or ongoing workforce shortages. The proposed legislation seeks to formalize the status of locum tenens as independent contractors, enabling them to continue providing medical services across the country.

According to a 2019 study, around 85% of hospitals and other health care facilities have employed locum tenens doctors. The Health Care Provider Shortage Minimization Act is designed to ensure that these temporary professionals can remain a vital part of addressing healthcare needs nationwide.