Rep. Owens Introduces RURAL Healthcare Act to Secure Healthcare Staffing for Rural Communities

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Burgess Owens (UT-04) introduced the Reinforcing Underserved, Rural and Local (RURAL Healthcare) Act today. 

This bill would permanently protect the independent contractor status of locum tenens physicians and advanced practitioners under the Fair Labor Standards Act and the National Labor Relations Act, and prevent any lapse in staffing, especially in rural and underserved areas.

The Latin term locum tenens means “to hold the place” refers to clinicians who provide temporary medical services in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. This short-term staffing plays a critical role in maintaining continuity of care for Americans who may live long distances from hospitals or clinics.

The United States is projected to be short up to 139,000 physicians and advanced practitioners by 2033. Over the course of the next decade, nearly a third of US doctors are on track for retirement. 

“Rural America is what keeps the United States strong. It is home to those who are up well before the sun to make sure there is food on our shelves and meat in our freezers.” Rep. Owens said. “We need to ensure that the physicians who help serve our rural communities are protected and their ability to fill in for each other isn’t hindered. My RURAL Healthcare Act ensures these clinicians working as independent contractors can continue filling in on these critical rural shifts and save lives and care for those in rural America.”

“With provider shortages intensifying nationwide, healthcare systems cannot afford to lose access to clinicians who are willing and able to serve where they’re needed most,” said Leslie Snavely, CEO of CHG Healthcare, headquartered in Midvale, Utah. “Locum tenens physicians deliver vital care to millions of patients every year, particularly in rural communities. Recognizing their independent status helps protect a labor model that is foundational to sustaining access to care when and where it matters most.”

“America is facing a growing shortage of doctors and healthcare professionals. Our ability to fill gaps in the system benefits those most in need and supports ‘Care in Place’ – providing healthcare access where and when it is needed. Representative Owens’ bill furthers this mission and empowers healthcare professionals to serve more communities.” Jarin Dana, Chief Financial Officer of Fusion Healthcare Staffing, headquartered in Sandy, Utah.

Background:

This industry emerged from pioneering work in the 1970s at the Health Systems Research Institute in Salt Lake City, where Dr. Therus Kolff sought to develop a solution to help rural doctors who needed time to keep up with continuing education, take a vacation, or find relief from burnout. 

In these often remote areas, any lapse in care would result in patients having to drive long distances to find access to even basic care.

The ongoing debates around independent contractor and gig-worker classifications have created regulatory uncertainty. In some cases, state laws like California’s AB5, have led to staffing issues and reduced placement of providers at healthcare facilities. The RURAL Healthcare Act seeks to ensure that short-term physicians and advanced practitioners can still work to fill critical staffing gaps without regulatory uncertainty.

###