A bill currently under consideration in the New York State Legislature could significantly impact the locum tenens industry, and it’s one every healthcare staffing agency should be monitoring closely.
Understanding the Legislation
New York Bill S5150A/A8700 proposes revisions to Article 29-K of the Public Health Law, which governs the oversight of temporary healthcare services agencies. While the bill aims to improve transparency and accountability within the industry, an important amendment proposed by State Senator Leroy Comrie would ensure that locum tenens agencies placing licensed physicians remain exempt from this framework.
This amendment would maintain a clear and appropriate distinction between physician staffing and other types of temporary healthcare services, avoiding unnecessary regulatory overlap.
Why This Amendment Matters
Without the proposed carve-out, physician staffing agencies, including those placing locum tenens clinicians, would face duplicative registration and reporting requirements. These additional administrative burdens do little to enhance patient care and risk reducing the flexibility and responsiveness that are hallmarks of the locum tenens model.
The amendment provides a balanced solution:
- It preserves transparency within the industry.
- It eliminates duplicative regulation that could hinder the placement of high-quality physicians.
- It affirms that Article 29-K does not apply to agencies placing licensed physicians, clarifying the regulatory scope for all involved.
Locum Tenens Are a Critical Healthcare Resource
Locum tenens providers play an essential role in New York’s healthcare ecosystem. They ensure continuity of care during staffing shortages, fill critical gaps in rural and underserved areas, and help facilities respond to seasonal and unexpected needs. These physicians are already subject to rigorous licensure and credentialing standards, and their placement is governed by existing regulatory and contractual frameworks.
Applying Article 29-K’s provisions to this distinct segment of the workforce would impose redundant requirements that don’t enhance care delivery, but could limit timely access to experienced physicians.
By supporting the amendment to S5150A/A8700, lawmakers can protect New York’s access to flexible, high-quality physician coverage, ensuring that patients receive the care they need when and where they need it most.
Take Action: Use Our Pre-Drafted Statement
To help you advocate for this critical legislation, we’ve prepared a sample statement that you can share with legislators. It outlines the importance of the amendment and its implications for healthcare access, especially in underserved communities.
Together, we can ensure that locum tenens providers remain a strong, effective part of New York’s healthcare infrastructure.
