Top 5 items to ask for in your locum tenens agreement

Locum tenens is a type of temporary medical staffing where healthcare professionals work in a facility on a short-term basis to fill in for absent or on-leave permanent staff. As a locum tenens provider, it is important to have a clear understanding of the terms and conditions of any agreement before accepting any assignments. 

Maintaining a positive working relationship with a recruiter is critical since they will be their primary point of contact during their locum tenens assignment. They must consider their recruiter a “go-to” person for guidance and help with all parts of their job search. Before agreeing to an interview or accepting a position, one must consider the top 5 things to ask their recruiter.    

• Housing Facilities   

While on assignment, staying at a hotel accommodating extended visitors is standard practice. If they need to remain for an extended period, they might request a fully furnished apartment instead of a hotel room. Specific organizations may assist them with a housing allowance if they have a family who can take them in or if they prefer to locate their own house. In certain situations, the housing may include lodgings, such as a company-owned apartment or a hostel. It would help if a physician also asked for permission in case they wanted to bring their pets.  

• Compensation figures   

A recruiter will often begin the conversation by asking what wage range a physician is interested in. If a physician leaves permanent employment, their hourly income may increase. one must  Keep in mind that the price is affected not only by the location and ability of the service provider but also by the state in which they live. The states with the most financial stability also have the greatest needs. Inquire about shift surcharges to guarantee they’re adequately compensated for working late hours, holidays, and overtime. Thus, it is crucial to ask for the compensation figures to be clearly stated in the agreement.  

• Licenses   

They may rely on their recruiter to guide them through applying for a new license at the state level. Most hospitals, however, need proof of a legitimate license to practice in their state before even considering asking them for an interview. Demands are usually time-sensitive, and they don’t want to wait months for their license to become active. However, other states have high demand but a quick licensing system, so individuals are ready to wait. Locum Tenen should determine whether they will be reimbursed for the cost of a state license if they are required to pay for it in advance and intend to accept a job offer in that state.

• Restrictive covenants   

Restrictive covenants limit a physician’s ability to practice medicine in a specific geographic region or inside the confines of a single building. There is a large degree of variance across jurisdictions due to being regulated at the state level. Non-compete clauses are usually assumed to be unenforceable by residents and fellows. Fair non-compete limits are legal in some jurisdictions, including New York and New Jersey. When determining what is fair, the courts consider the breadth (the services provided), length (the period covered), and geographical restrictions. Thus it is always advisable to ask for such clear terms in an agreement. 

• Cancellation and termination policies 

One must find out what the agency’s policies are for canceling or terminating an assignment. It is important to understand what the agency’s policy is for canceling an assignment, in case of unforeseen circumstances and what the termination policy is for both the agency and the physician. 

In summary, by asking for these items in a locum tenens agreement, one will have a clear understanding of the terms and conditions of your assignment, which will help to ensure that their experience as a locum tenens provider is a positive one. It is always better to have a written agreement for all the terms that have been agreed upon.