Dos and don’ts for credentialing and assessing locum tenens providers

As the physician shortage increases, locum tenens physicians often are the saving grace of short-staffed hospitals. However, these traveling physicians come with their own unique set of risks that every medical staff leader and MSP should be aware of.

First, the majority of locum tenens physicians contract with hospitals through an agency. Therefore, if a locum tenens does not perform up to par or commits an egregious act, the hospital where he or she is currently working can simply terminate the contract and inform the agency. Because the physician wasn’t at the hospital long enough to become a medical staff member, he or she is not afforded due process or the right to a fair hearing.

This is an excerpt from a members-only article. Please log in or become a member to read the complete article.