The National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations applauded proposed legislation to ensure locum tenens physicians will be classified as independent contractors.

The bill, called the “Health Care Provider Shortage Minimization Act,” was introduced earlier this month by US Representatives Earl “Buddy” Carter, R-Georgia, and Neal Dunn, R-Florida.

“Locum tenens provide critical care to patients, especially in rural and underserviced communities,” Carter said in a press release. “By allowing these essential healthcare workers to maintain their status as independent contractors, we will be able to keep qualified doctors in the workforce and support patients across the country when they seek care.”

NALTO said the bill codifies locum tenens physicians’ status as independent contractors.

“NALTO appreciates Congressman Carter’s and Congressman Dunn’s support to help ensure accesses to physicians and other healthcare providers, especially in hard-to-access rural communities,” NALTO President Matt Young said in a press release. “This bill strengthens the ability of doctors and advanced care practitioners to provide on-the-spot care in a variety of settings, including hospitals, surgery centers, clinics and other medical facilities in all areas of the United States.”

Locum Tenens providers are especially important for undeserved areas like rural communities, the Veterans Administration and Indian Health Services, Young said.