H.R. 8272: To classify qualified locum tenens professionals and advanced care practitioners as independent contractors for the purposes of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 and the National Labor Relations Act.
This bill aims to change how certain healthcare professionals are classified under two federal laws: the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 and the National Labor Relations Act. The main focus is on individuals known as qualified locum tenens professionals and advanced care practitioners.
Key Provisions
- Classification as Independent Contractors: The bill specifies that qualified locum tenens professionals and advanced care practitioners will be regarded as independent contractors rather than employees when they provide temporary services on behalf of a healthcare entity. This applies even when they are filling in for another provider.
- Definition of Qualified Professionals: A qualified locum tenens professional or advanced care practitioner is defined in two main ways:
- They must provide temporary medical services, which can include covering for workers on leave, adjusting schedules, or filling staffing gaps.
- This service must be for a maximum of one continuous year at a single location, and they must have a written agreement stating that they will not be treated as an employee for these services.
- Eligible Professions: The professionals covered by this bill are defined as:
- Doctors, based on specific definitions in the Social Security Act and U.S. Code.
- Advanced care practitioners such as nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and certified registered nurse anesthetists.
Impact of the Bill
By classifying these healthcare professionals as independent contractors, this bill may influence their access to certain employment benefits and protections typically extended to employees. This includes implications for minimum wage laws, overtime pay, and labor relations protections established under the Fair Labor Standards Act and the National Labor Relations Act.
Conclusion
The intent of this legislation is to clarify the employment status of qualified locum tenens professionals and advanced care practitioners, thereby potentially enabling more flexible staffing solutions for healthcare providers.
Relevant Companies
- HCA Healthcare (HCA): As a large provider of healthcare services, HCA Healthcare could be directly impacted by this bill, as it frequently employs locum tenens professionals to address staffing shortages.
- UnitedHealth Group (UNH): This company, which provides a variety of healthcare services, may also be affected as it utilizes advanced care practitioners in its practice, potentially benefiting from flexibility in workforce management.
- Amgen (AMGN): As a biopharmaceutical company that collaborates with various healthcare providers, changes in how healthcare practitioners are classified could influence its operational strategies, particularly in the use of healthcare professionals for trial phases or temporary staffing solutions.
This is an AI-generated summary of the bill text. There may be mistakes.
Sponsors
1 sponsor
Actions
2 actions
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Apr. 14, 2026 | Introduced in House |
| Apr. 14, 2026 | Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. |
Corporate Lobbying
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