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119-hr-8347119th CongressWALLET

RURAL Healthcare Act

Sponsored By: Representative Owens, Burgess [R-UT-4]

In Committee

Summary

Classifies certain locum tenens clinicians as independent contractors under the Fair Labor Standards Act and the National Labor Relations Act. It would let qualifying temporary physicians and advanced practice clinicians be treated as non-employees to support staffing flexibility in underserved, rural, and local health settings.

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  • Clinicians: Qualifying locum tenens professionals and advanced care practitioners would be treated as independent contractors if they provide temporary services for not more than one continuous year at a single site and have a written contract stating they are not employees.
  • Rural and local health providers: Hospitals and clinics could more easily hire temporary physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and certified registered nurse anesthetists for coverage and scheduling needs.
  • Labor law effects: For FLSA and NLRA purposes those qualifying individuals would not be employees, which changes how federal wage rules and collective bargaining rights apply.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

New rule for temporary clinicians

This bill would treat certain temporary clinicians as independent contractors for two federal labor laws. It would apply to physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and certified registered nurse anesthetists. The rule would only apply when services last no more than one continuous year at a single site. It would also require a written contract stating the clinician will not be treated as an employee. This would help hospitals and clinics hire temporary staff more easily. It would also remove employee protections under the FLSA and NLRA for covered clinicians.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Owens, Burgess [R-UT-4]

UT • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Grothman, Glenn [R-WI-6]

    WI • R

    Sponsored 6/9/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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