FACILITATE LOCUM TENENS PHYSICIANS.

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View NCGA Bill Details2011-2012 Session
House Bill 666 (Public) Filed Wednesday, April 6, 2011
TO AMEND THE INSURANCE LAWS IN ORDER TO FACILITATE THE USE OF LOCUM TENENS PHYSICIANS TO ENSURE NORTH CAROLINA'S MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS ARE CAPABLE OF SERVING THE STATE'S EXPANDING POPULATION.
Intro. by Justice, Hollo.

Status: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate (Senate Action) (Jun 8 2011)
H 666

Bill Summaries:

  • Summary date: Jun 7 2011 - View Summary

    House committee substitute makes the following changes to 1st edition. Amends proposed GS 58-3-231(b) to remove the requirement that a locum tenens physician be credentialed by the insurer prior to substituting for a regular physician before an insurer allows a patient’s regular physician to submit a claim and receive payment for covered visit services that a regular physician or a locum tenens agency arranges to be provided by a locum tenens physician. Makes other clarifying and technical changes.


  • Summary date: Apr 6 2011 - View Summary

    Enacts new GS 58-3-231, requiring an insurer that provides a health benefit plan and that credentials providers to establish and maintain a process to allow a patient’s regular physician to submit a claim and, if accepted, receive payment for covered visits provided by a locum tenens physician, provided seven requirements are met. Defines locum tenens physician as a physician who is not an employee of the regular physician, but substitutes for the physician on a temporary basis. Includes definitions for additional terms used in the statute. Permits a medical group or hospital to submit claims for a locum tenens physician substituting for a regular physician who is a member of the medical group or an employee of the hospital, provided the seven requirements are met. Specifies that per diem or similar fee-for-time compensation paid for the locum tenens physician is considered paid by the regular physician. Sets forth additional criteria for billing, substituting for a regular physician, and locum tenens agencies. Directs insurers to establish the claim and payment process within 180 days after the act becomes effective. Effective October 1, 2011.