A benefit of working through an agency for a locum tenens position is malpractice insurance. In some states, such as Florida, it is mandatory for nurse practitioners to carry liability insurance. Even if it’s not mandatory, it is something locum tenens nurse practitioners should all desire to have. Since working in locum tenens is fast paced and you aren’t as familiar with a patient as their primary care provider, this leaves room for more risk.
Once I begin an assignment, I always ask for a copy of my malpractice insurance (provided by the agency or site). Then I make sure to update my CAQH profile with the liability insurance information. The reason for this is because when you accept a new assignment; sometimes the site will need all of your previous liability insurance information for credentialing. They need to verify that you do not have any current or previous claims.
Sometimes it’s annoying having to provide copies of a dozen different malpractice insurance policies. But having them already saved in a work file makes it convenient to find when needed.
I am sometimes asked if I carry my own malpractice insurance in addition to the ones provided by the agencies. The answer is no. I don’t see a need to spend a few extra thousand dollars for something I already have. Also, keep in mind the liability insurance provided is often for the entire year and not just the length of your assignment. For any specific questions about your liability insurance through the agency, be sure to clarify with your recruiter.
Do the malpractice policies offered by the agency had a tail?
No
So your locum agencies and/or practice sites do not help update your CAQH profile at all? Some of the specifics that CAQH requires about practice locations are quite detailed and are difficult to know on your own, which is why there is the ability for a practice manager to sign in. Do you have any luck getting your site managers to complete this? If so, I would think that the malpractice insurance information would be part of that information. Even so, I think it is still a good idea to request a copy.
Sometimes the Credentialing person from the agency will add your work site on the CAQH but most of the time they will ask you to update it.
Do u stay 30 days then return home ? Or every two weeks?