Bill Overview
Title: Health Care Provider Shortage Minimization Act of 2022
Description: This bill generally exempts qualified locum tenens physicians and advanced care practitioners from employment taxes. The bill defines qualified locum tenens physicians and advanced care practitioners as individuals who provide temporary physician or advanced care practitioner services for not more than one continuous year at a site of service. Such individuals include doctors of medicine, dentistry, podiatry, and other specified health care providers.
Sponsors: Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1]
Target Audience
Population: Temporary healthcare providers (locum tenens physicians and advanced care practitioners) worldwide
Estimated Size: 75000
- The bill focuses on locum tenens physicians and advanced care practitioners, who are temporary medical providers.
- These individuals work in healthcare facilities short-term, filling in gaps where there's a lack of permanent providers.
- The estimated number of locum tenens physicians working globally in various healthcare systems is significant as many countries face healthcare provider shortages.
- Advanced care practitioners such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants are also included, contributing to the broader impact.
Reasoning
- The policy targets locum tenens physicians and advanced care practitioners, aiming to alleviate tax burdens which could encourage more professionals to enter or remain in the locum tenens market.
- The policy has a direct financial impact on these medical professionals, potentially increasing their net income and incentifying work in underserved areas.
- Given the U.S. demand for locum tenens in rural and underserved areas, the policy could improve healthcare services access where there are shortages.
- Not all locum tenens will be affected equally. For some, the tax exemption may significantly improve their financial situation, while for others, the impact might be minimal depending on their existing financial structure.
- Considering the AmericanTargetEstimate, we must focus on a diverse range of professionals, including physicians and advanced care practitioners, to cover a broad spectrum of potential impacts.
Simulated Interviews
Locum Tenens Emergency Physician (Rural Louisiana)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy would greatly benefit my income, making it easier for me to continue working in underserved locations.
- The tax exemption could allow more flexible scheduling since I won't have to take additional jobs to cover tax liabilities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
Locum Tenens Nurse Practitioner (Suburban California)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.5 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The tax policy will not drastically change my financial situation but any increase in take-home pay is welcome.
- It's a positive step to recognize the contributions of temporary healthcare workers like us.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Podiatrist (Non-Locum Tenens) (Urban New York)
Age: 56 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy doesn't impact me as I have never considered locum tenens work.
- While it's great for those working temporary jobs, there's no direct effect on my practice.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Locum Tenens Physician Assistant (Atlanta, Georgia)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy will make entry-level locum work more attractive financially.
- I might consider staying as a locum longer due to these financial benefits.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
General Dentist (Phoenix, Arizona)
Age: 48 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.5 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe this tax exemption will significantly improve my locum work income.
- The financial benefit is substantial enough that it might encourage more part-time locums to work more frequently.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Locum Tenens Pediatrician (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The tax relief is a great acknowledgment of our work, and it makes a difference in my budget.
- I see this policy as a motivating factor to continue serving high-need areas.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Permanent Family Medicine Doctor (Dallas, Texas)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- No direct impact on my work, but I appreciate efforts to improve healthcare delivery.
- Policies that support healthcare workers are generally positive for the field.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Locum Tenens Orthopedic Surgeon (Seattle, Washington)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.5 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy will increase my net earnings, allowing more financial flexibility in my locum work.
- Such initiatives might encourage others to take on locum roles even in challenging regions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Permanent Nurse Practitioner (Miami, Florida)
Age: 46 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While the policy is important for locum workers, it doesn't affect my current role.
- Efforts to support temporary healthcare workers could indirectly benefit the healthcare system and potentially my practice.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Locum Tenens Psychiatrist (Houston, Texas)
Age: 31 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a locum tenens, the tax exemption will ease financial stress particularly significant in rural practice zones.
- It's likely to have a positive influence on my willingness to travel to underserved regions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $686250000 (Low: $600000000, High: $775000000)
Year 2: $686250000 (Low: $600000000, High: $775000000)
Year 3: $686250000 (Low: $600000000, High: $775000000)
Year 5: $686250000 (Low: $600000000, High: $775000000)
Year 10: $686250000 (Low: $600000000, High: $775000000)
Year 100: $686250000 (Low: $600000000, High: $775000000)
Key Considerations
- The policy primarily affects temporary healthcare providers and has implications for tax revenues.
- Implementation might increase the availability of healthcare providers in underserved areas.
- Estimations are sensitive to the actual number of qualified temporary healthcare providers.