Locum Tenens Staffing Solutions in the Southwest: A 2026 Regional Guide
How hospitals in AZ, NV, NM, and TX use locum tenens staffing to close coverage gaps, maintain care continuity, and control labor costs in 2026.
8 min read
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Insights for facilities & clinicians
Practical, long-form guides on locum tenens staffing, credentialing compliance, and healthcare recruitment — written for decision-makers.
Industry Research Highlights
AAMC 2023
Projected 37,800–124,000 physician shortage by 2034
NALTO
7 in 10 hospitals use locum tenens to maintain clinical operations
Staff Care/AMN
50,000+ active locum physicians generating $3.5B+ in annual industry revenue
AMA 2023
50%+ of physicians report burnout symptoms, driving early retirement and locum adoption
Chartis Center
136 rural hospitals closed 2010-2023; 30% of remaining rural hospitals at financial risk
MGMA 2023
Each unfilled physician vacancy costs hospitals $500,000–$1M in recruitment + lost revenue
Quick-Reference Guides
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Locum tenens credentialing checklist: primary-source verification, NPDB queries, Joint Commission compliance, and expedited IMLC licensing.
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Read articleMedical Staffing Glossary
Locum Tenens
Latin: 'holding the place.' Temporary physician coverage for vacancies, surges, or leaves.
PSV (Primary Source Verification)
Validating credentials directly with the issuing institution, per Joint Commission MS.06.01.03.
IMLC
Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. 44-state pathway for expedited multi-state physician licensing.
NPDB
National Practitioner Data Bank. Federal repository of malpractice payments and adverse actions.
Tail Coverage
Extended Reporting Period endorsement protecting against post-assignment malpractice claims.
FPPE
Focused Professional Practice Evaluation. Mandatory 90-day quality review for all new hospital privileges.
CAH
Critical Access Hospital. Rural facilities <25 beds receiving enhanced Medicare reimbursement.
EMTALA
Emergency Medical Treatment & Labor Act. Federal mandate requiring emergency screening for all patients at Medicare-participating facilities.