Message from the Program Manager
Dear Valued Physicians and Partners,
LRBC prides itself on providing robust concierge services. We strive to provide the support required so that hosts and locums can plan their assignments with ease. Whether it is posting assignments, applying for vacancy days, or answering questions regarding travel itineraries, our team is available to provide support and directions for a smooth process.
In April, the LRBC team moved into a staffing model creating designated teams engaging with each health authority. This new model has been successful in creating efficiencies and streamlining communication processes. We recognize the importance of building strong relationships with all our partners so that we can understand their unique needs and provide the best service possible.
Below you will find information regarding welcomed policy changes, program updates, program evaluation, and reminders for the upcoming 24-25 fiscal year.
As this year comes to an end, we reflect on our collective work with a sense of pride in our accomplishments. Looking ahead, we are excited to continue improving processes and procedures and deepening our partnerships.
Thank you for your support of the rural locum programs. On behalf of the team at LRBC, you have our ongoing commitment to work with and support you, our members, and partners in providing high quality care across British Columbia.
Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday and all the very best for the New Year!
As always, we encourage you to connect with us to ask questions or share your feedback. Please feel free to contact me at tracyd@locumsruralbc.ca or call (604)-306-1652.
Policy: New Daily Rates/ Gas reimbursement
We are pleased to announce that starting January 1, 2024, there will be increases to both mileage reimbursement and an increase to daily rates across four programs, Rural General Practitioner Locum Program (RGPLP), Rural Specialist Locum Program (RSLP), Rural General Practitioner Anesthesia Locum Program (RGPALP), and Rural Family Medicine Enhanced Surgical Skills OB Locum Program (RESSO).
The Joint Standing Committee (JSC) has announced new increases to daily rates. Locums with January 1, 2024, assignment start dates will be paid at the community daily rate plus $375/day. This applies to the RGPLP, RSLP, GPA, and RESSO programs. The RSLP will now also be receiving the Rural Retention Program (RRP) Fee Premium on A & B designated communities.
Reimbursement for mileage will be increasing to $.61 per kilometer. This new rate will be applied to assignments that have a start date on or after January 1, 2024.
RESSO
RESSO was implemented as a pilot program on July 1, 2023, and will run until March 31, 2025. This program provides locum assistance support to family practice physicians who provide obstetrical surgical services in RSA communities, for the purpose of taking time off for vacation and CME. Eligible communities are allotted 35 days of locum assistance per position with each locum assignment being for a minimum of 2-days in duration.
Targeted communication was sent to approximately 30 physicians in 17 RSA communities identified by the Ministry of Health as eligible to use the RESSO program.
During this pilot phase, LRBC administration of the RESSO program will be “manual” using PDF forms and applications.
If you or someone you know is interested in providing locum assistance under this program, please contact LRBC directly by email or telephone.
More information on RESSO can also be found here.
Host Physicians Locum Allotment Days
As we near the end of the 2023-24 fiscal year, we encourage all host physicians to use any remaining days to take time away to rest and recharge. If you are unsure of how many days you have left, one of our team members would be happy to assist you. Unused host days cannot be carried over to the next fiscal. Please email us at info@locumsruralbc.ca or call our toll-free number at 1.877.357.4757.
Longitudinal Family Physician payment (LFP)
The Longitudinal Family Physician payment model was introduced earlier this year by the Ministry of Health.
LRBC locums who are working through the RGPLP, can choose the LFP payment model instead of receiving the daily rate if the LRBC host physician is signed up for LFP. The locum will still receive a travel time honorarium and travel expense reimbursement. The locum and host must inform LRBC prior to the assignment commencing that they will be using the LFP payment model, and the payment model option cannot change once the assignment has started.
System Development
The introduction of online form submission was implemented April 1, 2023, for RGPLP and RSLP after a trial period with GPA. Locums now submit their Assignment of Payment, Expense Claims, and Daily Rate/Travel Time Honorarium through their online LRBC account. This new paperless system was designed to make form submission more efficient and organized.
As with all new system implementations, there were a few additional improvements identified along the way. Based on locum feedback, we made improvements to auto-population features such as contact information, community, and assignment dates to create a more time efficient process. There will be other associated improvements coming in the new year.
Evaluation
On April 1, 2022, LRBC implemented a new survey platform using Survey Monkey. As part of ongoing monitoring and evaluation, LRBC sends an online survey to participating locum and host physicians. This feedback is used by LRBC to ensure all quality standards are being met and to highlight areas that require improvement. We truly appreciate everyone who takes the time to complete their survey.
Overall satisfaction using Locums for Rural BC
*The diagram displayed above refers to an evaluation period of FY 2022-23.
LRBC was impacted by a cyber-security incident earlier this year which resulted in downtime for the LRBC website and reduced ability to implement some of the improvements recommended by our members. Once our website is fully restored, we look forward to actioning these recommendations. From our current survey responses, we are happy to report we have a high overall satisfaction.
Meet Our Team
Please come say hello to one of our team members if you happen to be at:
- The Rural & Remote 2024 conference in Edmonton, Alberta, April 18-20, 2024
- The BC Rural Health conference in Whistler, BC, May 24-26, 2024.
We look forward to meeting with you!
What We're Sharing
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Locums for Rural BC BC recognizes and acknowledges that all provincial public health opportunities and facilities are located on the ancestral and unceded territories of the Indigenous Peoples of British Columbia. As visitors, we feel it’s important to acknowledge the importance of these lands, which we each call home. We reaffirm our commitment and responsibility to improving our own understanding of local Indigenous peoples and their cultures.
Locums for Rural BC provides full support and assistance to family physicians and specialists practicing in rural communities across British Columbia, so that they can take reasonable periods of leave from their practices for vacation, health needs and continuing medical education (CME).
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