Frequently Asked Questions
Becoming A Member
Who is eligible to join the rural locum programs through Locums for Rural BC?
A physician with a license to practice medicine in the province of BC that meets the requirements of one of the rural programs: Family Practitioners (RFPLP), Family Practitioner Anesthesia (RFPALP), or Specialists (RSLP). (Current specialties supported by RSLP: Anesthesia, General Surgery, Internal Medicine, Obs/Gyn, Orthopedic Surgery, Pediatrics, Psychiatry and Radiology.
How do I become a member?
Register on www.locumsruralbc.ca and submit the application form under your eligible program along with the required documentation:
- Your current CV
- Proof of licensure in the province of BC
- Proof of CMPA coverage for the province of BC
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or
- Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) is preferred but not mandatory
- For RFPALP – proof of one year of Anesthesia training
- For RSLP – Proof of Royal College if you are no longer on a Provisional license
If I am a resident about to graduate when is the best time to register and start the process?
We suggest you register in the same year you are graduating. Once you register, start the process about two months before graduation. This gives you time to gather and submit some of your documentation while we wait for you to obtain your licensure and MSP number from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC (CPSBC) before proceeding with the application process.
Do you have to be a member to apply for postings?
Yes, you must be a member of a rural locum program to apply for a posting. However, for residents who are going to be graduating, we try our best to facilitate assignments while you wait for licensure and MSP numbers for billing. Assignments can only be confirmed when your licensure and MSP number come through.
As a member, can I choose where I want to go?
You always have a choice – we want you to work in the communities that interest you. However, once a member you will receive an Outstanding list every week which shows communities in need and unfilled postings. (We ask all our members to consider these postings.)
Once I become a member, how do I continue to be a member?
To continue providing locum services in BC, you need to provide a signed contract for each new fiscal year, which is April 1 to March 31. When new contracts are ready you will receive a notification in your LRBC account which includes instructions on how to fill out and submit before the beginning of each fiscal year. However, your membership will become inactive after more than 2 years of inactivity.
What is the process when I no longer want to be a member of a rural locum program?
Contact our office on (toll-free): 1.877.357.4757 or info@locumsruralbc.ca and let us know you are no longer able to provide locum services. Please let us know if you will be temporarily inactive or you would like to withdraw completely from the program due to other commitments or retirement.
What are the benefits of being a member of a rural program in BC?
It is an opportunity for networking with fellow physicians, gain unique experiences in a rural setting, and develop a skillset for rural medicine, explore beautiful rural BC communities and you might even find a practice you would be interested in permanently joining. Most importantly you are also helping your rural colleagues have needed downtime and avoid burn-out.
Providing Locum Services
Once I graduate, when can I start applying for an assignment?
We suggest you look for postings that start about three to four weeks after graduating to be sure all the paperwork, particularly your licensure and MSP numbers are available.
Can I locum while on a provisional license?
Yes, but it will depend on the Health Authority sponsoring your work permit and the conditions of your provisional license. Since supervision is required while on a provisional license a physician in the community, where the assignment is located, would need to agree to be a supervisor for you while on locum assignment.
As a member, do I have to work a minimum or maximum number of days/assignments within a fiscal year?
No, there is no minimum or maximum days/assignments required. However, we do believe those who take the time to register, apply to a program, and return a contract would like to provide locum service.
Can I locum in British Columbia, while practising in another Canadian province?
Yes, but only if you are licensed to practice medicine in BC with CMPA coverage.
What are my responsibilities being a member of a rural locum program?
Delivering on your contractual obligations, as well as your administrative duties to Locums for Rural BC to be paid for the services you provide.
Is Locums for Rural BC considered to be my employer while on locum assignment?
No, Locums for Rural BC is not considered your employer. You sign a contract with the Ministry of Health as an independent contractor.
Forms
What are the forms required to be processed for each locum assignment?
There are three forms: Assignment of Payment form (AOP) – complete before the locum assignment, Daily Rate and Travel Honorarium, and Expense forms – complete after the locum assignment. Please note that Daily Rate forms need to be signed off by the host physician, medical office assistant or clinic manager. Copies of receipts are required to support expense reimbursements. If you have any questions, contact: info@locumsruralbc.ca or call 1-877-357-4757 for help.
Where do I send these forms for processing?
Forms are submitted online through your LRBC account and can be located on the Assignments and Payments Forms tab. on your dashboard.
If you have submitted your forms to be processed and have not received payment, please contact us on payments@locumsruralbc.ca so we can assist and investigate this matter for you.
What happens if I do not complete these forms?
If you do NOT complete and submit the forms to Locums for Rural BC for processing you will not be paid for the services you have provided, nor reimbursed for expenses.
Claims for Expenses, Travel Time Honorarium, and Daily Rates must be submitted to Locums for Rural BC (LRBC) within 90 days of the physician’s return home to qualify for payments. Physicians who miss this 90-day deadline will lose eligibility for the travel time honorarium. However, they can still submit claims for daily rates and travel expenses until March 31 of the following fiscal year.
For example, a physician submitting a late claim for Fiscal 2024/25 would have until March 31, 2026, to receive payments for travel expenses and the daily rate, but not the travel time honorarium.
Payments/Reimbursement
When and how is payment made?
Forms are reviewed by the Locums for Rural BC team to ensure accuracy and then submitted to Medical Services Plan (MSP) for payment. Please note HIBC/MSP has 30 days to issue payments to physicians as per their standard operating procedures. Payments are made semi-monthly on the 15th and end of the month. CLAIMS 2025 Close-off and Remittance Schedule
Does LRBC reimburse travel expenses to communities, and what does this include?
Yes, LRBC does reimburse travel to all eligible RSA communities for travel to and from the communities – please see reimbursement guidelines on our website: Reimbursement Guidelines
Do I get paid if I am requested and provide enhance skill services?
If Enhanced skills were requested by the host/community, and provided, please attach an on-call rota with Daily Rate form showing you have provided ESS services to process payment.
It’s the responsibility of either the locum and/or clinic to submit the call rota for payment. The locum should receive a copy of the rota before they start work to know what they’re scheduled for. The host should have a copy if the locum doesn’t.
To be eligible for the Emergency On-Call stipend, the community must be eligible for the Medical On-Call Availability Program (MOCAP). https://www.locumsruralbc.ca/gps/payments/
The Locum, Admin, and Host Portals all have an Enhanced Skills section for submission and payment.
If a locum assignment is longer than two weeks, do I wait until the end of the assignment to receive payment?
No, you do not have to wait if you are doing a locum assignment that is longer than a week. Be aware of the MSP payment dates: CLAIMS 2025 Close-off and Remittance Schedule and submit a Daily Rate and Travel Honorarium form for the days you have completed to ensure you receive a partial payment.
What happens if I am paid the incorrect amount?
If you are paid the incorrect amount, please contact us at payments@locumsruralbc.ca or call us at 1-877-357-4757 with details of the error for us to address it.
How do I keep track of my income and reimbursements?
For MSP payments: you will regularly receive remittance slips during your assignment outlining what was paid and the codes associated with payment either electronically or by mail to the address MSP has on file for you. Keep this information on file or forward to your accountant. If you are not receiving these remittance slips, please contact MSP to resolve the issue at: provider.program@hibc.gov.bc.ca or phone: 1-866-456-6950.
For HEABC reimbursed expenses: you will receive an email letting you know the amount deposited into your account. Please save these emails so you have proof of payment. If you do not have HEABC direct deposit set up, click here to complete and submit the form – this option allows you to get reimbursed for expenses on a weekly basis.
Will I receive a report from Locums for Rural BC at income at tax season?
No, you will not receive a report come income tax season as Locums for Rural BC is not your employer. Keep track of payments with your biller (remittance slips are sent out) and is the responsibility of the locum physician.
Travel
What type of travel arrangement support is available from the Locums for Rural BC?
Locums for Rural BC can assist booking travel for all locum assignments, including flights, car rental, and accommodations.
Locum assignments in designated “A” and “B” communities per the Rural Practice Subsidiary Agreement, are eligible for flight, car rental, and accommodation expense reimbursement.
In “C” and “D” designated communities, car rental expenses will only be covered when travelling to and from the host community. Car rental expenses and accommodations while on assignment in “C” and “D” communities are the responsibility of the host physician or clinic.
RFPLP: Please connect with the community regarding accommodations during your assignment and to arrange a car if needed.
RSLP/RFPALP: Locums pay on their own card and we split the reimbursement up after the assignment. LRBC pays outside of assignment dates, host/HA pays within the assignment dates.
When can I request assistance for travel arrangements?
After you have received a confirmation email from a Locum Officer detailing the dates and details of your locum assignment.
How do I request travel assistance for a locum assignment?
Please complete in the Travel Request form, and email to travel@locumsruralbc.ca.
Can I book my own flights, hotel, and car rental?
Yes, if you want to book your own travel, please reach out to LRBC team to get the necessary documentation regards provincial government rates on hotels and car rentals to ensure you will not be out-of-pocket.
At this time, a car rental is required to be paid by the locum physician with receipts sent in with an Expense form for reimbursement.
Can I book a rental property or Air B&B instead of staying at a hotel?
We base our accommodation selection from the Provincial Government accommodation listing and the properties we have vetted over the years.
Should I check with Locums for Rural BC before I do my own bookings to ensure I am fully reimbursed?
Yes, we strongly advise you to check to ensure you adhere to policy or obtain approval, which will avoid any personal expenses from not being covered.
What is the criterion for reimbursement if booking my own travel arrangements?
The criterion is the most economical way to travel, LRBC will do a cost comparison to provide a maximum amount we will reimburse. Rates cannot be higher than the highest rate published on the Provincial Government accommodation listing for the community you will be providing locum service in.
If Locums for Rural BC does my bookings, can I upgrade?
Yes, at your own cost. In adherence to government policy Locums for Rural BC does not pay for upgrades nor tips.
May I bring a partner, spouse, family, or pet with me on a locum assignment?
Yes, but any additional costs will be at your own expense. Please inform us if you intend to bring additional guests or a pet so we can find appropriate accommodation. Locums for Rural BC reimburses expenses incurred by the locum physician only.
If I prefer, can I drive to a locum community instead of flying?
Yes, but it may depend on where the community is, and the distance from your home. If the most economical way would be to fly, then we would do a cost comparison to provide the maximum amount allowed for reimbursement by LRBC.
What is the process if I am coming into BC from another province or country to do a locum assignment?
If you are flying in from another province, you will need to book your own flights. You are eligible for the Out-of-Province (OOP) stipend of up to $1000 to assist in getting you to BC from your home. You will need to provide a copy of your flight itinerary for LRBC to arrange your car rental, and accommodations if required. To be reimbursed for any out-of-province travel you must submit your flight receipt and others with your expense form.
What happens if there are any changes to travel arrangements due to unforeseen circumstances or host/community request a longer stay?
Unforeseen circumstances: If changes are needed during business hours, please contact us for assistance. If it is when we are closed, please call the Direct Travel’s 24-hour help line for assistance at 1-800-206-1482. Your Access Code is: 7RI0 (Rome, India, zero) or contact your airline directly for help.
Host physician or community requests you stay: If your stay is past the original date, they need to contact us by email: info@locmsruralbc.ca as we need the request in writing. An amendment confirmation will be sent to all parties, and our travel team will extend your accommodation, car rental and change flight(s) if needed.
What happens if same day travel arrangements are cancelled due to weather?
If same day travel arrangements are cancelled, hopefully you will be able to get on a later flight on the same day. If you have to wait until the next day LRBC will pay for a hotel. If during business hours contact us so we can arrange a hotel and change any other travel arrangements affected by the cancellation.
What do I do if I have a car accident with a rental car while on locum assignment?
If the car is booked by LRBC, please contact us so the insurance claims can go through the Ministry of Health claims department.
Other
Does LRBC provide assistance with aid for taking courses or attending conferences?
What happens if I need to cancel my locum assignment due to illness, or an emergency?
Unfortunately, these issues may arise, please contact us as soon as possible so we can assist the host physician or community to find your replacement. The reasons for cancellation should be because of emergency circumstances.
What happens if I get sick or something happens while on locum assignment?
Any sick day while on locum assignment is unpaid. If you need to leave the community, you will be paid only for the days you worked for the host physician or community.
What do I do if I have an HR related issue while on locum assignment?
Let the person in charge at the clinic/site know about the HR issue. This is not the role and responsibility of LRBC.
Does LRBC offer a feedback mechanism for locum physicians after a locum assignment?
Yes, you can complete the survey form that will be automatically issued within your account and let us know by email at info@locumsruralbc.ca
Does LRBC offer a tool to help hosts know when I am available for communities, I am interested in going to?
Yes, we offer the Locum availability calendar, which you can create via your LRBC account to let communities know when you are available. Go to My Availability on your dashboard
Should I report when things on the website are not working?
We would appreciate if you let us know when there are any issues or processes you are unable to do so we can improve the website and your experience. You can contact us at info@locumsruralbc.ca or call 1-877-357-4757.
What is the best way to communicate with LRBC as a locum physician?
The best way is to correspond via your LRBC account. However, if you are sending receipts, please send to payment@locumsruralbc.ca and for travel requests, please fill out travel request form and send to travel@locumsruralbc.ca .