RURAL Healthcare Act
Latest action (21 Jul 2026): Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 18 - 15.
What this bill does
H.R. 8347, the RURAL Healthcare Act, would specify that certain temporary medical professionals—physicians, nurse practitioners, physician's assistants, and certified registered nurse anesthetists working as "locum tenens" or advanced care practitioners—are not considered employees under two federal labor laws: the Fair Labor Standards Act and the National Labor Relations Act. To qualify, an individual must provide temporary services at a single site for no more than one continuous year and must have a written contract stating they will not be treated as an employee for that work.
The bill primarily affects healthcare facilities, particularly those in rural or underserved areas, that rely on temporary medical staff to fill scheduling gaps or short-term coverage needs. It also affects the classified professionals themselves, who would be treated as independent contractors rather than employees for purposes of federal wage-and-hour protections and collective bargaining rights under these two laws.
The bill was introduced in April 2026 by Rep. Burgess Owens and referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce. On July 21, 2026, the committee voted 18–15 to order the bill reported, with an amendment. This means the bill has cleared committee and is positioned for potential consideration by the full House of Representatives, though no floor vote has yet occurred.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
The committees assigned to this bill sent it to the House or Senate as a whole for consideration on July 21, 2026.
Timeline
21 Jul 2026
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 18 - 15.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 8347 do?
- H.R. 8347, the RURAL Healthcare Act, would specify that certain temporary medical professionals—physicians, nurse practitioners, physician's assistants, and certified registered nurse anesthetists working as "locum tenens" or advanced care practitioners—are not considered employees under two federal labor laws: the Fair Labor Standards Act and the National Labor Relations Act. To qualify, an individual must provide temporary services at a single site for no more than one continuous year and must have a written contract stating they will not be treated as an employee for that work. The bill primarily affects healthcare facilities, particularly those in rural or underserved areas, that rely on temporary medical staff to fill scheduling gaps or short-term coverage needs. It also affects the classified professionals themselves, who would be treated as independent contractors rather than employees for purposes of federal wage-and-hour protections and collective bargaining rights under these two laws. The bill was introduced in April 2026 by Rep. Burgess Owens and referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce. On July 21, 2026, the committee voted 18–15 to order the bill reported, with an amendment. This means the bill has cleared committee and is positioned for potential consideration by the full House of Representatives, though no floor vote has yet occurred.
- Has H.R. 8347 become law?
- Not yet. As of 21 Jul 2026, H.R. 8347 is ordered reported.
- Who sponsored H.R. 8347?
- H.R. 8347 was sponsored by Rep. Clarence “Burgess” Owens [R-UT4] (Republican-UT), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 8347?
- Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 18 - 15. (21 Jul 2026).
Related bills in Labor and Employment
Retire through Ownership Act
Ending Predator Access to Union Power Act
RETURN Act
Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.