RURAL Healthcare Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (2 Nov 2026): Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 764.
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.
Timeline
2 Nov 2026
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 764.
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?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 8347. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 8347?
- H.R. 8347 was sponsored by Rep. Owens, Burgess [R-UT-4] (R-UT), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 8347?
- Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 764. (2 Nov 2026).
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