Guide
How to Screen Locum Tenens for OIG
By Keelstar Team · Updated July 11, 2026
The short answer
Locum tenens providers perform billable clinical services connected to federal healthcare programs — they require OIG LEIE screening before assignment and on your recurring re-screen schedule. Screen the individual provider's legal name, professional names, and known aliases against the LEIE and applicable state Medicaid exclusion lists before they treat patients or submit claims under your billing. Staffing agency attestation is not sufficient; maintain your own dated search records. Locum arrangements often involve rapid onboarding — embed LEIE screening in your credentialing workflow so clearance completes before system access or privileging. Re-screen monthly or quarterly per your policy because a provider cleared at assignment start can be excluded mid-contract. Document search date, list version, names searched, and result for every locum placement.
Why locum tenens require OIG screening
Locum providers deliver patient care and generate claims billable to Medicare and Medicaid. Excluded individuals cannot furnish services paid by federal healthcare programs — regardless of whether they are W-2, 1099, or agency-placed.
Screen before assignment, not after
Credentialing timelines for locums are compressed. Build LEIE screening into the mandatory pre-assignment checklist alongside license verification and malpractice insurance.
- LEIE search before privileging
- State Medicaid list checks where applicable
- Document result on provider credential file
- Block assignment until clear or false positive resolved
Agency vs direct locum screening
Staffing agencies may provide exclusion attestation — verify with your own dated LEIE search. Contract language should require agencies to notify you of exclusion events and allow audit of their screening records.
Names and identifiers to search
Use legal name from credentialing application and W-9. Search aliases, former names, and name variations on state licenses. Compare NPI and date of birth against potential matches.
Recurring screening for active locums
Providers excluded after initial clearance create ongoing claims exposure. Include active locum tenens in monthly or quarterly re-screen batches alongside employed clinical staff.
Documentation for payer and CMS audit
Retain screening records per placement: provider name, search date, LEIE version, result, and reviewer. Export evidence by assignment date range when auditors sample locum credentialing files.
Frequently asked questions
- Do we screen locums placed through a staffing agency?
- Yes. Request agency documentation but run your own LEIE search. Ultimate compliance responsibility typically remains with the hiring organization.
- When should locum OIG screening happen?
- Before clinical assignment, privileging, or claims submission — whichever comes first. Re-screen on your defined recurring schedule.
- Should we search professional names or legal names?
- Search legal name first, then professional names, maiden names, and common variations used in credentialing files.
- What if a locum is excluded after onboarding?
- Immediately suspend assignment, hold claims, escalate to compliance and legal, and document the timeline from exclusion effective date.
Related guides
Put this into a monitored workflow
Exclusion Monitor handles this continuously — with reminders and an audit trail.