Articles: CAO Locum Tenens Program

The California Association of Orthodontists is now maintaining a list of members who are available to act as locum tenens (fill-in) orthodontists for members needing temporary coverage for their practices.

This program enables CAO members to request a listing of available locum tenens orthodontists. This list includes doctors’ names, contact information, and educational background as reported to us by the orthodontist.

In cases where the locum tenens does not have professional liability coverage, the liability coverage maintained by the two main California providers, TDIC and AAO insurance, covers a locum tenens orthodontist who provides service within an office insured by either of these companies (this information is accurate as of October 6, 1999).

Each requesting orthodontist must satisfy the professional liability requirements for their office through their own professional liability insurance carrier.

Locum tenens orthodontists are covered under AAO insurance as long as they are a member of the AAO. In addition, the AAO insurance carrier must be notified that a locum tenens orthodontist will be temporarily filling in.

TDIC requires the replacement orthodontist to complete an application and go through underwriting; however, there is no additional cost.

CAO will not be accountable for verifying the credentials and professional liability coverage of the orthodontists on the list.

It is the responsibility of the requesting orthodontist to institute a working relationship with the practitioners who are listed. This includes negotiating compensation and making appropriate living arrangements, if necessary.

Lastly, CAO assumes no liability for providing insurance coverage, nor is CAO accountable for any acts of negligence committed by a locum tenens orthodontist.

If you are interested in either making yourself available as a locum tenens practitioner or in requesting a list of available locum tenens practitioners, please take a moment to print the necessary form, fill it out, and return it to the CAO office.

Members requesting a list will periodically receive updated lists until CAO is notified otherwise.

Those wanting to be on the locum tenens list are required to submit a $15 listing fee (providing one year of listing) along with the necessary form.

Please contact CAO at info@caortho.org or 415 441-4697 with any questions regarding the locum tenens program.

Next: Form To Request a Locum Tenens List

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