What Physicians Should Know About NALTO 

For physicians exploring locum tenens opportunities, finding the right assignment is only part of the equation. Choosing the right staffing partner is just as important. 

That is where NALTO®, the National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations, comes in. NALTO is the professional association for temporary physician staffing firms committed to a strict Code of Ethics and high industry standards. Established in 2001, the organization sets clear standards of honesty, objectivity, integrity, and competency intended to protect physicians and healthcare facilities.

Why Physicians Choose Locum Tenens 

Locum tenens can give physicians more control over how, when, and where they practice. NALTO’s physician guide highlights four common benefits: 

Whether a physician is seeking a change of pace, a more flexible schedule, or experience in a new clinical setting, locum tenens can offer a different way to shape a medical career. 

Why NALTO Membership Matters 

Not all staffing agencies operate under the same standards. NALTO membership represents a commitment to ethical practices and professional support. According to the physician guide, every NALTO-member firm: 

• Upholds a formal, enforceable Code of Ethics governing agency, physician, and facility relationships. 

• Provides malpractice insurance for the physicians it places. 

• Demonstrates the payroll history and financial resources to pay physicians reliably and on time. 

• Assigns dedicated, accessible recruiters to guide physicians through each step. 

• Handles licensure, credentialing, hospital privileges, travel, and housing. 

For physicians, these standards can provide greater clarity about the service, support, and professional practices they should expect throughout the recruitment and assignment process.

A Legacy of Trust 

VISTA has been a long-standing member of NALTO and continues to support the organization’s commitment to ethical business practices in locum tenens staffing. That alignment reflects how VISTA approaches provider partnerships: with transparency, reliable support, and guidance throughout the assignment journey. 

Whether you are considering your first locum tenens assignment or looking for your next opportunity, asking whether an agency is a NALTO member is an important step in choosing a staffing partner.

Explore locum tenens with confidence 

Download the NALTO Physician Guide and connect with a VISTA recruiter to explore assignments that fit your specialty and goals.