Locum support

The Role of Locum Support

Nova Scotia offers a unique opportunity for healthcare professionals to experience the breathtaking beauty of its coastlines and vibrant communities while making a meaningful impact through locum support.

Nova Scotia Health is dedicated to enhancing patient care by providing a range of locum opportunities across the province. The Provincial Locum Program ensures that patients continue to receive essential medical services when their regular physicians are away due to illness, vacation, or continuing education. Join us in Nova Scotia and experience the perfect blend of professional fulfillment and stunning natural surroundings. Your adventure awaits!

Locum physician minimum income guarantee

Locum physicians shadow bill above the minimum daily rate, the excess is paid to the locum physician at 100%. No payment for services delivered after-hours, unless billings exceed the daily guarantee. Guaranteed income varies per speciality:

General practitioner: $1,200/day
Psychiatry: $226.85/hour
Emergency medicine: up to $300/hour based on location and time of day
Hospitalist: up to $2,100/day based on roster size
Specialist: $1,600/day

Payment Structures for Locum Physicians in Family Medicine and Designated Specialties

Per diem rate ($100/day)
Accommodations (100% to a maximum of $300 daily at a hotel, AirBnb, etc.)
Airfare (100% at regular economy rate to a maximum of $1,500)
Mileage in Nova Scotia
Overhead (paid at $250 per day where applicable)
Call stipend (paid on top of other payments when a locum physician is covering call)
College licensing fees will be paid for out-of-province locum physicians
Locum physician minimum income guarantee

Residency & Locums

It is never too early to reach out around opportunities short and long term, if you are interested in moonlighting or locum work, we can work with you to find the best opportunity for you to practice regardless of the length of time! There are opportunities all across the province, lets chat about finding the right one for you!

Contact with a recruiter

Steps and Resources

To get started with meeting the criteria for practicing as a locum physician in Nova Scotia, here's a breakdown of steps and resources:

Confirm Eligibility:
- Work Eligibility in Canada: Ensure you have correct work permit or Canadian Citizenship.
- Licensure Eligibility in Nova Scotia: Confirm that you meet the requirements for medical licensure in Nova Scotia.
Licensure with CPSNS:
- Apply for your Medical License to Practice in Nova Scotia:
  - You can apply for a locum license, which the Locum Program will reimburse.
  - Follow the application steps on the CPSNS website.
  - This license is a prerequisite for receiving an official Offer Letter and must be renewed annually.
Atlantic Licensure
- The Registry allows fully licensed physicians to practice anywhere in Atlantic Canada, regardless of which Atlantic province is their home base
- Opting in to the Atlantic Registry must be done through the College from which you hold your Full license and in the province where you practice the majority of the time.
MSI Registration:
- Once licensed, apply for a Service Provider Billing Number through Medical Services Insurance (MSI).
  - MSI Physicians Application Form
  - Contact: Reach out to Medavie Blue Cross at msiproviders@medavie.ca or call 1-866-553-0585.
Canadian Medical Identification Number (MINC):
- Required to register with CPSNS.
- MINC Website for additional information.
Medical Liability Insurance:
- CMPA Insurance: Obtain insurance through the Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA).
- CMPA Website for details on applying and renewing.
Membership with Doctors Nova Scotia:
- Obtain membership with Doctors Nova Scotia, as it’s required for all practicing physicians in the province.
- 6-week-and-under DNS membership at no cost