Externship application and LORs

The director of clerkships at our school told us that this year we would not need LORs for the externship application.

My question is are there programs out there that specifically told you they wanted LORs? Or was it assumed LORs would be included with the student's application since they were required other years.

I'd hate to get no LORs since its not required only to have program ask me for one. I will contact the programs myself and ask but I figured it would be helpful to ask on here as well.