HB 143 revises the definition of "treating physician" within the state's Workers' Compensation Act. This bill expands the definition to explicitly include physician assistants (PAs). A key provision is the removal of any requirement for PAs to be in proximity to other medical providers to qualify as a treating physician for these purposes. This change affects how workers' compensation claims are managed and potentially broadens the types of healthcare providers recognized for injured workers.
House Bill 158 revises the provisions for retired teachers, specialists, and administrators who return to work in public schools under the Teachers' Retirement System. It extends the maximum period for re-employment from three years to five years, allowing eligible retirees to continue receiving their retirement benefits without interruption. This applies if the retired member has at least 27 years of creditable service and the school district certifies it was unable to fill the position with a non-retired applicant. The bill also extends the termination date for these temporary re-employment provisions to June 30, 2029.
HB 198 revises laws that prohibit contracts restricting the practice of specific healthcare providers. The bill prevents employment or professional relationship contracts from limiting a healthcare provider's right to practice their licensed profession in any area or for any period after their relationship ends. It also prohibits contracts from restricting their ability to treat or solicit current patients of their former employer or partner. This applies to a range of providers, including psychiatrists, psychologists, various counselors, nurses, and physician assistants, but does not apply to contracts for the sale of a practice.
HB 227 establishes a contingent litigation fund to help smaller occupational licensing boards and programs cover significant legal costs. This fund is specifically for expenses over $15,000 related to disciplinary actions against licensees, benefiting boards with an average annual revenue of $200,000 or less. It is funded by an annual fee, capped at $25 per licensee, collected as part of license applications or renewals. The fee collection pauses if the fund balance reaches $300,000.
This bill clarifies how school districts count enrollment for funding purposes when children participate in early literacy jumpstart programs. It specifies that children in these programs are counted as quarter-time enrollment for a district's Average Number Belonging (ANB) calculation, which determines state funding. The bill also states that if a child attends a jumpstart program in a district other than their resident district, no out-of-district attendance agreement or tuition is required. Additionally, it outlines reporting requirements for districts on program efficacy and mandates the superintendent of public instruction to monitor and report on these interventions.
HB 67 revises and clarifies administrative and tax qualification provisions for the Teachers' Retirement System (TRS). The bill directly affects TRS members, their employers, and beneficiaries by updating regulations for employer reporting duties, elective membership deferral, and the purchase of deferred elective service. It also revises mandatory distribution rules to conform with federal law and clarifies disability retirement allowance calculations. Additionally, the bill provides updated definitions for terms used within the TRS, such as "earned compensation."
HB 260 revises the professional stipends paid to Montana teachers who hold a current National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification. The bill changes the stipend amounts from fixed dollar values to percentages of the state's quality educator payment, effectively providing an annual adjustment. Eligible full-time teachers in public schools, education cooperatives, and certain state facilities will receive a stipend of 50% of the quality educator payment, with those in high-poverty or impacted schools receiving 85%. The bill also adjusts the state's contribution percentages towards these stipends.
SB 347 revises medical resident licensure laws in Montana, directly affecting individuals undergoing medical training in the state. The bill removes unlicensed trainees from existing licensing exemptions, meaning they will now be required to obtain a license. It also revises definitions, including adding "PGY" (post-graduate year) and defining a "Resident" as someone enrolled in an approved residency program who holds a valid resident license to practice medicine. These changes clarify and update the qualifications and licensing requirements for medical residents.
HB 254 eliminates the requirement for applicants seeking licensure as professional employer organizations or groups in Montana, along with their controlling persons, to submit fingerprints for criminal background checks. Previously, these individuals were required to undergo fingerprint checks by the Montana Department of Justice and the federal bureau of investigation as a prerequisite for licensure. While removing the specific fingerprinting mandate, the bill still requires applicants to provide detailed background information and demonstrate good moral character, business integrity, and financial responsibility to the department.
SB 211 revises the emergency use of epinephrine in school settings. The bill expands the definition of "medication" that students with asthma, severe allergies, or anaphylaxis can possess and self-administer to include epinephrine nasal spray. It also allows public and nonpublic schools to maintain a stock supply of epinephrine nasal spray, in addition to autoinjectable epinephrine, for emergency administration by school nurses or other authorized personnel. These changes provide schools with additional options for responding to severe allergic reactions.
SB 279 enacts the Dietitian Licensure Compact, which allows licensed dietitians and nutritionists to practice in multiple participating states through a "compact privilege" without needing to obtain a separate license in each state. This bill aims to improve public access to dietetics services and reduce administrative burdens for practitioners and state licensing authorities. It establishes uniform requirements for licensure portability, including criminal background checks, and supports military members and their spouses. The compact also enhances cooperation among states in regulating the profession and protecting public health and safety.
SB 110 revises laws concerning amusement rides and safety, directly affecting ride operators and the public. It mandates that all amusement rides undergo annual inspections by independent "qualified inspectors" who must certify the ride's safety based on recognized industry standards. Rides cannot operate for the public without a valid inspection certificate, and new inspections are required after major modifications. The bill also defines "serious injury or illness" and outlines operator responsibilities, including maintaining first-aid stations and ensuring staff are not under the influence.
