Healthcare

died · Montana · House May 20, 2025

HB 371: Ban mRNA vaccinations in Montana for humans

House Bill 371 aimed to prohibit the administration of gene-based vaccines, including those using messenger RNA (mRNA) or deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) technology, to humans within the state of Montana. The bill proposed that anyone providing or administering such a vaccine would be guilty of a misdemeanor, facing a $500 fine for each incident. It also required the relevant licensure board to review the license of any professional who violated this prohibition. This legislation would directly affect healthcare providers and individuals seeking these specific types of vaccines in Montana.

Topics ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareBans mRNA vaccines, restricting access to a key public health measure and healthcare service, directly limiting medical treatment options.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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signed · Montana · House May 19, 2025

HB 943: Establish the Montana rare disease advisory council

HB 943 establishes the Montana Rare Disease Advisory Council within the Department of Public Health and Human Services. This 17-member council, composed of patients, caregivers, medical professionals, researchers, and other stakeholders, will provide guidance, education, and recommendations on the needs of individuals with rare diseases in Montana. Its duties include surveying patient needs, developing policy recommendations for improved access to care and treatment, publishing resources, and identifying research opportunities. The council is required to meet regularly and submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature, and the bill includes an appropriation to cover initial costs.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes council to develop policy recommendations for improved rare disease care access, directly advancing patient access and treatment resources within healthcare services.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

signed · Montana · House May 19, 2025

HB 807: Prohibiting vaccines allowed under an emergency use authorization or undergoing safety trials to be required

HB 807 amends state law to prohibit individuals from being required to receive certain vaccines. Specifically, it mandates that vaccines whose use is allowed under an emergency use authorization (EUA) or those still undergoing safety trials cannot be a requirement. This applies to persons, governmental entities, employers, and public accommodations, preventing them from denying services, employment, or access based on non-receipt of such vaccines. The bill integrates this new prohibition into existing law concerning discrimination based on vaccination status.

Topics ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareBill prohibits mandatory EUA/trial vaccines, restricting public health mandate enforcement in healthcare programs per its explicit language.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentPrevents employers from denying employment based on non-receipt of EUA/vaccine trial vaccines, protecting workers' rights against mandatory unapproved medical requirements in the workplace.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Healthcare

signed · Montana · House May 19, 2025

HB 76: Generally revise laws related to the board of behavioral health

HB 76 revises laws concerning the Board of Behavioral Health. The bill establishes certification and regulation for "family peer support specialists," individuals who use their personal experience to support parents and caregivers of children with significant physical, developmental, or behavioral health needs. It also adds family peer support to the list of practices regulated by the board and provides a specific licensure exemption for religious officials.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes certification for family peer support specialists in behavioral health, expanding regulated mental health services under board oversight.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

signed · Montana · House May 19, 2025

HB 918: Authorize transfers and other necessary measures to implement HB 2-Section B

House Bill 918 requires the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) to report on its progress in developing a plan to comply with the U.S. Supreme Court's *Olmstead v. L.C.* decision. This decision focuses on providing services for individuals with disabilities in community-based settings rather than institutions. DPHHS must provide quarterly updates to the health and human services budget committee during the legislative interim regarding this plan. The bill becomes effective on July 1, 2025, and is set to terminate on September 15, 2026.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires DPHHS to implement Olmstead v. L.C., advancing community-based disability healthcare access and patient rights, directly aligning with healthcare improvement indicators.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

signed · Montana · House May 19, 2025

HB 936: Authorize transfers and other necessary measures to implement HB 2-Section B

HB 936 implements specific provisions of the state's General Appropriations Act, primarily affecting healthcare funding and operations. It reallocates a portion of the hospital utilization fee to provide incentive payments for hospital quality and efficiency, and to support independent critical access hospitals. The bill also expands the eligible uses of the Behavioral Health System for Future Generations Fund to include student loan repayment for certain healthcare professionals and funding for additional beds at the Montana State Hospital on a one-time basis. Finally, it establishes new reporting requirements for comprehensive school and community treatment services for children and for hiring efforts at the Montana State Hospital.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareReallocates hospital fees for quality incentives and expands behavioral health fund to include mental health services and healthcare professional loan repayment.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

signed · Montana · Senate May 16, 2025

SB 497: Provide laws related to healthcare provider burnout

SB 497 establishes laws for professional wellness programs aimed at addressing career fatigue in healthcare providers, including physicians, nurses, and dentists. The bill grants civil immunity to members and consultants of these wellness programs for actions performed within their duties. It revises reporting requirements, stating that participation in a wellness program alone does not obligate reporting a healthcare provider to their licensing board, unless there is a good faith determination of incompetence or danger. Additionally, the bill provides an evidentiary privilege, generally protecting the proceedings and records of these programs from discovery in civil actions or admission in licensing actions.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes wellness programs for healthcare providers to address burnout, supporting workforce retention and quality care through mental health-focused initiatives.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

signed · Montana · House May 16, 2025

HB 953: Revise medicaid laws related to direct primary care

HB 953 revises Montana's Medicaid laws to allow for the coverage of direct primary care contracts under the state's Medicaid program. This bill directly affects Medicaid enrollees by providing them the option to use these services. It also prohibits the Department of Public Health and Human Services from requiring an enrollee to participate in primary care case management if they opt for a direct primary care contract. The bill provides a definition for "direct primary care contract" and includes an appropriation to support these changes.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands Medicaid coverage for direct primary care, improving patient access and removing case management requirements per bill text.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

signed · Montana · Senate May 16, 2025

SB 535: Revise laws related to experimental treatments

SB 535 revises laws related to experimental treatments, primarily by requiring experimental treatment centers to obtain a license from the state department. These centers must adhere to operational standards and pay licensing fees. The bill also mandates that licensed centers allocate 2% of their net annual profits to support access to experimental treatments for qualifying Montana residents. This allocation can be fulfilled by providing free treatment or contributing to a new Insurance Premium Support Account. This account is established to help fund health insurance premiums for eligible Montana residents who purchase insurance on the federal marketplace and meet specific income criteria.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates 2% profit allocation for patient access to experimental treatments, directly expanding access and funding under healthcare services.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

signed · Montana · Senate May 16, 2025

SB 319: Generally revise health care laws related to doulas

This bill establishes a state licensure system for doulas, defining them as nonmedical professionals who provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational support during pregnancy and up to one year postpartum. Beginning January 1, 2027, individuals wishing to practice as state-licensed doulas must obtain a license from the Department of Labor and Industry. Licensure requires paying fees, completing specific competencies, and adhering to professional conduct standards. Additionally, the bill allows the Department of Public Health and Human Services to provide Medicaid coverage for services offered by state-licensed doulas.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes licensure standards for doulas (nonmedical healthcare support), formalizing their role in pregnancy/postpartum care and improving professional standards within healthcare services.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare