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.
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.
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.
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.
HB 241 enacts the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT), allowing licensed psychologists to provide services across state lines. This bill enables psychologists licensed in a compact state to offer telepsychology services or temporary in-person services (up to 30 days annually) in other compact states without needing separate licenses. It establishes a framework for mutual recognition of licenses, defines requirements for cross-state practice, and creates a system for sharing licensure and disciplinary information among member states. The compact aims to increase public access to psychological services while maintaining regulatory oversight and accountability for psychologists. It directly affects licensed psychologists and their clients across participating states.
HB 253 mandates that the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) disclose specific health information daily during a declared public health emergency. This bill requires the DPHHS to publish on its website the total number of individuals hospitalized and those who have died due to the emergency, while adhering to confidentiality laws. For these categories, the department must provide breakdowns by age group, gender, length of hospitalization, date of death, and any contributing underlying conditions or personal characteristics. The aim is to provide the public with detailed, aggregated data about the health impacts of an emergency.
Senate Bill 456 revises professions and occupations laws related to the dispensing of drugs by medical practitioners. It allows health care staff, other than the practitioner, to convey dispensed drugs to patients at the practitioner's office. For this to happen, the practitioner must first prepare and seal the drugs with two forms of identification on the package. The staff member is then required to verify the patient's identity before handing over the medication. The bill maintains other requirements for practitioners who dispense drugs, such as registration with the board of pharmacy.
SB 361 revises Montana law regarding health insurance claims submitted by the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). It prevents health insurance issuers and other entities responsible for claim payments from denying DPHHS claims solely based on the date of submission, claim format, lack of prior authorization, or failure to present proper documentation at the point of sale. This applies if DPHHS submits the claim within three years of the service date and takes enforcement action within six years of submission. The bill clarifies that it does not require payment for services not covered under a health plan or impose new financial liabilities beyond existing agreements.
HB 183 enacts Montana's participation in the Physician Assistant (PA) Licensure Compact, allowing PAs licensed in other participating states to practice in Montana without obtaining a separate Montana license. The bill establishes a "compact privilege" requiring PAs to hold an unrestricted license in good standing from a participating state, pass criminal background checks, and comply with Montana's medical practice laws during patient encounters. It directly affects PAs seeking cross-state practice opportunities and Montana patients receiving care from out-of-state PAs, while specifically benefiting military families by enabling easier licensure for active-duty personnel and spouses. The compact also requires participating states to share disciplinary information and implement standardized background checks.
SB 86 revises Montana's laws governing automatic external defibrillator (AED) programs. It requires entities (like schools, businesses, or public venues) using AEDs to create written plans detailing AED locations, authorized users, CPR/AED training, coordination with local emergency medical services, and maintenance records. The bill eliminates the Department of Public Health's authority to create rules about AEDs and updates enforcement: violations now trigger a written cease order from the department, with entities able to request a hearing within 30 days. These changes aim to clarify AED program requirements and streamline oversight.
