Healthcare (Public Health)

signed · Montana · House Apr 17, 2025

HB 253: Mandate disclosure of certain information in public health emergency

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.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates public disclosure of health data during emergencies to enhance transparency and public health response, aligning with healthcare protection goals.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

signed · Montana · House May 19, 2025

HB 891: Provide subpoena powers to the office of inspector general

HB 891 grants the Office of Inspector General (OIG) within the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) new authority. This bill allows the OIG to issue subpoenas to compel the production of financial records, documents, and data. These subpoenas are specifically for investigations into waste, fraud, or abuse within health care services and public assistance programs administered by the DPHHS. The measure specifies that both the DPHHS director and the inspector general must sign these subpoenas. It also appropriates $5,000 to the DPHHS for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025, to implement these provisions.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill grants OIG subpoena authority to investigate fraud/waste in healthcare programs, protecting public funds and strengthening program integrity within DPHHS services.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

signed · Montana · Senate May 8, 2025

SB 191: Provide for the licensure of residential treatment centers

Senate Bill 191 establishes a new licensing system for residential treatment centers in Montana. It grants the Department of Public Health and Human Services the authority to create administrative rules for these centers, covering areas such as staff qualifications, treatment services, insurance, and background checks. The bill requires these centers to obtain accreditation from an entity approved by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, with provisional licenses available during the accreditation process. Finally, it extends eligibility for appropriate educational opportunities to children placed in these newly defined residential treatment centers.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes licensing standards requiring CMS-approved accreditation and insurance compliance for residential treatment centers, strengthening quality oversight in healthcare services.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing Medicare Public Health

signed · Montana · Senate Apr 4, 2025

SB 88: Revise laws related to the publication process of certificate of need letters of intent

SB 88 revises Montana's certificate of need process for healthcare facilities by requiring the Department of Public Health and Human Services to publish descriptions of letters of intent on the 10th of each month in a newspaper of general circulation and on its website. It establishes a 30-day window for interested parties to request comparative review of proposals and sets clear deadlines for the department to review applications (20 working days for completeness, 90 days for final review). The bill also mandates that the department notify applicants of decisions within 5 working days after the review period ends. These changes directly affect healthcare providers seeking to acquire or expand long-term care facilities, particularly those involving 50% or more of an existing facility. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareStreamlines healthcare facility approval process with transparent deadlines, improving access to services by reducing bureaucratic delays in certificate of need reviews.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care Public Health

signed · Montana · Senate Apr 4, 2025

SB 82: Establish adjustment to blindness program

SB 82 establishes a new program within Montana's Department of Public Health and Human Services to support individuals under age 55 with severe visual impairments in achieving independent living goals. The bill defines "severe visual impairment" as a disability that significantly hinders daily tasks even with correction, and outlines specific services including mobility training, Braille instruction, assistive technology, and peer counseling. Eligibility is determined by the department based on established criteria, with services provided based on available funds and consumer needs, while also guaranteeing a fair hearing for those disagreeing with decisions. The program takes effect July 1, 2025, and applies to Montana residents meeting the defined criteria.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates new health services program under Public Health Dept. for visual impairment support, expanding access to mobility training, Braille, and assistive tech services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

died · Montana · Senate May 23, 2025

SB 354: Prohibit purchase of soft drinks and candy with SNAP benefits

SB 354, the "Montana Healthy SNAP Act," would require Montana's Department of Public Health to request a federal waiver prohibiting the use of SNAP benefits (formerly food stamps) to buy soft drinks and candy. The bill directly affects SNAP recipients in Montana by restricting purchases of these items, which the legislature states are the most commonly bought non-nutritious items with SNAP funds. Key provisions include mandating a federal waiver request with a public health justification, an implementation plan for retailers, and annual reporting on spending patterns and health impacts. The bill defines "candy" as non-refrigerated sweet items and "soft drinks" as nonalcoholic sweetened beverages (excluding milk-based drinks or juices with >50% fruit/veg content).

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRestricts SNAP use for unhealthy items to improve public health outcomes, aligning with public health program goals through nutrition policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

Track

died · Montana · Senate May 23, 2025

SB 378: Create a tribal relations management team at DPHHS

SB 378 establishes a Tribal Relations Management Team within Montana's Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), creating two specific roles: a Tribal Relations Manager and a Director of American Indian Health. The Tribal Relations Manager coordinates government-to-government consultations with tribal governments, facilitates policy development with tribes, and prepares annual reports to the governor. The Director of American Indian Health identifies health disparities between tribal and non-tribal populations and develops strategies to improve health equity. This bill directly affects DPHHS operations and tribal governments by mandating structured collaboration on health programs and reporting.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates Director of American Indian Health role to identify/address health disparities within DPHHS, directly supporting healthcare improvements for tribal communities.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health Tags Tribal Nations

Track

died · Montana · House May 22, 2025

HB 851: Create department of health services

HB 851 proposes to create a new state agency called the Department of Health Services. This new department would take over specific human services functions currently managed by the Department of Public Health and Human Services. These transferred responsibilities include the administration of developmental disabilities services, mental health services (like the Montana State Hospital), chemical dependency services, and veterans' long-term care facilities. The bill also provides an appropriation for the new department, grants it rulemaking authority, and requires its contracts to include dispute resolution clauses.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates new department via appropriation, funding transferred health services functions (e.g., mental health, veterans care) as part of state budget allocation.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates new department to manage mental health, developmental disabilities, and chemical dependency services with funding, advancing healthcare delivery95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly transfers veterans' long-term care facilities to new department and includes funding appropriation for these services.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Long-Term Care Public Health

Track

died · Montana · House May 22, 2025

HB 274: Provide medicaid coverage for medical respite care for homeless people

HB 274 sought to establish a medical respite care program in Montana for homeless individuals who are eligible for Medicaid. This program would have provided short-term housing in residential facilities with supportive medical services for those recovering from illness or injury but not requiring hospitalization. Services would have included treatment plan monitoring, medication management, immunizations, discharge planning, and transportation for medical appointments. The bill directed the Department of Public Health and Human Services to seek federal approval for the program and to report annually on its costs and the number of individuals served.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly expands Medicaid coverage for medical respite care, providing health services to homeless individuals and improving access to recovery support.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill provides short-term housing via medical respite care for homeless individuals, directly addressing homelessness and advancing housing access for vulnerable populations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health Homelessness

Track

signed · Montana · House May 13, 2025

HB 574: Authorizing implementation of the certified community behavioral health clinic model

HB 574 authorizes the Department of Public Health and Human Services to establish a program for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) by October 1, 2026. These clinics will provide comprehensive behavioral health services, including targeted case management, peer support, and outreach to emergency rooms and law enforcement. The bill also outlines specific requirements for CCBHCs, such as providing urgent care within one business day, offering a sliding fee scale, and not refusing services due to inability to pay. Additionally, it directs the department to establish reimbursement rates, monitor clinic performance, and develop an incentive program for clinics that achieve exceptional outcomes.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAuthorizes CCBHCs to expand mental health services with urgent care access, sliding fees, and outreach - directly advancing behavioral health care access and coverage.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Primary Care Public Health