Healthcare

introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 30, 2025

LC 2892: Generally revise laws related to immunizations

This bill updates Montana laws governing school immunization records and reporting requirements. It requires schools to maintain written immunization and exemption records for all students while protecting these health records under federal privacy laws. The bill mandates that schools submit deidentified or aggregate immunization data to state and local health departments in a format specified by the Department of Public Health and Human Services. It also clarifies enforcement procedures for students who fail to meet immunization requirements by prohibiting their continued attendance until compliance or exemption is obtained. These changes take effect on July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill strengthens public health infrastructure by improving immunization record-keeping, data reporting, and privacy protections for students.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 24, 2025

LC 3074: Generally revise laws related to the supervised practice of dental hygienists

This bill revises Montana laws to allow dental hygienists to provide preventative services in public health facilities and school-based programs without a licensed dentist being physically present on-site. It establishes two types of supervision: general supervision where the dentist need not be on the premises, and public health supervision which permits hygienists to work independently in specific settings like federally qualified health centers and nursing homes. The legislation also creates a new limited access permit system that would allow hygienists to serve patients who face barriers to regular dental care due to age, disability, or financial constraints. Key provisions define which services hygienists can provide under public health supervision, such as fluoride application and sealants, while prohibiting procedures like local anesthesia. The bill grants rulemaking authority to the dental board to set qualifications for permits and identify additional eligible facilities and programs.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands access to preventative dental services by allowing hygienists to work independently in public health facilities and schools, improving healthcare accessibility.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 27, 2025

LC 868: Adopting the interstate massage compact

This bill adopts the Interstate Massage Compact into Montana law, creating a multistate licensing system for massage therapists that allows them to practice across participating states with a single license. The compact establishes an interstate commission to oversee the program and requires criminal background checks for applicants, while enabling states to share disciplinary and investigative information to protect public safety. It aims to increase mobility for licensed therapists, particularly military members and their spouses, while maintaining each state's authority to enforce its own massage therapy regulations and hold licensees accountable regardless of where they hold their multistate license.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates multistate licensing for massage therapists, improving patient access to licensed professionals and protecting public safety through background checks and information sharing.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill creates multistate licensing system that increases mobility for massage therapists, protecting their ability to work across state lines and expanding employment opportunities.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Professional Licensing

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 19, 2025

LC 2296: Allow a local first response entity to establish a peer support program

This bill allows police departments, sheriff's offices, fire departments, and emergency medical services in Montana to create peer support programs for their staff and volunteers. It requires these programs to have written policies covering supporter qualifications, session guidelines, confidentiality rules, and protections against discrimination or forced participation by supervisors. The legislation also establishes that peer support sessions are confidential and prohibits qualified supporters from testifying about what occurs during those sessions, with exceptions only for situations involving imminent harm or criminal activity.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes peer support programs for law enforcement, enhancing officer well-being and accountability, which aligns with criminal justice reform goals.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes peer support programs for first responders, addressing mental health and wellness through structured support systems with confidentiality protections.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Policing

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 25, 2025

LC 467: Creating the Montana physicians' workforce investment act

This bill creates the Montana Physicians' Workforce Investment Act to address the state's need for more doctors by establishing a grant program that helps healthcare facilities start new residency and fellowship training programs. The legislation sets up a 12-member task force, including government officials, medical school representatives, hospital leaders, and a patient advocate, to manage the grant program and oversee its implementation. Healthcare facilities can apply for up to $2 million in start-up funding to establish accredited graduate medical education programs, provided they submit detailed financial projections and sustainability plans. The task force must report annually on how many programs were created, how many training positions were filled, and the overall progress of the initiative.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes grant program to fund residency and fellowship training programs, directly increasing physician workforce and improving healthcare access95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill creates grant program to expand physician workforce training, addressing healthcare labor shortages and supporting employment standards in medical field.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Medical Licensing

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 25, 2025

LC 470: Revise laws relating to category D assisted living facilities

This bill updates regulations for Category D assisted living facilities in Montana, allowing them to operate independently or share space with other licensed facilities while limiting occupancy to a maximum of 15 residents. It clarifies that these facilities are not required to use seclusion, chemical, or physical restraints but must obtain prior authorization before using any form of restraint or seclusion. The legislation also establishes a process for diverting individuals from the Montana State Hospital to Category D facilities and requires the Department of Public Health and Human Services to provide technical assistance and a specialized reimbursement model to support these facilities. Additionally, the bill mandates monthly health assessments for Category D residents who are assessed as dangerous to themselves or others.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill protects patient rights by limiting restraint use in assisted living facilities and clarifies regulations for Category D facilities, improving care standards.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Long-Term Care Public Health

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 23, 2025

LC 1412: Revise emergency use of epinephrine in school setting to include nasal spray

This bill allows schools in Montana to permit students to carry and use epinephrine nasal spray as an emergency treatment for severe allergies, anaphylaxis, or asthma, expanding beyond the current allowance for autoinjectable forms. It requires students to provide written parental authorization, a physician's prescription with dosage and administration instructions, proof of training on proper use, and a written treatment plan before carrying the medication on campus or during school activities. Schools must keep these documents on file and are protected from liability unless injury results from gross negligence or intentional misconduct, while students must report to a school nurse immediately after using epinephrine for follow-up care.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands emergency medical access for students in schools, enhancing student safety and educational environment by allowing epinephrine nasal spray use.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands access to emergency allergy treatment in schools by allowing nasal spray epinephrine, improving patient safety and healthcare access for students.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health Healthcare Workforce

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 31, 2025

LC 1354: Provide for educational credit for students volunteering in long term care, nursing home, home care, and child care settings

This bill allows high school students in grades 11 and 12 to earn elective credits toward graduation by working at long-term care, nursing home, home care, or child care facilities. Students can earn one credit for every 250 hours worked, with a maximum of two credits allowed. Schools must create application forms to verify work hours and may set specific conditions on the types of tasks students perform. The program applies to both public and private schools and takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands educational access by allowing students to earn elective credits through community service, enhancing student programs and graduation requirements.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill encourages student volunteering in long-term care and nursing homes, potentially improving workforce pipeline and patient care support.75% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill creates educational opportunities for students in care settings, indirectly supporting workforce development in labor sectors like long-term care and child care.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education Long-Term Care Child Labor

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 18, 2025

LC 452: Revising laws related to dental anesthesia inspections

This bill requires dentists in Montana to obtain a permit and pass an inspection before administering deep sedation, general anesthesia, or moderate sedation to patients. The Montana Board of Dentistry will establish rules for minimum qualifications, facility standards, and equipment requirements for these anesthesia services. The board will conduct initial inspections at each facility and reinspect them at least every five years, with fees set to cover inspection costs. A temporary permit option allows dentists to begin administering anesthesia for up to 120 days while awaiting full inspection approval. The bill also updates legal definitions for different levels of sedation to clarify what is required for each category.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill strengthens patient safety by requiring inspections and qualifications for anesthesia services, protecting healthcare quality.90% confidence

Track

introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 25, 2025

LC 1893: Update licensing requirements for facilities licensed by the department of public health and human services

This bill updates licensing requirements for facilities regulated by Montana's Department of Public Health and Human Services, including community homes for people with severe or developmental disabilities. It adds a specific definition for "substance use disorder treatment facility" and amends multiple state codes to clarify what constitutes a health care facility and provider. The legislation also revises definitions related to managed care plans, emergency medical conditions, and health benefit plans to ensure consistency across health-related statutes. These changes aim to modernize the legal framework governing health care facilities without altering existing operational requirements.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill updates licensing requirements and clarifies definitions for healthcare facilities, strengthening regulatory frameworks for public health services and patient protections.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health Substance Abuse

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