Healthcare (Mental Health)

introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 25, 2025

LC 1882: Establish PTSD nonmedication therapy training grant program

This bill establishes a grant program to train healthcare providers in nonmedication therapies for treating posttraumatic stress disorder in Montana. The Department of Labor and Industry will administer $600,000 in funding to support a two-year project that certifies providers licensed under state or federal veterans affairs regulations in these therapies. The program will also develop operational procedures, engage in community planning efforts, and track outcomes such as the number of trained providers and patients treated. Eligible expenses include training program licensing, facilitator costs, and travel for staff and trainees, with final reports due to the legislature by July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes grant program to train healthcare providers in PTSD nonmedication therapies, increasing mental health service access and funding.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill establishes grant program to train healthcare providers in nonmedication therapies for PTSD treatment, directly improving veteran healthcare access and services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Veteran Mental Health

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Mar 14, 2025

LC 4373: Confirm governor's appointee for board of behavioral health

This bill confirms the Governor's appointment of Michael Aranda from Belgrade, Montana, to serve as a member of the Board of Behavioral Health. The resolution formally approves the appointment submitted by the Governor on January 16, 2026, for a term ending July 1, 2028. By passing this measure, the Senate completes the legislative process required to finalize the individual's membership on the state board. The bill directs the Secretary of the Senate to send copies of the resolution to the Secretary of State and the Governor to officially record the confirmation.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill confirms appointment to Board of Behavioral Health, supporting mental health services administration and oversight within healthcare system.70% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 19, 2025

LC 4187: Revise preauthorization laws relating to healthcare

This bill directs Montana's Department of Public Health and Human Services to stop requiring prior authorization for certain FDA-approved antipsychotic drugs used to treat conditions listed in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. Under the new rules, Medicaid providers and patients will no longer need to obtain approval before receiving these specific medications, allowing for faster access to treatment. The changes apply to all claims submitted for services provided on or after the effective date, which is set for 30 days after the bill is passed.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill removes prior authorization barriers for antipsychotic medications, improving patient access to mental health treatment and strengthening healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Public Health

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 24, 2025

LC 4153: Generally revise laws related to service area authorities

This bill revises Montana laws governing service area authorities, which are local organizations that oversee mental health services. It requires the state Department of Public Health to support the creation of at least three service area authorities and provide them with annual contracts covering administrative costs, meetings, and various support services. The legislation also mandates that these authorities include significant representation from people with lived experience of mental illness and their families, and establishes clear reporting and planning requirements for how these organizations operate and collaborate with the state.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill strengthens mental health services by requiring state support for service area authorities, funding administrative costs, and mandating lived experience representation.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Public Health

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 3, 2025

LC 4356: Revise laws related to privacy in mental health digital service

This bill updates Montana laws to protect the privacy of individuals using digital mental health services like mobile apps and websites. It requires these platforms to follow the same confidentiality rules that currently apply to traditional healthcare providers when handling personal health information. The legislation also establishes legal penalties for unauthorized data sharing and allows individuals to seek remedies if their information is improperly disclosed. Additionally, the bill defines what qualifies as a mental health digital service, specifically covering apps or websites that collect mental health data and facilitate related services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill strengthens patient privacy protections for digital mental health services, ensuring confidentiality standards match traditional healthcare and establishing penalties for unauthorized data sharing.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill strengthens data privacy protections for digital mental health services, requiring platforms to follow healthcare confidentiality rules and establishing penalties for unauthorized data sharing.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 4, 2025

LC 3691: Prohibit health insurers from performing prior authorization on psychiatric drugs in shortage or discontinued

This bill prohibits health insurance companies in Montana from requiring prior authorization for psychiatric medications that are either in shortage or have been discontinued, as well as for long-acting injectable antipsychotics. It also removes prior authorization requirements for generic drugs that have been prescribed without interruption for six months and for dosage adjustments made by prescribers within FDA-approved ranges. Additionally, the bill mandates that any adverse prior authorization decisions for prescription drugs must be reviewed by a physician specializing in the relevant medical condition. These changes directly affect patients prescribed psychiatric medications and the insurance plans that cover them, aiming to reduce administrative barriers to accessing necessary mental health treatments.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill removes prior authorization barriers for psychiatric medications, improving patient access to mental health care and protecting patient rights.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Mental Health

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 14, 2025

LC 2086: Change name of mental health advisory council to behavioral health advisory council

This bill amends state law to rename the Mental Health Oversight Advisory Council to the Behavioral Health Advisory Council. The change directly affects the advisory council that provides input to the Department of Public Health and Human Services on public mental health system development and management. The key provision updates the official name of the council in the Montana Code Annotated while maintaining its existing composition requirements, which include consumer members, advocates, providers, legislators, and department representatives. No other operational changes to the council's structure, membership, or functions are included in this legislation.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill renames mental health council to behavioral health, indicating expanded scope and support for mental health services under public health system.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Public Health

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 26, 2025

LC 2809: Directing DPHHS and OPI to develop a plan to expand mental health education to all schools in the state

This bill directs Montana's Department of Public Health and Human Services and the Office of Public Instruction to create a plan for expanding mental health education to all public schools in the state. The plan must include curriculum details, financial and technical support mechanisms, data collection methods, and focus on specific areas like bullying, suicide prevention, and substance use. The agencies are required to submit interim progress reports by September 2025 and January 2026, with a final plan due by May 2026. The legislation also requires the secretary of state to notify federally recognized tribal governments about the act.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands mental health education across all public schools, enhancing student programs and educational access through required curriculum development and support mechanisms.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates expansion of mental health education in schools, directly supporting mental health services and preventive care initiatives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum School Safety Student Health Mental Health Public Health

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 29, 2025

LC 4030: Revise laws related to health insurance coverage of behavioral health screening

This bill requires health insurance policies issued or renewed in Montana to cover behavioral health screening assessments using standardized, evidence-based tools at no cost to the insured. It specifically applies to individual disability policies, state employee group benefit plans, disability insurance offered in the state, and self-funded multiple welfare employment arrangements. The legislation amends existing state laws to mandate this coverage while also updating provisions related to continued group plan membership for retirees, surviving spouses, judges, and legislators.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates insurance coverage for behavioral health screenings at no cost to insured, expanding access to mental health services and protecting patient rights.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill mandates coverage for behavioral health screening, which supports veteran mental health services and healthcare access.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Mental Health Public Health

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 14, 2025

LC 2883: Revise laws that prohibit contracts that restrict practice of health care providers

This bill amends Montana law to protect mental health and behavioral health professionals from restrictive employment contracts. It directly affects psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, counselors, nurses, physician assistants, and other licensed behavioral health providers by prohibiting their employers from including non-compete clauses that limit their ability to treat current patients or work in their field after leaving a job. The law specifically bans contracts from restricting these providers from practicing in any geographic area or maintaining relationships with patients they currently serve, while excluding contracts related to buying or selling a medical practice. The changes apply immediately upon passage and cover contracts made or renewed after the effective date.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill protects mental health professionals from restrictive contracts, improving patient access and supporting healthcare workforce stability.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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