Healthcare

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.

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.

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.

HB 195 revises Montana’s cap on non-monetary damages (like pain, suffering, and emotional distress) in medical malpractice cases. It immediately raises the limit from $250,000 to $300,000, with scheduled annual increases: $350,000 in 2026, $400,000 in 2027, $450,000 in 2028, $500,000 in 2029, and 2% annual increases thereafter. The cap applies per patient per incident and is determined by the date the claim was first filed (with the medical panel or in court), not the trial date. This directly affects patients filing medical malpractice claims and healthcare providers defending such cases.