Healthcare (Medical Licensing)

died · Montana · House May 20, 2025

HB 797: Generally revise occupational licensing laws

HB 797, also known as the "Expanding Physician Access Act," aims to revise occupational licensing laws to facilitate the licensure of international physicians. The bill establishes a process for the board to grant provisional licenses to international physicians who meet specific educational, examination, and experience requirements, and have an employment offer from a healthcare provider in the state. These provisional licenses automatically convert to full licenses after three years of continuous active practice in the state. This initiative seeks to remove barriers for internationally licensed physicians to fill vacancies, particularly in rural and primary care settings, while maintaining existing standards of care and licensing requirements.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands physician access by streamlining licensing for international doctors, directly improving healthcare provider availability and patient access.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationFacilitates licensure for international physicians, enabling immigrant doctors to practice healthcare services without restrictive barriers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Medical Licensing Primary Care Tags Licensing

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signed · Montana · House May 13, 2025

HB 806: Generally revising laws related to dietitians and nutritionists

HB 806 generally revises the laws governing dietitians and nutritionists in Montana. The bill updates definitions related to the practice of nutrition and dietetics, and establishes new licensure requirements, including mandatory criminal background checks. It also outlines provisions for qualified supervisors, permits, and transitional licensure for these professionals. Additionally, the bill integrates licensed dietitians and nutritionists into the state's "quality educator" payment framework, affecting their recognition in public schools, special education cooperatives, and correctional facilities.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes licensure requirements and integrates dietitians/nutritionists into state payment framework, enhancing professional access to healthcare services.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing

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

died · Montana · Legislature May 27, 2025

LC 2872: Allow physician assistants, nurse practitioners, CRNAs to function as medical directors of any medical facility

LC 2872 proposed allowing physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and CRNAs (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists) to serve as medical directors at any medical facility. If enacted, this would directly affect these healthcare providers by expanding their scope of practice to include a leadership role currently restricted to physicians. The bill aimed to change existing regulations that limited medical director positions to physicians. However, the bill died in the legislative process on May 27, 2025, and was never enacted into law.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands scope of practice for healthcare providers (PAs, NPs, CRNAs) to serve as medical directors, improving access to leadership roles in facilities and enhancing provider capacity.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Medical Licensing

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died · Montana · Legislature May 27, 2025

LC 2878: Allow physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and CRNAs to function as Medical Directors

This bill (LC 2878) proposed allowing physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) to serve as medical directors in healthcare facilities - currently a role restricted to physicians. If passed, it would directly affect these healthcare providers and the facilities employing them by expanding who can hold this leadership position overseeing clinical operations. The bill died in committee on May 27, 2025, and was never enacted into law. It did not advance beyond the drafting stage.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands leadership roles for healthcare providers (PAs, NPs, CRNAs) in clinical operations, directly advancing provider access and facility management within healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Medical Licensing

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signed · Montana · Senate May 16, 2025

SB 319: Generally revise health care laws related to doulas

This bill establishes a state licensure system for doulas, defining them as nonmedical professionals who provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational support during pregnancy and up to one year postpartum. Beginning January 1, 2027, individuals wishing to practice as state-licensed doulas must obtain a license from the Department of Labor and Industry. Licensure requires paying fees, completing specific competencies, and adhering to professional conduct standards. Additionally, the bill allows the Department of Public Health and Human Services to provide Medicaid coverage for services offered by state-licensed doulas.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes licensure standards for doulas (nonmedical healthcare support), formalizing their role in pregnancy/postpartum care and improving professional standards within healthcare services.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing Public Health

introduced · Montana · Legislature Mar 27, 2025

LC 451: Revise medicaid laws related to direct primary care

This bill (LC 451) would revise Montana Medicaid laws to allow coverage for direct primary care contracts. It directly affects Medicaid enrollees who choose direct primary care - where patients pay a flat fee directly to a doctor instead of traditional insurance. The key provision adds "direct primary care contracts" as a covered service under Medicaid, prohibits the Department from requiring enrollees to participate in case management if they have such a contract, and defines the term. This change would expand access to an alternative primary care model for Montana Medicaid beneficiaries.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAdds direct primary care as Medicaid-covered service, expanding access options for enrollees without restricting benefits or coverage.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Medical Licensing Primary Care

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Mar 30, 2025

LC 580: Creating the Montana Bridge to Medical Residency Act

This bill creates a temporary "supervised medical graduate" license for Montana medical school graduates who did not secure a residency position. It allows these individuals to practice under direct supervision of a licensed physician for up to two years (with one renewal), requiring them to have passed parts 1 and 2 of the U.S. medical licensing exam and hold an accredited medical degree. The license permits specific duties delegated by a supervising physician - such as patient care in the same facility, with the physician personally treating the patient and being immediately available - while explicitly prohibiting supervision by medical residents. This license does not grant full medical licensure or allow independent practice.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates supervised license for medical graduates without residencies, expanding healthcare workforce access and improving patient care in underserved areas.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing

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signed · Montana · House Apr 17, 2025

HB 198: Revise laws that prohibit contracts that restrict practice of health care providers

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.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcarePrevents restrictive contracts limiting provider practice or patient access post-employment, aligning with improved access and provider rights in healthcare services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing

died · Montana · House May 20, 2025

HB 526: Adopt the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse license compact

HB 526 proposes that the state join the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) compact. This initiative allows Advanced Practice Registered Nurses licensed in one member state to practice in other compact states without needing to obtain a separate license for each. The bill establishes a framework for uniform licensure requirements and facilitates the exchange of information between states for regulatory and enforcement purposes. Its aim is to streamline the licensing process for APRNs and enhance their ability to provide care across state lines, potentially increasing access to healthcare services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareStreamlines APRN licensing across states, improving patient access to healthcare services by removing regulatory barriers.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Medical Licensing

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