Labor & Employment

HB 143 revises the definition of "treating physician" within the state's Workers' Compensation Act. This bill expands the definition to explicitly include physician assistants (PAs). A key provision is the removal of any requirement for PAs to be in proximity to other medical providers to qualify as a treating physician for these purposes. This change affects how workers' compensation claims are managed and potentially broadens the types of healthcare providers recognized for injured workers.

SB 338 authorizes a "benefits administrator" to receive workers' compensation payments on behalf of minor children or individuals deemed incompetent. This expands the list of parties who can receive such payments, which previously included parents, guardians, or conservators. The bill grants the workers' compensation judge the authority to appoint and terminate these benefits administrators. Parties can petition the judge for this appointment without needing to satisfy other dispute resolution requirements first.

HB 13 revises pay and benefits for all Montana state employees, including a $1.00 hourly or 2.5% base salary increase (whichever is greater) effective July 1, 2025, plus one-time lump-sum payments based on work hours: $1,040 for full-time employees, $780 for 20-40 hours/week, and $520 for under 20 hours/week. It also adjusts per diem rates for travel, increasing daily meal allowances to $8.25 (breakfast), $9.25 (lunch), and $16.00 (dinner) for in-state travel. The bill applies broadly to all state employees and was enacted into law on March 27, 2025.