Bill > HB238

This bill establishes a standardized process for mental and physical evaluations of professional licensees in Montana across multiple healthcare-related licensing boards. The bill allows the alternative health care board, board of behavioral health, board of veterinary medicine, and other medical practitioner licensing boards to require an evaluation of a licensee or license applicant if they have a reasonable and objective belief that the individual poses a significant risk to public health and safety. The evaluation must determine how any mental or physical impairment, disability, or controlled substance use might impact the individual's ability to perform their professional duties safely. Boards will consider factors such as the duration, nature, severity, likelihood, and imminence of potential harm when making this determination. If an individual refuses to submit to the evaluation, the board may summarily suspend their license or suspend processing their application. The bill also amends existing statutes for medical, podiatry, and chiropractic licensing to clarify the evaluation process, including the ability to review medical records and require examinations. Importantly, the bill provides a framework for licensing boards to proactively address potential public safety concerns while maintaining a structured and fair review process for professional licensees.

Business and Industry

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0217