Bill > HB438

This bill establishes a new Board of Physical, Rehabilitative, and Developmental Health Care Professionals, which will consolidate oversight for several healthcare professions including athletic trainers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists. The new 12-member board will consist of representatives from each of these professional groups, plus one public member, and will be allocated to the Department of Labor and Industry. The bill's purpose is to ensure the availability of high-quality healthcare services and protect public health by maintaining professional standards. The board will have authority to administer licensing, establish criteria for professional licensure, set fees, and adopt rules for these healthcare professions. Specifically, the bill repeals existing separate boards for each profession and transfers their regulatory responsibilities to this new unified board. The legislation modifies existing definitions and licensing requirements for the affected professions, streamlining their regulatory framework under a single administrative body. The new board will be responsible for issuing and renewing licenses, establishing professional standards, and ensuring that only qualified professionals can practice in their respective fields. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and includes provisions to ensure a smooth transition of existing professional licensing authorities.

Business and Industry

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0457