Bill > SB216

This bill creates the Montana Physicians' Workforce Investment Act, establishing a new graduate medical education (GME) task force and grant program aimed at addressing physician shortages in the state. The task force will consist of six members, including representatives from state agencies, medical schools, hospitals, and a patient advocate, along with two nonvoting legislators. The task force will develop and administer a grant program that allows Montana-based health sector facilities to apply for up to $2 million in start-up grants to establish new graduate medical education programs. To be eligible, applicants must provide details about their proposed program, including specialty area, accreditation plans, financial projections, and a sustainability strategy. Grant recipients must provide equal consideration to medical and osteopathic medical program graduates and submit annual reports about their programs. The bill allocates $6 million from the general fund for the grant program, beginning July 1, 2025. The task force is required to submit an annual report to the governor and legislative committees detailing the grant program's progress, including information about established programs, their locations, specialties, and the number of medical graduate positions created. The overall goal is to expand medical training opportunities and help address physician workforce needs in Montana.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0467