Bill > SB295

This bill restores and clarifies an injured worker's right to choose their own treating physician in workers' compensation cases. The legislation modifies existing Montana law to give workers more flexibility in selecting medical providers while maintaining some oversight by insurers. Specifically, the bill allows workers to choose a treating physician for initial treatment and then designate that same physician or another qualified healthcare provider for continued care. The bill requires that the selection of a treating physician consider the type of injury, practical considerations like proximity, and the availability of the healthcare provider. Insurers can verify that the chosen physician agrees to necessary responsibilities, such as coordinating medical services, providing timely determinations about medical healing and work restrictions, and conducting impairment ratings. The bill also preserves provisions for changing treating physicians with mutual consent and provides a mediation process if an insurer refuses to consent to a change. Additionally, the legislation maintains existing fee schedule rates for medical services and allows insurers to direct workers to managed care or preferred provider organizations, but ensures that emergency medical treatment will be covered even if provided by a provider outside these networks. The changes aim to balance worker choice with cost-containment and efficient medical care in workers' compensation cases, with the new provisions set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

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https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0660