Bill > HB796

This bill amends two sections of Montana law (50-16-535 and 50-16-811) to clarify when health care information can be disclosed by health care providers during legal proceedings. Specifically, the bill adds a new provision that allows professional or occupational licensing boards and license programs to request health care information through an administrative subpoena for investigative and disciplinary purposes. This means that licensing boards (such as medical, dental, or other professional licensing boards) can now obtain a patient's health care records when conducting investigations or disciplinary proceedings against a licensed professional. The bill expands the existing list of circumstances under which health care information can be legally disclosed, adding this new administrative subpoena exception while maintaining existing protections for patient privacy. The change allows licensing boards to more effectively investigate potential professional misconduct by accessing relevant health care information through an administrative process, while still preserving the general confidentiality of patient medical records.

Health and Social Services

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC1061