Bill > HB403

This bill provides legislators with immediate and unlimited access to the Montana State Hospital, with some important contextual considerations. The legislation comes in response to the hospital losing its federal certification from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in 2022 due to patient health and safety concerns, including multiple patient deaths and falls. Recognizing that many hospital patients have cognitive challenges like traumatic brain injury or dementia that limit their ability to self-advocate, the bill ensures legislators can inspect and potentially intervene on behalf of vulnerable patients. While legislators will have unrestricted access to the facility, they must still comply with the hospital's routine security and safety procedures. The bill also explicitly requires legislators to prioritize and respect patients' health, dignity, privacy, and welfare during their visits. The proposed legislation will be codified as part of Title 53, Chapter 21, Part 6 of Montana state law, signaling its integration into existing healthcare facility regulations.

Health and Social Services

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC1372