Bill > SB497

This bill addresses healthcare provider burnout by establishing protections and guidelines for professional wellness programs designed to support healthcare workers. The bill prevents mandatory reporting to licensing boards for healthcare providers participating in wellness programs, unless the provider is deemed incompetent or dangerous to patients. It provides civil immunity for members and consultants of professional wellness programs, ensuring that their deliberations and actions are protected from legal scrutiny. The bill defines a professional program as an organization established by a statewide healthcare association that is tax-exempt and primarily represents healthcare providers. The legislation covers a wide range of healthcare professionals, including physicians, physician assistants, dentists, mental health professionals, pharmacists, nurses, and students in healthcare educational programs. The bill also restricts the disclosure of program-related information in civil actions, allowing such evidence to be introduced only under extraordinary circumstances and with a court's determination that public safety outweighs privacy concerns. Additionally, the bill amends existing reporting laws for medical and dental boards to align with the new wellness program protections, ensuring that healthcare providers can seek help for career fatigue and wellness issues without fear of automatic professional consequences.

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https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC2096