Bill > HB566

This bill revises the process for conducting the decennial veterans' long-term care needs study in Montana by shifting primary responsibility from the Department of Public Health and Human Services to the Montana Veterans' Affairs Division. The study will now require more comprehensive stakeholder involvement, including creating an advisory committee with representatives from veterans' organizations, legislators, and caregivers. The bill mandates that the study include a detailed personal survey of veterans using both online and paper options, and potentially incorporating focus groups, to comprehensively assess veterans' long-term care needs across the state. The study must analyze veteran demographics, examine needs for nursing home and domiciliary services, evaluate Alzheimer's support services, and assess the need for additional state veterans' cemeteries. Prior to conducting the study, the Veterans' Affairs Division must prepare an outreach and marketing plan and present a study plan and budget estimate to the state administration and veterans' affairs interim committee. The bill also requires at least one update during the study's progress and a detailed final report with recommendations for legislative actions and future study improvements, ensuring a more collaborative and thorough approach to understanding veterans' long-term care needs in Montana.

Government Affairs

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC4172