The bill is a joint resolution from the Senate and House of Representatives of Montana, requesting an interim study of the state's long-term care system. It highlights the financial struggles faced by nursing homes due to declining census numbers, a high Medicaid payer mix, and rising costs exacerbated by COVID-19 and inflation. Additionally, the resolution addresses the severe workforce shortages in nursing homes, which have led to closures and forced vulnerable seniors to relocate far from their communities. Given that Montana has a significant population of residents aged 65 and older, the resolution emphasizes the urgent need to evaluate and improve the long-term care system.

The resolution calls for the Legislative Council to designate an appropriate interim committee to assess the capacity and needs of Montana's long-term care system. The study will focus on various issues, including workforce challenges, efficient care delivery, availability of home and community-based services, and access for high-need populations. It also seeks to gather input from stakeholders and requires that all findings be presented to a designated committee before September 15, 2024, with the final results reported to the 69th Legislature.