The bill aims to establish the independent practice of physician assistants (PAs) in Montana, enhancing their ability to provide healthcare services without the direct supervision of a physician. It also seeks to clarify the coverage of PAs under various health programs, including Healthy Montana Kids, health maintenance organizations, and multiple welfare employer arrangements. The legislation includes amendments to several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) related to healthcare practices and regulations, specifically targeting the roles and responsibilities of physician assistants.

Additionally, the bill proposes the repeal of Section 37-20-101 of the MCA, which may pertain to previous regulations governing physician assistants. The changes are intended to streamline the practice of PAs and improve access to healthcare services for residents of Montana. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage, reflecting a sense of urgency in addressing healthcare delivery in the state.

Statutes affected:
HB0313_1.pdf: 33-22-114, 33-31-111, 33-35-306, 37-20-101, 37-20-104, 37-20-301, 37-20-401, 37-20-403, 37-20-404, 37-20-405, 37-20-410, 37-20-411, 50-5-1301, 50-12-102, 50-19-403, 50-20-109, 53-4-1005
HB0313_2.pdf: 33-22-114, 33-31-111, 33-35-306, 37-20-101, 37-20-104, 37-20-301, 37-20-401, 37-20-403, 37-20-404, 37-20-405, 37-20-410, 37-20-411, 50-5-1301, 50-12-102, 50-19-403, 50-20-109, 53-4-1005
Amended: 33-22-114, 33-31-111, 33-35-306, 37-20-101, 37-20-104, 37-20-203, 37-20-301, 37-20-401, 37-20-403, 37-20-404, 37-20-405, 37-20-410, 37-20-411, 50-5-1301, 50-12-102, 50-19-403, 50-20-109, 53-4-1005
Introduced: 33-22-114, 33-31-111, 33-35-306, 37-20-101, 37-20-104, 37-20-301, 37-20-401, 37-20-403, 37-20-404, 37-20-405, 37-20-410, 37-20-411, 50-5-1301, 50-12-102, 50-19-403, 50-20-109, 53-4-1005