Senate Bill No. introduced by A. Olsen aims to restore the right of injured workers to designate their treating physician for workers' compensation purposes. The bill amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), specifically 39-71-1101, 39-71-1102, and 39-71-1103. Key changes include the removal of the insurer's authority to designate or approve a treating physician before the worker's choice, allowing workers to select a treating physician for initial treatment and subsequently designate that person or another qualified individual. The bill also emphasizes that the designation must consider the type of injury and the worker's proximity to the physician, and it allows for changes in the treating physician with mutual consent from the worker and insurer.

Additionally, the bill revises the provisions regarding managed care organizations and preferred provider organizations, ensuring that injured workers are informed of their options through individual written notice rather than general postings. It mandates that insurers cover emergency medical treatment at 100% of the department's fee schedule, even if the treatment is provided outside the designated organizations. The effective date for this act is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 39-71-1101, 39-71-1102, 39-71-1103
SB0295_1(1): 39-71-1101, 39-71-1102, 39-71-1103
SB0295_1(2): 39-71-1101, 39-71-1102, 39-71-1103
SB0295_1(3): 39-71-1101, 39-71-1102, 39-71-1103
SB0295_1(4): 39-71-1101, 39-71-1102, 39-71-1103
SB0295_1: 39-71-1101, 39-71-1102, 39-71-1103