House Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to revise laws related to chiropractic practitioners in Montana by establishing a new license endorsement for prescriptive authority. This endorsement allows chiropractors to prescribe, obtain, and administer certain controlled drugs, specifically skeletal muscle relaxants, cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, topical anesthetics, and glucocorticoids, among others. The bill outlines the requirements for obtaining this endorsement, including educational qualifications and adherence to protocols for drug management. Additionally, it amends existing definitions and rights related to chiropractic practice, clarifying that while chiropractors may not perform invasive procedures or prescribe dangerous drugs without the endorsement, they can utilize a broader range of natural agents for healing.

Furthermore, the bill expands the Montana Medicaid program to include chiropractic services provided by licensed practitioners, thereby enhancing access to these services for eligible individuals. The amendments to various sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) reflect these changes, including the addition of chiropractic services to the list of covered medical assistance. The bill also grants rulemaking authority to the board of chiropractors to implement the new prescriptive authority and ensure compliance with the updated regulations. Overall, this legislation seeks to modernize chiropractic practice in Montana and improve healthcare options for residents.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 37-12-101, 37-12-104, 37-12-201, 53-6-101
HB0500_1(1): 37-12-101, 37-12-104, 37-12-201, 53-6-101
HB0500_1(2): 37-12-101, 37-12-104, 37-12-201, 53-6-101
HB0500_1(3): 37-12-101, 37-12-104, 37-12-201, 53-6-101
HB0500_1(4): 37-12-101, 37-12-104, 37-12-201, 53-6-101
HB0500_1(5): 37-12-101, 37-12-104, 37-12-201, 53-6-101
HB0500_1: 37-12-101, 37-12-104, 37-12-201, 53-6-101
HB0500_2(1): 37-12-101, 37-12-104, 37-12-201, 53-6-101
HB0500_2(2): 37-12-101, 37-12-104, 37-12-201, 53-6-101
HB0500_2(3): 37-12-101, 37-12-104, 37-12-201, 53-6-101
HB0500_2(4): 37-12-101, 37-12-104, 37-12-201, 53-6-101
HB0500_2(5): 37-12-101, 37-12-104, 37-12-201, 53-6-101
HB0500_2(6): 37-12-101, 37-12-104, 37-12-201, 53-6-101
HB0500_2(7): 37-12-101, 37-12-104, 37-12-201, 53-6-101
HB0500_2: 37-12-101, 37-12-104, 37-12-201, 53-6-101