This bill revises the professional and occupational licensing laws for radiologic technologists, respiratory care practitioners, and clinical laboratory science practitioners in Montana by establishing a new Board of Facility Health Care Professionals. The board will consist of seven members, including representatives from each of the specified professions and a public member. It will be responsible for administering licensing provisions, establishing licensure criteria, adopting fees, and overseeing the issuance and renewal of licenses. The bill also amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to reflect these changes, including updates to definitions, the appointment process for board members, and the structure of board meetings.

Additionally, the bill streamlines the licensure procedures for clinical laboratory scientists, specialists, and technicians by eliminating the requirement for an application fee and allowing the department to issue licenses directly to qualified individuals. It repeals outdated sections related to the previous boards overseeing these professions and includes provisions for renaming the boards, updating references in future legislation, and ensuring the protection of rights and duties prior to the bill's effective date. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and will apply to the licensing of the relevant professionals after December 31, 2025.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 37-1-123, 37-1-124, 37-14-102, 37-14-305, 37-14-322, 37-28-102, 37-28-202, 37-34-103, 37-34-305