The bill amends Section 39-71-116 of the Montana Code Annotated to revise the definition of "treating physician" within the context of workers' compensation. The new language explicitly includes physical therapists as eligible treating physicians, thereby expanding the range of healthcare providers who can be responsible for the delivery and coordination of medical services for workers with compensable injuries or occupational diseases. This change aims to enhance the accessibility of medical care for injured workers by allowing them to receive treatment from licensed physical therapists in addition to the previously recognized healthcare providers.

Specifically, the bill adds a new subsection (42)(h) that defines a treating physician as "a physical therapist licensed by the state of Montana under Title 37, chapter 11." Additionally, it modifies the existing language to remove the phrase "or" before the mention of physical therapists, indicating a clear inclusion of this profession in the definition. This legislative change reflects a recognition of the important role that physical therapists play in the rehabilitation and recovery process for injured workers.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 39-71-116
SB0109_1(1): 39-71-116
SB0109_1(2): 39-71-116
SB0109_1(3): 39-71-116
SB0109_1(4): 39-71-116
SB0109_1(5): 39-71-116
SB0109_1(6): 39-71-116
SB0109_1(7): 39-71-116
SB0109_1: 39-71-116
SB0109_X(1): 39-71-116
SB0109_X(2): 39-71-116
SB0109_X(3): 39-71-116
SB0109_X(4): 39-71-116
SB0109_X(5): 39-71-116
SB0109_X: 39-71-116