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 treatment options available to injured workers by recognizing the role of physical therapists in their recovery process.

In addition to the inclusion of physical therapists, the bill also makes a minor deletion regarding the licensing requirements for treating physicians from other states. Specifically, it removes the phrase "or" before the mention of physical therapists, clarifying that they are now recognized as a distinct category of treating physician under Montana law. This legislative update reflects a growing acknowledgment of the importance of physical therapy in the rehabilitation and recovery of 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