The bill aims to address career fatigue and wellness among health care providers by establishing a professional wellness program and providing civil immunity for members and consultants involved in such programs. It modifies existing reporting laws to ensure that individuals or entities are not required to report a health care provider to their licensing board solely based on their participation in a wellness program, unless there is a reasonable belief that the provider is incompetent or poses a danger. Additionally, the bill grants immunity from civil liability to those involved in the wellness program's operations, protecting them from legal repercussions related to their duties.

Furthermore, the bill amends sections 37-3-401 and 37-4-312 of the Montana Code Annotated to clarify the reporting obligations concerning health care providers' incompetence or unprofessional conduct. It specifies that reports can be made regarding mental or physical impairments, and it allows for alternative reporting to a medical assistance program rather than directly to the licensing board. The amendments also introduce definitions for terms such as "health care provider" and "professional program," ensuring that the legislation is clear and comprehensive in its intent to support the well-being of health care professionals while maintaining public safety.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 37-3-401, 37-4-312
SB0497_1(1): 37-3-401, 37-4-312
SB0497_1(2): 37-3-401, 37-4-312
SB0497_1(3): 37-3-401, 37-4-312
SB0497_1(4): 37-3-401, 37-4-312
SB0497_1(5): 37-3-401, 37-4-312
SB0497_1(6): 37-3-401, 37-4-312
SB0497_1(7): 37-3-401, 37-4-312
SB0497_1(8): 37-3-401, 37-4-312
SB0497_1: 37-3-401, 37-4-312
SB0497_2(1): 37-3-401, 37-4-312
SB0497_2(10): 37-3-401, 37-4-312
SB0497_2(2): 37-3-401, 37-4-312
SB0497_2(3): 37-3-401, 37-4-312
SB0497_2(4): 37-3-401, 37-4-312
SB0497_2(5): 37-3-401, 37-4-312
SB0497_2(6): 37-3-401, 37-4-312
SB0497_2(7): 37-3-401, 37-4-312
SB0497_2(8): 37-3-401, 37-4-312
SB0497_2(9): 37-3-401, 37-4-312
SB0497_2: 37-3-401, 37-4-312
SB0497_X(1): 37-3-401, 37-4-312
SB0497_X(2): 37-3-401, 37-4-312
SB0497_X(3): 37-3-401, 37-4-312
SB0497_X(4): 37-3-401, 37-4-312
SB0497_X(5): 37-3-401, 37-4-312
SB0497_X(6): 37-3-401, 37-4-312
SB0497_X(7): 37-3-401, 37-4-312
SB0497_X(8): 37-3-401, 37-4-312
SB0497_X(9): 37-3-401, 37-4-312
SB0497_X: 37-3-401, 37-4-312