The bill addresses career fatigue and wellness among health care providers by providing civil immunity for members and consultants of professional programs aimed at these issues. It establishes that individuals or entities are not obligated to report information about a health care provider participating in such a program unless there is a reasonable belief that the provider is incompetent or poses a danger to themselves or others. Additionally, the bill includes provisions that protect the confidentiality of proceedings and communications within these professional programs, ensuring that they are not subject to discovery in civil actions unless extraordinary circumstances warrant disclosure.

The bill amends existing reporting laws for health care providers, specifically Sections 37-3-401 and 37-4-312 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA). It clarifies that those with a mandatory duty to report are not required to report a physician or licensee participating in a professional program unless there is a reasonable belief of incompetence or danger. This change aims to encourage participation in wellness programs without fear of repercussions, thereby promoting the overall health and safety of health care providers and their patients. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

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: 37-3-401, 37-4-312