This bill amends the definition of "treating physician" in Montana law to include physician assistants without the requirement that there be no other treating physician available in the area. Specifically, it removes the previous stipulation that a physician assistant could only serve as a treating physician if there was no physician present, thereby broadening the scope of who can provide medical services to injured workers. The bill also updates the definitions in Sections 39-71-116 and 39-71-711 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to reflect this change.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that physician assistants, along with other licensed healthcare providers, can be recognized as treating physicians, which may enhance access to medical care for workers' compensation claimants. The changes are intended to streamline the process of obtaining medical treatment for injured workers and ensure that they have access to a wider range of qualified healthcare providers. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 39-71-116, 39-71-711
HB0143_1(1): 39-71-116, 39-71-711
HB0143_1(2): 39-71-116, 39-71-711
HB0143_1(3): 39-71-116, 39-71-711
HB0143_1(4): 39-71-116, 39-71-711
HB0143_1(5): 39-71-116, 39-71-711
HB0143_1(6): 39-71-116, 39-71-711
HB0143_1: 39-71-116, 39-71-711
HB0143_2: 39-71-116, 39-71-711
HB0143_X(1): 39-71-116, 39-71-711
HB0143_X(2): 39-71-116, 39-71-711
HB0143_X(3): 39-71-116, 39-71-711
HB0143_X(4): 39-71-116, 39-71-711
HB0143_X(5): 39-71-116, 39-71-711
HB0143_X: 39-71-116, 39-71-711