The bill revises Montana's workers' compensation laws specifically regarding the termination of temporary total disability benefits. It establishes that these benefits will be terminated on the date a claimant is released to full duty, even if this occurs prior to or on the date the claimant reaches maximum medical improvement. The bill amends Section 39-71-609 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to clarify that temporary total disability benefits may be terminated when a worker is released to return to work in any capacity, but emphasizes that if a claimant is released to full duty, benefits will cease immediately on that date.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the necessary notifications and criteria that insurers must follow when converting benefits. It specifies that insurers must provide a 14-day written notice before denying claims or terminating benefits, and outlines the requirements for determining a claimant's medical stability and ability to return to work. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 39-71-609
HB0197_1(1): 39-71-609
HB0197_1(2): 39-71-609
HB0197_1(3): 39-71-609
HB0197_1(4): 39-71-609
HB0197_1(5): 39-71-609
HB0197_1: 39-71-609