This bill revises the workers' compensation laws in Montana, specifically addressing the termination of temporary total disability benefits when a claimant is released to full duty. It establishes that these benefits may be terminated as of the date the worker returns to full duty, rather than mandating a specific termination date. The bill amends Section 39-71-609 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to clarify the process for terminating benefits, including the requirement for a 14-day written notice to the claimant and the insurer's obligations to assess the claimant's medical status and work capabilities.

Additionally, the bill introduces new guidelines for terminating temporary total disability benefits when a claimant is released to full duty before reaching maximum medical improvement. It specifies that benefits may be terminated either at the time of the claimant's return to work or after a 14-day notice period, whichever occurs first. This change aims to streamline the process and provide clearer criteria for insurers and claimants regarding the status of disability benefits. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 39-71-609
HB0197_1(1): 39-71-609
HB0197_1(10): 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(6): 39-71-609
HB0197_1(7): 39-71-609
HB0197_1(8): 39-71-609
HB0197_1(9): 39-71-609
HB0197_1: 39-71-609
HB0197_2(1): 39-71-609
HB0197_2(2): 39-71-609
HB0197_2(3): 39-71-609
HB0197_2(4): 39-71-609
HB0197_2(5): 39-71-609
HB0197_2(6): 39-71-609
HB0197_2(7): 39-71-609
HB0197_2(8): 39-71-609
HB0197_2: 39-71-609
HB0197_3: 39-71-609
HB0197_X(1): 39-71-609
HB0197_X(10): 39-71-609
HB0197_X(11): 39-71-609
HB0197_X(12): 39-71-609
HB0197_X(13): 39-71-609
HB0197_X(14): 39-71-609
HB0197_X(15): 39-71-609
HB0197_X(2): 39-71-609
HB0197_X(3): 39-71-609
HB0197_X(4): 39-71-609
HB0197_X(5): 39-71-609
HB0197_X(6): 39-71-609
HB0197_X(7): 39-71-609
HB0197_X(8): 39-71-609
HB0197_X(9): 39-71-609
HB0197_X: 39-71-609