This bill aims to revise laws related to physician assistants and medical malpractice in Montana. It includes significant changes to the limitation on noneconomic damages in malpractice cases, establishing a new limit of $300,000, which will increase annually by specified amounts over the next several years, ultimately reaching $500,000 by January 1, 2029. Additionally, starting January 1, 2030, the limit will be adjusted by 2% each year. The bill also incorporates "physician assistant" into the definition of "health care provider," thereby expanding the scope of who is covered under these malpractice provisions.

The bill amends Section 25-9-411 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to clarify the application of these limits to both future and existing malpractice claims. It specifies that the limit on noneconomic damages is determined by the date the claimant first files a claim, and it outlines the process for reducing awards that exceed the limit. Furthermore, the bill includes a severability clause to ensure that if any part of the act is found invalid, the remaining provisions will still be enforceable. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 25-9-411