The bill revises the process for conducting the decennial veterans' long-term care needs study in Montana by transferring primary responsibility from the Department of Public Health and Human Services to the Montana Veterans' Affairs Division. It mandates that the study be conducted in consultation with various stakeholders, including veterans' outreach organizations, legislators, and caregivers. The bill also requires the preparation of a study plan and budget estimate prior to the study's commencement, as well as the inclusion of personal surveys and focus groups to gather comprehensive data on the long-term care needs of veterans.

Additionally, the bill updates the reporting requirements, stipulating that the Montana Veterans' Affairs Division must provide updates to the state administration and veterans' affairs interim committee during the study. Upon completion, a detailed report must be presented, which will include the study's results, legislative recommendations, and suggestions for future studies. The amendments to sections 10-2-901, 10-2-902, and 10-2-903 of the Montana Code Annotated reflect these changes, emphasizing the collaborative approach and the importance of stakeholder involvement in assessing veterans' care needs.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 10-2-901, 10-2-902, 10-2-903
HB0566_1(1): 10-2-901, 10-2-902, 10-2-903
HB0566_1(2): 10-2-901, 10-2-902, 10-2-903
HB0566_1(3): 10-2-901, 10-2-902, 10-2-903
HB0566_1(4): 10-2-901, 10-2-902, 10-2-903
HB0566_1(5): 10-2-901, 10-2-902, 10-2-903
HB0566_1(6): 10-2-901, 10-2-902, 10-2-903
HB0566_1: 10-2-901, 10-2-902, 10-2-903
HB0566_X(1): 10-2-901, 10-2-902, 10-2-903
HB0566_X(10): 10-2-901, 10-2-902, 10-2-903
HB0566_X(11): 10-2-901, 10-2-902, 10-2-903
HB0566_X(2): 10-2-901, 10-2-902, 10-2-903
HB0566_X(3): 10-2-901, 10-2-902, 10-2-903
HB0566_X(4): 10-2-901, 10-2-902, 10-2-903
HB0566_X(5): 10-2-901, 10-2-902, 10-2-903
HB0566_X(6): 10-2-901, 10-2-902, 10-2-903
HB0566_X(7): 10-2-901, 10-2-902, 10-2-903
HB0566_X(8): 10-2-901, 10-2-902, 10-2-903
HB0566_X(9): 10-2-901, 10-2-902, 10-2-903
HB0566_X: 10-2-901, 10-2-902, 10-2-903