The bill establishes the Montana Rare Disease Advisory Council within the Department of Public Health and Human Services to provide guidance, education, and recommendations regarding the needs of individuals with rare diseases in Montana. The council will consist of 17 members, including representatives from various sectors such as healthcare, academia, and patient organizations, as well as individuals living with rare diseases and their caregivers. The governor will appoint the members, with the presiding officer serving a three-year term, and the council will meet regularly to address the needs of rare disease patients and develop policy recommendations.
Additionally, the council is tasked with convening public hearings, publishing resources related to rare diseases, and submitting annual reports to the governor and legislature detailing its activities and funding status. The bill appropriates $16,000 from the general fund for the council's operations for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025, and emphasizes the importance of addressing the challenges faced by individuals with rare diseases in the state. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.