Senate Bill No. introduced by G. Hertz aims to revise Montana's workers' compensation laws, specifically concerning medical providers and the standards for evaluating their testimony. The bill establishes that opinions from treating physicians will not automatically be given deference, and the credibility of health care professionals' testimony will be assessed based on their qualifications, experience, and extent of interaction with the employee regarding the medical condition. Additionally, the bill limits the discovery process related to independent medical examiners to their training, experience, and financial relationships with insurers.

The bill also amends Section 39-71-605 of the Montana Code Annotated, detailing the requirements for employees to submit to medical examinations requested by insurers. It clarifies that employees are entitled to have a physician present during examinations and outlines the consequences of failing to comply with examination requests. Furthermore, if a claimant submits to an examination, the insurer is responsible for covering reasonable expenses incurred, such as travel and lost wages, while specifying that certain expenses do not qualify for reimbursement under existing laws. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 39-71-605
SB0345_1(1): 39-71-605
SB0345_1(2): 39-71-605
SB0345_1(3): 39-71-605
SB0345_1(4): 39-71-605
SB0345_1(5): 39-71-605
SB0345_1: 39-71-605
SB0345_2(1): 39-71-605
SB0345_2(10): 39-71-605
SB0345_2(11): 39-71-605
SB0345_2(2): 39-71-605
SB0345_2(3): 39-71-605
SB0345_2(4): 39-71-605
SB0345_2(5): 39-71-605
SB0345_2(6): 39-71-605
SB0345_2(7): 39-71-605
SB0345_2(8): 39-71-605
SB0345_2(9): 39-71-605
SB0345_2: 39-71-605