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MontanaHB 43569th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET

Clarifying laws related to professional license discipline

Sponsored By: Jodee Etchart (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Professions and Occupations GenerallyRule Making

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.

Stronger discipline and reinstatement for licensees

Licensing boards use a single set of rules to discipline licensees. Boards can revoke or suspend a license, restrict practice, or put someone on probation for up to 3 years. Boards can fine up to $5,000 per violation and can order refunds of amounts billed to consumers. The law expands what counts as unprofessional conduct, while protecting free speech and free exercise. If your license was revoked but not permanently, you can ask for reinstatement after a board‑set wait; the board may require an exam or treat you as a new applicant.

New reporting duties and penalties for licensees

Applicants must report qualifying actions that arise while an application is pending right away. Licensees must report qualifying final actions within 30 days and must report known peer misconduct. If you report in good faith, you are immune from being sued. Willful failure to make required reports can lead the state to suspend a license or privilege for up to one month. The law repeals older reporting and immunity statutes and replaces them with these rules.

Facilities must require provider malpractice insurance

To keep certain malpractice protections, a health care facility must have a policy requiring independent professionals to carry the insurance its rules specify. That insurance must stay in force for the full malpractice statute‑of‑limitations period. Without such a policy, the facility loses ostensible‑agency protection, and not following the required policy is unprofessional conduct.

Impairment reports and required evaluations for clinicians

Anyone may report that a licensee is impaired by substance use, mental illness, or chronic illness. For medical professions under chapter 3, reports may go to program staff, who must alert the board if the licensee refuses or fails evaluation, treatment, or aftercare, or if there is a risk of harm. A board can order an evaluation after notice and, if requested, a hearing, and the exam must be done at an approved facility.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jodee Etchart

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Josh Kassmier

    Republican • Senate

  • Sara Novak

    Democrat • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 288 • No: 8

Senate vote • 4/11/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 48 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/10/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 50 • No: 0

House vote • 2/22/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 95 • No: 3

House vote • 2/21/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 95 • No: 5

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter Number Assigned

    5/5/2025House

  2. Signed by Governor

    5/1/2025House

  3. Transmitted to Governor

    4/25/2025House

  4. Signed by President

    4/25/2025Senate

  5. Signed by Speaker

    4/23/2025House

  6. Returned from Enrolling

    4/15/2025House

  7. Sent to Enrolling

    4/11/2025House

  8. 3rd Reading

    4/11/2025Senate

  9. 2nd Reading

    4/10/2025Senate

  10. Committee Report

    3/28/2025Senate

  11. Committee Executive Action

    3/28/2025Senate

  12. Hearing

    3/15/2025Senate

  13. Referred to Committee

    3/3/2025Senate

  14. 1st Reading

    2/25/2025Senate

  15. Transmitted to Senate

    2/24/2025House

  16. 3rd Reading

    2/22/2025House

  17. 2nd Reading

    2/21/2025House

  18. Committee Report

    2/18/2025House

  19. Committee Executive Action

    2/18/2025House

  20. Fiscal Note Printed

    2/14/2025House

  21. Fiscal Note Signed

    2/13/2025House

  22. Fiscal Note Received

    2/13/2025House

  23. Hearing

    2/10/2025House

  24. 1st Reading

    2/10/2025House

  25. Referred to Committee

    2/10/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    4/15/2025

    PDF

  • As Amended (Version 2)

    2/18/2025

    PDF

  • Introduced

    2/7/2025

    PDF

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