MontanaSB 34769th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)SenateWALLET

Revise medical resident licensure laws

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Faster physician licensing and oversight

The board may license a physician after PGY-1 if the doctor stays enrolled and in good standing. Doctors who use expedited licensure must submit fingerprints for Montana DOJ and FBI background checks. The board cannot share criminal history from those checks across state lines. The board may issue licenses with probation or other limits and may refuse a license for unprofessional conduct or lack of qualifications. It can set extra safety rules, make license recognition deals with other states, and issue short-term, nondisciplinary licenses.

Clearer telemedicine and resident rules

Telemedicine now includes live electronic visits, store-and-forward tools, and audio-only calls. It does not include email, instant messaging, or fax. For written certifications under 16-12-509, audio-only counts only if the doctor already saw the patient in person. The law also defines PGY, PGY-1, and “resident,” which requires an approved degree, enrollment in an approved residency, and a resident license.

Limits and options for naturopathic care

Naturopathic physicians face strict limits on drugs and procedures. They cannot prescribe or dispense most prescription drugs. They may use a short allowed list, including whole gland thyroid and homeopathic items, and may administer oxytocin but not prescribe or dispense it. They may do only minor surgery and no ionizing radiation and cannot claim another licensed profession. They may use listed therapies, topical and nonprescription drugs, barrier contraception devices, childbirth attendance, nutrition counseling, therapeutic devices, and physical modalities. They may order noninvasive tests like exams, ultrasound, blood draws, labs, and function tests. A five-member committee sets and reviews the naturopathic drug formulary each year, and the board adopts it as rules within approved training. In rural areas, a naturopath may sell authorized drugs if the office is more than 10 miles from a seller and the drug is not available within 10 miles.

Who can treat without a Montana license

Some care does not need a Montana medical license. Emergency volunteers remain exempt. Out-of-state doctors may treat patients here on an occasional basis, but regular practice, a standing hospital tie, or running an office requires a Montana license. Interns and residents may treat patients only in their training hospital or clinic under chapter rules. Technicians and medical assistants must work under supervision, and direct-entry midwives cannot give prescription drugs unless another law allows it.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Sue Vinton
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Ed Buttrey
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 294 • No: 2

Senate vote • 3/31/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 98 • No: 1

Senate vote • 3/29/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 96 • No: 1

Senate vote • 3/3/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 50 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/1/2025