Revise workers' compensation laws relating to designation of treating physician
Impact
If enacted, HB 719 would amend Section 39-71-1101 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) and fundamentally alter the relationship between workers, their treating physicians, and insurers. It is designed to prevent practices of coercion whereby insurers might unduly influence or dictate the medical care decisions of injured workers. The bill's proponents argue that it aligns with the principles of patient rights and ensures that workers receive appropriate care from physicians they trust. This could lead to improved health outcomes for workers who might otherwise feel pressured into accepting care that they are not comfortable with.
Summary
House Bill 719 aims to revise certain aspects of workers' compensation laws, specifically relating to the designation and approval of treating physicians for injured workers in Montana. The proposed changes prohibit insurers, managed care organizations, and health care providers from requiring or threatening a worker to use a specific treating physician. This measure is intended to enhance the autonomy of injured workers in their selection of health care providers, ensuring that they have the right to choose a physician who meets their needs without coercion or intimidation from the insurance entities involved.
Contention
The bill has generated discussions about the implications of insurer control over healthcare choices for workers. Supporters maintain that by ensuring a worker's freedom to select their treating physician, the proposed law would foster better healthcare practices and accountability among insurers. Conversely, critics may voice concerns about possible increases in costs or inefficiencies if insurers are limited in their ability to steer care toward managed care organizations or preferred provider structures. Such viewpoint underscores a broader debate about the balance between patient rights and cost containment in the healthcare system.