Montana introduces bills and programs to address healthcare worker shortages and improve access.

Montana is tackling its health care workforce shortage through various bills and initiatives. St. Peter’s Health of Helena launched a community health worker program in 2022 to assist homeless individuals with accessing essential services. State Representative Jodee Etchart, a physician assistant, is sponsoring interstate compact bills to recognize licenses issued in other states for physician assistants, psychologists, and respiratory therapists. Other bills aim to prohibit noncompete clauses for physicians, expand practice scopes for certain health professionals, and license doulas. These measures seek to improve health care access and support the state’s strained workforce.