Draft Bill Would Allow Worker Choice of Provider

Workers injured in Montana would be allowed to choose a treating provider under draft legislation that could be introduced during the 2019 session. The measure, currently identified as Legislative Concept 1785, would eliminate a statute allowing carriers that have accepted liability for a claim to designate and approve the treating physician. The draft, by Rep. Andrea Olsen, D-Missoula, would also require mutual consent for changing the treating physician. If either the injured worker or the carrier does not consent to a change, the matter would be subject to mediation under the proposal...