Montana bill grants chiropractic practitioners prescriptive authority to address physician shortages

The Montana Legislature's House Business and Labor Committee convened on April 1, 2025, to discuss a significant bill aimed at revising laws related to chiropractic practitioners. The proposed legislation seeks to establish a chiropractic license endorsement for prescriptive authority, allowing chiropractors to prescribe certain medications to address a growing demand for healthcare services in the state.

During the meeting, a key point raised was the shortage of physicians in Montana, which has led to an increased need for healthcare providers who can meet patient care demands. The bill's proponents highlighted that many healthcare scopes of practice are expanding to accommodate this need, and there is widespread support for granting prescriptive authority to chiropractors. Supportive letters from various healthcare professionals, including an MD urologist, an MD oral surgeon, a pharmacist, two optometrists, a DO, and a dentist, were presented to the committee, emphasizing the collaborative support for the initiative.

The bill is designed to be optional for chiropractors, meaning that those who do not wish to prescribe medications are not required to do so. For those who choose to pursue prescriptive authority, the Montana Department of Labor and the Board of Chiropractors will establish rules and criteria for obtaining this endorsement. Chiropractors will need to apply to the board and meet specific requirements to gain the ability to prescribe non-controlled, non-scheduled drugs for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

The proposed legislation aims to create a standard licensure for chiropractors who opt out of prescribing while providing a pathway for those who wish to enhance their practice with prescriptive capabilities. This initiative reflects a broader trend in healthcare to adapt to the evolving needs of patients and improve access to care across Montana. The committee's discussions and the bill's progress will be closely monitored as it moves through the legislative process.