Montana Veterinary Association backs House Bill 867 for addiction treatment support

The Montana Legislature's House Business and Labor Committee convened on April 1, 2025, to discuss House Bill 867, aimed at expanding the Montana Assistance Program (MAP) to include veterinarians and chiropractors. The bill seeks to provide support for professionals struggling with addiction or mental health issues, allowing them to receive treatment while maintaining their licenses and continuing to work.

During the meeting, proponents of the bill, including representatives from the Montana Chiropractic Association and the Montana Veterinary Medical Association, expressed strong support. They highlighted the critical need for mental health resources in their professions, citing alarming statistics about high rates of depression and suicide among veterinarians. Katie Ryan, a veterinarian, shared her personal experiences with the pressures of the profession, emphasizing the importance of having a support system in place to help colleagues facing similar challenges.

Stuart Doggett, the executive director of the Montana Veterinary Medical Association, reinforced the bill's significance, noting that it would provide a structured option for veterinarians to seek help and for licensing boards to assist professionals in distress. He mentioned that the association had previously discussed the need for such a program during their winter meeting, where members expressed a desire for better resources for mental health and substance abuse issues.

Commissioner Sarah Swanson of the Montana Department of Labor and Industry provided additional context, explaining that the MAP program already serves various medical professions and that the proposed bill would simply extend these services to include veterinarians and chiropractors. She assured the committee that the program is well-managed and subject to regular reviews for effectiveness.

The committee did not hear any opposition to the bill, indicating a strong consensus among members regarding the need for enhanced support for professionals in the state. As the discussion concluded, the committee members were encouraged to consider the bill favorably, recognizing its potential to positively impact the mental health and well-being of Montana's healthcare providers.