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Montana bill would create confidential ‘safe‑haven’ support for health professionals; regulator warns board access at risk
Summary
Sen. Wendy McCamey’s SB 497 would allow licensed health professionals to seek confidential, association‑run counseling and coaching, with immunity and evidence privilege to reduce burnout. The Department of Labor cautioned the measure could limit boards’ ability to act on safety concerns and urged more stakeholder work.
Senator Wendy McCamey, sponsor of Senate Bill 497, told the Senate Business, Labor and Economic Affairs Committee the bill is designed to remove legal and regulatory barriers that keep physicians, nurses and other licensed health professionals from seeking early mental‑health care.
"This bill addresses 3 things," McCamey said, describing confidentiality, immunity and privilege as the measure’s core elements to allow professionals to seek help without immediate licensure jeopardy. Proponents from the Montana Medical Association, the Montana Nurses Association, NAMI Montana and practicing physicians said clinicians delay care…
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