2019 Montana Legislature

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HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 55

INTRODUCED BY T. WINTER

 

A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA REQUESTING AN INTERIM STUDY OF ENSURING ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE SERVICES IN RURAL COMMUNITIES; AND REQUIRING THAT FINAL RESULTS OF THE STUDY BE REPORTED TO THE 67TH LEGISLATURE.

 

     WHEREAS, hospitals and health systems are transforming care delivery and adapting to a new environment; and

     WHEREAS, that environment includes rapid adoption of health information technology, increased pressure on health care spending, and a changing regulatory environment; and 

     WHEREAS, while these challenges confront all hospitals and health systems today, they particularly affect the hospital presence in rural communities; and

     WHEREAS, hospitals in rural communities, particularly critical access hospitals, are linchpins of the health care system and pillars of their communities.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

     That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, to examine ways in which hospitals can help ensure access to health care services in vulnerable rural communities.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the study investigate:

     (1) ways to ensure the viability of critical access hospitals;

     (2) ways to improve care delivery in rural and frontier settings throughout the state;

     (3) other innovations in use in Montana communities or other states; and

     (4) the potential impact that changes in the methods for delivering or paying for health care services in publicly funded programs could have on rural health care delivery and the stability of critical access hospitals.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the study include representatives of the Department of Public Health and Human Services, the Department of Administration, the Department of Corrections, local governments, tribal governments, health care providers, health care insurers, and other parties interested in reducing the costs of health care.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2020.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any findings, conclusions, comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee, be reported to the 67th Legislature.

- END -

 


Latest Version of HJ 55 (HJ0055.01)
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