A joint resolution of the Senate and the House of Representatives of the state of montana requesting an interim study of pediatric collaborative care; and requesting that the results of the study be reported to the 68th Legislature.
WHEREAS, data compiled by the American Board of Pediatrics for 2020 shows that 36 of Montana's 56 counties lack a pediatrician; and
WHEREAS, many Montana families must travel long distances to access pediatric care, creating disparities in care for Montana children; and
WHEREAS, telemedicine has become more widely used in the delivery of a wide range of health care services; and
WHEREAS, opportunities may exist to improve pediatric health care services for Montana children through collaborative practice models that use technology to deliver care.
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 or statutory committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, to study child health and access to pediatric care in Montana.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the study examine:
(1) the health care needs of Montana children, including the need for specialty care;
(2) the availability of pediatric care and pediatric subspecialty care, including pediatric psychiatric care, and how the lack of readily available care affects children and families and their use of medical services, including emergency room services;
(3) the current and potential uses of telemedicine to deliver pediatric care; and
(4) health care delivery models that could improve access to pediatric care in Montana while also supporting Montana's existing pediatric care providers.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the study include input from appropriate stakeholders.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that any findings or conclusions be presented to and reviewed by an appropriate committee designated by the Legislative Council.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2022.
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 68th Legislature.