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Bill

HB 851

Create department of health services

2025 Regular Session Introduced by John Fitzpatrick

Montana bill to create consolidated Department of Health Services died in Senate committee after public hearing, leaving existing health administration structure unchanged.

(S) Died in Standing Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 851

Legislative bill overview

HB 851 proposed creating a new Department of Health Services in Montana, consolidating health-related functions under a single administrative entity. The bill was introduced by Representative John Fitzpatrick but ultimately died in the Senate Standing Committee without advancing to a floor vote.

Why is this important

Government restructuring affects how health services are delivered, funded, and coordinated across the state. Creating a new department involves significant budgetary implications, potential job reorganization, and could either streamline or complicate access to health programs depending on implementation details.

Potential points of contention

  • Consolidation concerns: Merging existing health agencies may create bureaucratic inefficiency or turf conflicts between previously independent entities
  • Cost and feasibility: New departments require startup costs, administrative overhead, and staff transitions that may not be justified by efficiency gains
  • Stakeholder disagreement: Healthcare providers, county health departments, and advocacy groups likely had competing interests regarding centralization versus local control

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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