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SB 109

Revise workers' compensation definition of treating physician to include physical therapists

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Greg Hertz

Montana expands workers' compensation to recognize licensed physical therapists as treating physicians, enabling them to independently diagnose and treat injured workers' conditions.

Chapter Number Assigned
#professionsandoccupationso-z #workers'compensation
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Bill Summary · SB 109

Legislative bill overview

SB 109 expands Montana's workers' compensation definition of "treating physician" to include licensed physical therapists. This allows physical therapists to serve as primary treating providers in workers' compensation cases, with the authority to diagnose conditions, recommend treatment, and make medical decisions typically reserved for physicians.

Why is this important

This change affects injured workers' access to care and treatment options, potentially allowing faster treatment initiation through physical therapists while also impacting workers' compensation costs for employers and insurers. It reflects a broader trend recognizing physical therapists' clinical expertise, though it represents a significant shift in medical authority within the workers' compensation system.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice expansion: Physical therapists traditionally focus on rehabilitation after diagnosis; granting them independent diagnostic and treatment authority represents a substantial expansion that physicians may view as encroaching on their professional domain
  • Quality and consistency concerns: Critics may worry about variation in diagnostic accuracy and treatment decisions if physical therapists lack the same training as physicians in differential diagnosis and complex medical conditions
  • Cost implications: Unclear whether allowing physical therapists as primary providers will reduce costs (as supporters likely argue) or create inconsistent outcomes that increase long-term claims costs

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

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