[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6116609,"mediaKeyId","2732648-f8d60b28c47ac193430b338e98a577ef","parentId",2732648,"title","House Bill 576 hearing: Legislature considers letting health funds cover waivers, home visiting and early-childhood services","audioSeconds",743,"startMs",2303000,"endMs",3046000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2732648-f8d60b28c47ac193430b338e98a577ef&start=2303&end=3046","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2732648-f8d60b28c47ac193430b338e98a577ef/thumbnail_2303000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6116609/Montana/House-Bill-576-hearing-Legislature-considers-letting-health-funds-cover-waivers-home-visiting-and-early-childhood-services","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6116609-527577aea86147cf9d0de2ca749b9401/orig.mp4?Expires=1771218649&Signature=AnmuauJyVrCcD-o~-eTneEq4~ssaLgADf6oKUZIMcyj68yoCNsjJTK56cW6yEhhbHmLO4PedDm8WrU3efZ01glILG~FVlq0wVVoLw-8fXshUIZJPXYw6KW1LSrZeAoEqqCjIFxI~jTYnZBAKtKPCYD1ZJATUlB9N2aJXniCa6zTi9drFsNYN1OCrF~uANiWBLoxIUG4J0N8En7nhZKxUw~vAYhgthWQFACjH3ohMATIXrGqiQEoUIYLp67YtTfSkfhQplEnMpLVr1bldmgvzkIdsTIR0Au-bZl61~8V4BazwL80lMzg98FatxAwvsHmg-JNPXWyY500CxFafFNxDtg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Montana Legislature","date","2025-03-21T00:00:00Z","article","Representative Jane Gillette opened the March 21 hearing on House Bill 576, describing the bill as a change to allowable uses of two state special revenue accounts — the tobacco settlement account and the Healthy Montana Kids fund — to permit their use for specific Medicaid waiver and early-childhood programs.

“Again, this isn't this bill is not allocating any funds. It's just giving us the future opportunity to use those funds,” Representative Jane Gillette said, explaining that one affected account is funded by a fee on insurance premiums and has seen a growing balance. She outlined that HB 576 would permit use of the funds for home visiting, the Big Sky waiver, the 0208 waiver (services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities), Part C early intervention services and Family Education and Support (FES).

Proponents from disability-services organizations, health-care associations and providers told the committee the bill would add flexibility to address long wait lists and provide stable funding options if federal funding or Medicaid matching rates change. Cassie Wick of Ability Montana described long waits for the 0208 waiver, saying families can face “like 10 to 14 years” on the wait list if children are not enrolled early; she said delays push parents out of the workforce. (Transcript said \"Dylan\" when naming a town; the testimony context and local place names indicate the likely reference is Dillon.)

Other witnesses said the Healthy Montana Kids fund has accumulated a substantial balance. Gene Hermanson, Medicaid chief financial manager at the Department of Public Health and Human Services, told the committee the Healthy Montana Kids fund “is expected to have a balance of more than $34,000,000 by the end of this fiscal year” and that HB 576 would allow the department to maximize available funds for the programs listed in the bill.

Representatives of service providers described the bill as a way to shore up long-term sustainability for Medicaid waiver services and to direct state revenue where needs are greatest without changing the portion of tobacco revenue dedicated to prevention. Patrick Madison, CEO of Flathead Industries and president of the Montana Association of Community Disability Services, said HB 576 does not alter the tobacco-prevention allocation and would provide “long term sustainability” and “legislative flexibility.”

No opponents appeared at the hearing. Representative Gillette closed by asking the committee for a “do pass” recommendation. The committee did not take a final roll-call vote at the hearing.

Key program and funding details raised at the hearing will be available for committee consideration if the bill advances.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Public Health, Welfare, and Safety - Friday, Mar 21, 2025 14:59 - 15:58","oneSentenceSummary","Representative Jane Gillette opened the March 21 hearing on House Bill 576, which would expand permissible uses of two state special revenue accounts so they may support Medicaid waivers and early-childhood services.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature MT, Montana","taxId",77694,"location","Montana","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6116613,"Committee hears four dentistry board nominees; supporters emphasize professional breadth",683,1303000,1986000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2732648-f8d60b28c47ac193430b338e98a577ef&start=1303&end=1986","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2732648-f8d60b28c47ac193430b338e98a577ef/thumbnail_1303000.jpg","/articles/6116613/Montana/Committee-hears-four-dentistry-board-nominees-supporters-emphasize-professional-breadth","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6116613-73f99fd7c691a6ebdffd1f8582c1af6f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771218649&Signature=aFRJsERQOCClNh6dAmWEw7GjMNepOIPdeAPNuQ0kOhlaS54vCAAItqWV1hUuQfdVblYDioPTi~alG1lIz7G7HtsQIG0f7Tp0zYE3Yj2cl0-BDA4d~sQwOoGe2uUV~tKaFBNOU-pfdGgN3yiCVyD7iFgUQ9N3BhXDfdjF5vwdKdU3SvTNwjtwmrZx8pqrTLJYNenjg-Ee7TnQ1GTkdP78fx5Khqlel6f7HuYx6eELoq~GQAPb8ak7GXLPRmZY8YVwj9h4eqSsirsXojqR8vF8x3b~4jtzkZzv0lUMzD-3W55cTDb3xrbLraNFS61THosvgnTud42XGRyNNXL1Ej3rvA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Public Health opened a hearing March 21 on Senate Resolution 12, which would confirm four gubernatorial appointees to the Montana Board of Dentistry.

Hannah Slusser, on behalf of the governor's office, described the board as a 10-member panel: five dentists, one denturist, two dental hygienists and two public members. Supporters told the committee the nominees bring a mix of clinical and public-perspective experience.

Christopher Facundo, a current public member of the board, said he takes the role seriously and has not missed a meeting since his 2024 appointment. Rod Griffith, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Billings who serves as the board's anesthesia committee chair, requested confirmation and said the anesthesia committee is “tackling some issues” and looks forward to continued work.

Webb Brown, representing the Montana Dental Association, endorsed the slate and highlighted nominees' varied experience: “Doctor Griffith is also serving as a permit holder for anesthesia on the board ... Doctor Hogan has a unique perspective ... she has served as a dental assistant, as a dental hygienist and now as a dentist.”

Robin Hogan (testifying by phone) and Karissa Kingery (dental hygienist) described their professional backgrounds and asked for confirmation. No opponents appeared and the committee closed the hearing without taking a final vote; the sponsor thanked proponents and said the committee would consider confirmations at a later date.","Four nominees for the Montana Board of Dentistry — including an oral surgeon and a public member — testified or had supporters testify in favor of their confirmations; the committee closed the hearing without a final vote.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6116618,"Committee hears support for athletic trainers board nominee Tracy Hauser; consolidation work cited",224,964000,1188000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2732648-f8d60b28c47ac193430b338e98a577ef&start=964&end=1188","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2732648-f8d60b28c47ac193430b338e98a577ef/thumbnail_964000.jpg","/articles/6116618/Montana/Committee-hears-support-for-athletic-trainers-board-nominee-Tracy-Hauser-consolidation-work-cited","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6116618-3ece1e5108288f1a1ae37d12accbd28e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771218649&Signature=bG3P9tlSZ2KkKtbK-xCdnzn6r85thZD8AFGQenc9wZjBx5Lu2EQSqP8MLZnQFhCMwhXL5np6zRAo-KY4~KSDEbOaT5JeJuYXD2~OgbGIRbsFGRPyJE2Af4U3otePhmLxzzEn9LUeBJZ78sG08dXN8QlrT-MQQKHQ78lh4uKM~oOcj52cc7w6fXbIZDRQX2HkNydfR4wJ8mgjAHNgr7rMLInPp9N7tmgTdaEEMK1KBvsHa60icyt0SLAJktwk1SlVIzHqhdO5cX9M93hBoOxDQzA4x9WTiV8hLmzO5zNKIWv49ajuCJaHZU4sn43wVjh8UZOIRmR3PHLXniYCLqkKNA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Public Health Committee opened a hearing March 21 on Senate Resolution 11, a concurrence for the governor's appointment to the Montana Board of Athletic Trainers.

Hannah Slusser, representing the governor's office, asked the committee to confirm Tracy Hauser and described the five-member board's intended composition: “1 physician, preferably with a background in sports medicine, 1 public member and 3 athletic trainers.” Kevin Bragg, bureau chief for professional licensing at the Department of Labor and Industry, also urged confirmation.

Sarah Swanson, commissioner at the Department of Labor and Industry, told the committee that a bill pending in the legislature would consolidate several small, low-volume boards — including athletic trainers — with related professions such as physical therapy and occupational therapy. She said the board has about 181 licensees and that the consolidation work will require “a lot of rulemaking” during the interim; she cited Tracy Hauser's varied experience as valuable for that effort.

Tracy Hauser, testifying in support of her confirmation, told the committee she has worked as an athletic trainer for nearly 30 years in college, professional, secondary-school and clinical settings and asked for confirmation to the board.

Support also came from Riley Ungaretti, president of the Montana Athletic Trainers Association, who said Hauser had been serving on the board since July 2024 and recommended her confirmation. The committee did not take a final vote at the hearing; the item was closed for later consideration.","Witnesses supported Tracy Hauser's appointment to the Montana Board of Athletic Trainers and state licensing officials flagged upcoming consolidation work that will affect small boards.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6116623,"Senate Public Health hears confirmation testimony for Alternative Health Care Board; consideration deferred",682,312000,994000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2732648-f8d60b28c47ac193430b338e98a577ef&start=312&end=994","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2732648-f8d60b28c47ac193430b338e98a577ef/thumbnail_312000.jpg","/articles/6116623/Montana/Senate-Public-Health-hears-confirmation-testimony-for-Alternative-Health-Care-Board-consideration-deferred","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6116623-ad9e1473f1caf909c05ea5e8ef17f3c2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771218649&Signature=UnFIPB5j5doHv6V8C4S~r2zP6j5T~vmy3ExG~2dTtQQjNqEXjS0Wdg5VBRDtxPrjnyDHTfW8zgVx6nyNDR8d~MHfhWxCHjZUtTPXfTGP3~ul9znhnR6WnuWxv1omeRHOa8HXWJfEgFJz5fe2wylfAzN7HA9ve~rZOwkSwIVM30bMKOrjAOUbmRRDEzbC4Nfk7Gpa2yPlXyV-v~1rRJj2DXyPPWjDwDWBzI~ahmAxLHO6CqNA0zWK1b-yzcuCOCdFFAOrSSRBZZLaSGPf6dz6FlGlwiSoKT51BTIsoryVgRmyYcdOdT1LFhp1WkkCQgSTwogVJknxidtht6GLwzovlg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Public Health opened a hearing March 21 on Senate Resolution 10, which would confirm gubernatorial appointees to the Montana Board of Alternative Health Care.

The governor's office and licensing officials urged confirmation of the nominees and provided background on the board's current composition. Hannah Slusser, representing the governor's office, told the committee, “the MCA for the board included in your packet, is a little outdated,” and said legislative changes in 2023 added two acupuncturists and restaggered terms to avoid multiple expirations in the same year.

Kevin Bragg, bureau chief for professional licensing at the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, also voiced support and asked the committee to confirm the listed members. Several nominees and current board members testified in support of confirmations. Licensed naturopath Alisun Bonville described her practice in Bozeman and said she has served on the board since February 2019. Public member Holly Simonson said she has worked as a registered nurse in rural Montana since 1996 and has served on the board since early 2024.

Sarah Swanson, commissioner at the Department of Labor and Industry, described the board's place within state occupational licensing and reiterated support. “Title 37 and occupational licensure lives at the Department of Labor and Industry in Montana,” she said, noting there are “29 unique occupational licensing boards” within the department.

Committee members asked clarifying questions about attendance and motivation to serve; Bonville said she wants to “help our state do that” and support safe naturopathic practice. No formal vote was taken; Chair Lentz said the committee would “consider this, probably next week.”

The hearing record includes written testimony supplied by nominees who could not attend in person; the committee closed the hearing without taking final action.

The matter will return to the committee for consideration at a later date.","The Senate Public Health Committee heard supporters testify for nominees to the Board of Alternative Health Care, including licensed naturopath Alisun Bonville; members asked questions and the committee deferred final action until a later date.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

House Bill 576 hearing: Legislature considers letting health funds cover waivers, home visiting and early-childhood services

Committee hears four dentistry board nominees; supporters emphasize professional breadth

Committee hears support for athletic trainers board nominee Tracy Hauser; consolidation work cited

Senate Public Health hears confirmation testimony for Alternative Health Care Board; consideration deferred