BEFORE THE Department of Public
health and human services of the
STATE OF MONTANA
TO: All Concerned Persons
1. On August 4, 2017, the Department of Public Health and Human Services published MAR Notice No. 37-736 pertaining to the public hearing on the proposed adoption and repeal of the above-stated rules at page 1258 of the 2017 Montana Administrative Register, Issue Number 15.
2. The department has adopted New Rule I (37.27.902), II (37.27.903), III (37.27.905), and IV (37.27.906) as proposed. The department has repealed the above-stated rules as proposed.
3. The department has thoroughly considered the comments and testimony received. A summary of the comments received and the department's responses are as follows:
Comment #1: The department received one comment from the Montana Medical Association (MMA). While the MMA supports the rules, it recommends adding language to New Rule IV requiring a prescribing provider to have an in-person relationship with a patient to whom the provider issues a controlled substance designated in Schedule II for MAT services.
Response #1: The department thanks MMA for this comment, and acknowledges the importance for ensuring standards of care for MAT delivery, as well as ensuring that patients receive quality wrap-around services. The department will release proposed MAT rules in the coming weeks which will establish requirements for initiating and maintaining provider-patient relationship through face-to-face and telemedicine delivery. As soon as the MAT rules are approved, the department will propose amending the necessary rules to reference MAT rules for SUD treatment.
/s/ Francis X. Clinch /s/ Shannon McDonald for
Francis X. Clinch Sheila Hogan, Director
Rule Reviewer Public Health and Human Services
Certified to the Secretary of State October 30, 2017.