BEFORE THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRY

                                             STATE OF MONTANA

 

In the matter of the amendment of ARM 24.29.1611 and 24.29.1616 pertaining to utilization and treatment guidelines and the drug formulary for workers' compensation purposes

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NOTICE OF AMENDMENT

 

TO: All Concerned Persons

 

            1. On April 28, 2023, the Department of Labor and Industry (agency) published MAR Notice No. 24-29-403 regarding the public hearing on the proposed changes to the above-stated rules, at page 398 of the 2023 Montana Administrative Register, Issue No. 8.

 

            2. On May 18, 2023, a public hearing was held on the proposed changes to the above-stated rules via the videoconference and telephonic platform. Comments were received by the deadline.

 

            3. The agency has thoroughly considered the comments received. A summary of the comments and the agency responses are as follows:

 

COMMENT 1: A commenter spoke in favor of the adoption of the Montana Utilization and Treatment Low Back Pain and Cervical Spine Injury Guidelines (Guidelines).  The commenter explained that the Guidelines were drafted after substantial stakeholder involvement.  The Guidelines were reviewed by a qualified group of medical providers, and the providers represented disciplines including neurological surgery, clinical psychology, occupational medicine, family medicine/sports medicine, physical therapy, and chiropractic.

 

RESPONSE 1: The agency acknowledges the comment.

 

            4. The agency has amended ARM 24.29.1611 and 24.29.1616 as proposed.

/s/ QUINLAN L. O'CONNOR Quinlan L. O'Connor Rule Reviewer	/s/ LAURIE ESAU Laurie Esau, Commissioner DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRY

 

 

            Certified to the Secretary of State May 30, 2023.