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91%
of patients say a physician’s education and training are vital for optimal care.
3 of 4
patients would wait longer and pay more to be treated by a physician.
95%
of patients say it’s essential for a physician to be involved in their diagnosis and treatment.
High Stakes Medicine
Requires Extensive Education
You wouldn’t trust the ticket agent to fly your plane, you wouldn’t trust an actor playing a sheriff to uphold the law, and you wouldn’t trust the janitor to perform your surgery. Medicine is the ultimate high stakes.
MMA wants to ensure your health is protected and a physician is at the lead, with the right education and the right training. Don’t let medicine return to the wild west. Tell your legislators to oppose naturopaths, pharmacists, and physician assistants from acting like a physician without the proper education or knowledge.
Education Comparison Fact Sheet
| Physician Education Is: | Physician Residency Is: | Physician Assessment & Certification Are: |
| Comprehensive: Studying all aspects: biological, chemical, pharmacological, and behavioral | Selective & Specialized: 3-7 years of residency in select surgical or medical specialty . | Thorough: Students must pass a series of exams following medical school to become a physician |
| Hands-On: Rotate through different specialties . . | Reinforcing: Move from direct supervision to increasing responsibility that prepares for independent practice | Validating: To further demonstrate mastery in a specialty, physicians may obtain board certification in that specialty |
| Established & Proven: Direct experience with patients ensures clinical judgment and decision-making skills. | Accredited: Highly standardized and accredited by ACGME . |
**Source: American Medical Association. Protect access to physician-led care. 2021
Your Health is High Stakes
Together we are working to ensure that all medical personnel are appropriately providing high-quality healthcare to Montanans at every level. Below are some of our top issues and opportunities to contact your legislators with concerns or suggestions.
SB 112: Pharmacists are Part of the Health Care TEAM
Pharmacists are trained in safe and accurate medication dispensing but do not possess the training or experience to diagnose or treat patients. SB 112 would allow pharmacists the authority to diagnose and prescribe medication for undefined “minor” illnesses and “patient emergencies.” Without the proper education and knowledge or a physician to collaborate with, patient care could be at risk.
What we know:
- Pharmacist educational programs do not prepare pharmacists to treat patients independently
- Without proper education and training, patients could be misdiagnosed, or underlying health conditions overlooked
- The “test to treat” allowance in the bill would allow pharmacists to diagnose without a physical examination or review of medical history
- The idea is not widely adopted due to safety concerns, with only one state (Idaho) and Mexico allowing pharmacists this independent prescribing authority
Pharmacists are vital members of the health care TEAM, but they need to work with physicians, not without. Help us protect the care team collaboration and ensure patient safety
View the Facts Now: SB 112 FACT SHEET
View the Official Bill Language: SB 112
Please contact your Legislators today to oppose.
SB 100 & SB 101: Physicians and Naturopaths. Where Education and Training Matter
The extensive education and training physicians undergo creates a critical foundation of medical knowledge and clinical experience. Patient safety may be jeopardized when other providers, such as naturopaths, do not have that same background level. SB 100 and SB 101 would allow naturopaths to potentially prescribe hundreds of additional medications used in conventional medicine without the required education or oversight from a physician or pharmacist.
What we know:
- Physicians complete between 10,000 and 16,000 patient care hours during clinical education and training, whereas naturopaths complete just 720 – 1,200 hours
- Naturopaths are trained with an emphasis on the self-healing process via wellness and natural therapy remedies but do not receive training on conventional medications
- There is little data on the interaction between natural medicine and conventional medicine. Until further evidence is available, there is an unknown risk to patients
The difference in education is clear and meaningful. The extensive education and training physicians undergo creates a critical foundation of medical knowledge and clinical experience. Patient safety may be jeopardized when other providers, like naturopaths, do not have the same background level. Help us protect patients in Montana.
SB 100
SB 100 puts a new list of hundreds of medications in front of a naturopath to prescribe without additional training requirements
View the Facts Now: SB 100 FACT SHEET
View the Official Bill Language: SB 100
SB 101
SB 101 would allow naturopaths to dispense naturopathic and conventional medicines within their offices. This would remove pharmacists as an existing check and balance for drug interactions
View the Official Bill Language: SB 101
Please contact your Legislators today to oppose.
HB 313: Physician Assistants Work Better with Physicians
Physician supervision of physician assistants is vital to ensuring patient safety and optimal patient care. HB 313 would allow physician assistants to practice independently in Montana.
Help us protect the physician and physician assistant relationship in Montana and ensure patient health and safety is our top priority.
View the Facts Now: FACT SHEET
View the Official Bill Language: HB 313
Don’t Let the Legislature
Meddle with Your Medical Care
The wild west was a lawless, dangerous place, but our healthcare system shouldn’t be.
Your Advocacy Matters
Help us ensure that we leave the wild west in the past and protect our healthcare system so physicians with the right education and training lead the team. Join us in our efforts:
Interested in getting involved, please contact: MMA@MMAoffice.org
Physicians: Interested in joining the MMA membership or renewing for 2023? Visit: MMA Membership
About the Montana Medical Association
Since 1879, the Montana Medical Association has served as the unified voice for Montana physicians dedicated to improving patient care. The MMA’s mission is to serve our members as an advocate for the medical profession, quality patient care, and the health of all Montana citizens.