It is essential to know who your representatives and senators are, how they vote, and whether they truly represent your interests. As constituents, we must hold them accountable for decisions that impact our profession and the well-being of our patients. Stay informed and engaged---your voice matters!

HB 543 "An Act Repealing the Sunset on Reporting and Disclosure of Violence Against Health Care Employees"

• Introduced by Representatives E. BUTTREY, J. ISALY, J. WEBER, D. POWERS, D. BEDEY, M. DUNWELL, L. JONES, T. RUNNING WOLF, S. WEBBER, K. WALSH, J. ETCHART, B. BARKER, D. HAYMAN, B. MERCER, S. MORIGEAU, G. PARRY, C. POPE, P. TUSS.

• Passed out of House Business and Labor committee with a 20 to 0 vote.

• Passed 2nd reading on the House floor with 89 Ayes, 8 Noes, 1 excused, and 3 absent.

• Representatives opposing mandatory reporting of violence against nurses and healthcare employees:

1. REGIER

2. BYRNE

3. DEMING

4. KELLY

5. KMETZ

6. LOVE

7. MILLETT

8. NICOL

• Passed 3rd reading on the House floor 93 Ayes, 6 Noes, 1 absent.

• Representatives opposing mandatory reporting of violence against nurses and healthcare employees:

1. REGIER

2. BYRNE

3. DEMING

4. KELLY

5. KMETZ

6. MILLETT

Progressed to Senate chamber to be heard in Senate Public Health, Welfare and Safety Committee.

• Testimony heard in Senate Committee March 31, 2025. NO OPPONENTS!!

• On April 2, 2025 Committee VOTED DOWN HB 543 along party lines.

• Senators opposing mandatory reporting of violence against nurses and healthcare employees:

1. Emrich (R)

2. Fuller (R)

3. Glimm (R)

4. Lenz (R)

5. McGillvray (R)

6. Ricci (R)

7. Yakawich (R)

• Senators supporting mandatory reporting of violence against nurses and healthcare employees:

1. Kerr-Carpenter (D)

2. Neumann (D)

3. Smith (D)

4. Windy Boy (D)

Workplace violence had been one of MNA and nurses and healthcare workers across the state's biggest priority. This is a reporting bill only of which MNA, MASN, MMA, MT DOJ and others testified in favor of. Please let your Senator know this is important to continue collecting this data moving forward. MNA is about the issue not the party and this clearly does NOT reflect the will of their constituents.

**A special thank you to Representative Buttrey for spearheading this bill and securing many cosponsors. Additionally, a shout out to our Department of Justice putting together the website and posting the first year of data. Please see MNA summary related to that initial data and it can also be viewed on our MNA website.

One Health and Billings Clinic are thrilled to share the launch of the Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) Consortium Project ECHO series -- a virtual education and networking program that provides case-based learning and review of best practices for professionals caring for substance exposed infants and their families. NAS Consortium Project ECHO clinics are held from 12:00 -- 1:00 pm MST on the third Wednesday of each month.

NAS Consortium Project ECHO clinics are only open to Montana (and northern Wyoming) based healthcare professionals involved in the care and treatment of substance exposed infants and families in an obstetric or neonatal care unit (or related setting). We encourage you to attend clinics, interface with other local teams working to improve NAS care, and to share your case studies and clinical questions.

May is National Arthritis Awareness Month, a crucial time to highlight the significant impact of arthritis on patients.

The Power of Physical Activity

Physical activity helps decrease arthritis pain and improve daily function by almost 40 percent.1

It is important to routinely include discussions about physical activity with patients who have arthritis to convey the importance of low-impact exercise in managing their arthritis symptoms and reassure them that exercise will not worsen their condition.

Data shows that patients are more likely to engage in physical activity when recommended by a health care provider. 2

Practical Strategies for Patient Engagement

Here are practical strategies we can implement in our practices to promote physical activity among our patients with arthritis:

• Prescribe Exercise: Integrate exercise recommendations into patient care plans, tailoring activities to individual needs and limitations.

• Educate on Low-Impact Options: Recommend activities such as walking, swimming, cycling, and water aerobics.

• Refer to Community Resources: Connect patients with local programs like Stay Active & Independent for Life (SAIL), Tai Chi for Arthritis, and Walk with Ease, offered through DPHHS partnerships. These evidence-based programs provide structured exercise and self-management support.

• Promote the Montana Arthritis Program: Direct patients to the DPHHS Montana Arthritis Program website: https://dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/arthritis or call 1-844-684-5848.

Can't Find MNA's Membership Application?

MNA now has an electronic application on our website. Please visit https://www.mtnurses.org/about/join/. 

Please check your membership status.

If you fall into any of the below categories, you could qualify for the 'Professional Reduced Rate' $38.65/month.  Your rate will not automatically change.  You must let us know.

• You are a new graduate.  You must apply within the first six months after receiving your initial RN licensure, and this rate is good for one year.

• You are an RN in a full-time study program working towards a higher degree.  You will need to provide proof of enrollment, and you could receive this rate for up to 3 years.

• You are an RN 65+ years of age who is licensed and working.  You could receive this rate for the remainder of your employment.

If you are working in a collective bargaining position and move into a non-collective bargaining position, please contact the Montana Nurses Association to let us know.  Your membership dues will continue to be paid until you authorize them to be discontinued.  Please remember, only you can cancel your membership and membership payments.

To provide MNA with information on your status or to receive additional information on MNA membership, please e-mail Brandi Dearing, Brandi@mtnurses.org