What Is the Montana Board of Medical Examiners?

The Montana Board of Medical Examiners is the authority that ensures adequate medical practice within the state.

The board is responsible for licensing new physicians as well as disciplining and teaching existing ones.

This guide discusses the responsibilities of the Board along with everything you need to get your medical license.

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Key Takeaways

• Montana Board of Medical Examiners licenses and regulates medical professionals in Montana.
• The Board consists of 12 members, including 10 physicians and 2 public appointees.
• It oversees licensing, investigates complaints, and updates medical practice regulations.
• Continuing education is required for medical professionals to maintain their licenses.

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What Is the Montana Board of Medical Examiners?

The Montana Board of Medical Examiners is a state regulatory agency responsible for licensing, discipline, and continuous education of medication practitioners within the state.

The Board ensures that physicians meet the necessary qualifications and standards to provide a safe treatment environment.

Here are the current contact details (valid as of September 2024):

Phone number(s): (406) 841-2360 / (406) 444-6880

Fax number: (406) 841-2305

Address: P.O. Box 200513, Helena, Montana 59620-0513

The Board consists of 12 members: ten physicians, and two members of the public appointed by the governor. The current presiding officer is James Guyer, M.D., and the vice presiding officer is also an M.D. named Bruce Robertson.

Responsibilities of the Montana Board of Medical Examiners

The board has many tasks and responsibilities, but we can put the majority of its functions under two primary categories:

Licensing

The Board issues licenses and certifications to qualified medical professionals, including physicians, physician assistants, and other medical practitioners.

The licenses are issued after evaluating educational qualifications, training, and experience.

It also oversees the renewal and maintenance of medical licenses. Licensed professionals must meet continuing education requirements, adhere to standards, and remain in good standing.

Additionally, the board investigates complaints against licenses, conducts hearings, and imposes disciplinary actions when necessary.

Developing and Updating Medical Practice Rules

The Board is responsible for updating the rules and regulations governing medical practice in Montana.

This includes setting standards for patient care, safety, and professional conduct.

These rules are reviewed frequently to adapt to the changes in the medical industry, technology, and healthcare laws.

How to Apply for Your License?

Assuming you’ve already finished medical school, follow these steps to get your license:

Step 1: Create an Account to Start Your Application

Visit the official website of the Montana Board of Medical Examiners and create an account through the Montana Department of Labor and Industry’s eLicense system.

Once registered, complete the application form for the specific license type you’re seeking, which can be:

• M.D.
• D.O.
• P.A.
• Podiatrist
• Acupuncturist

Step 2: Submit the Necessary Documents

Completing the application will require various documents. These documents may vary depending on the type of license and the year you’re applying. However, they generally include:

• Proof of identity: A copy of your government-issued photo ID. Your driver’s license or passport will suffice.
• Medical school transcripts: Official transcripts sent directly from your medical school to the Board.
• Verification of Education: Proof of completion of required medical education and training, like residency and fellowship certificates. You also need verification of current and previously held medical licenses from other states or jurisdictions.
• Exam Scores: You need to provide passing scores from relevant examinations (e.g., USMLE and COMLEX)
• Continuing Education (if required): You need to provide proof of continuing medical education (CME), which is often required when you renew your license.

Step 3: Pay the Fees

Upon completing all the fields mentioned above, you’ll be directed to the payment page. The fees vary depending on the type of license you’re applying for. Here are the standard fees:

• Physician (M.D. or D.O.): $500.
• Podiatrist: $500.
• Acupuncturist: $400.
• Physician Assistant (P.A.): $200.

Note: These fees are non-refundable regardless of whether you receive the license. They can only be paid online through the eLicense portal.

Step 4: Complete the Background Check

You’ll need to complete a fingerprint background check. You can obtain a fingerprint card from the Board itself or the local law enforcement agency.

The fingerprints must be submitted to the Montana Department of Justice, and the process has a $30 fee.

Step 5: Monitor Your Application

Regularly check your application status through the eLicense portal. You may be required to provide additional information as the process goes on.

The application process can take up to several weeks. At this point, it’s a waiting and checking game.

Related: How to Get Your Illinois Medical License

A Few Extra Words

You can’t practice medicine in Montana without a license from the Montana Board of Medical Examiners. It’s also difficult to thrive in medicine without help, and we have all the help you’ll need at Physicians Thrive.

We have all the licensing information you need + dedicated experts to help you formulate the ultimate financial plan to have a comfortable retirement.

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Contact us to get started, and we’ll take it from there.