37-3-341. (Effective October 1, 2000) Legislative findings. The Montana legislature previously found, in 37-3-101, that the practice of medicine in Montana is a privilege, not a natural right, and that the regulation of the practice of medicine is necessary to ensure the health, happiness, safety, and welfare of the people of Montana. The legislature now finds that because of technological advances and changing patterns of medical practice, medicine is increasingly being practiced by electronic means across state lines. Although access to technological advances is in the public interest, the legislature also finds that regulation of the practice of medicine across state lines is necessary to protect the public against the unprofessional, improper, unauthorized, and unqualified practice of medicine. Accordingly, the legislature finds that physicians outside the boundaries of Montana who enter the state by electronic or other technological means to practice medicine for compensation on patients inside Montana are seeking the benefit and protection of the laws of Montana and are subject to the licensure and regulatory requirements provided in 37-3-341 through 37-3-349.

     History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 371, L. 1999.