February 13, 2026

The President’s Message is published in the MHA Weekly News Report, a member-only publication of the Montana Hospital Association. To subscribe, click here.

One of many tools we use to advocate for our membership is in the utilization of the MHA staff on a variety of state and national boards and councils.

For example, I was recently appointed by Governor Gianforte to serve on the newly created Montana Licensing Task Force, established by executive order on January 29, 2026. The Task Force brings together stakeholders from diverse industries and backgrounds to conduct a comprehensive review of Montana’s professional and occupational licensing system. Our purpose is to identify and remove barriers faced by licensees that are not necessary to protect public health, safety, and welfare—and to improve the speed to licensure, resulting in improved access to essential services for citizens across our state, including in our rural communities.

Over the last decade, the number of occupational licenses issued in Montana has more than doubled, and the number of licensed occupations has grown significantly without a comprehensive review of whether these requirements are truly necessary or effective. Reducing barriers to work is also a priority of the Governor’s 406 JOBS initiative—a statewide effort designed to foster workforce development, reduce red tape, and expand opportunity for all Montanans.

The Task Force is charged with delivering a written report of recommendations and strategies to the Governor by September 2, 2026. This timeframe allows the Governor and his team to prepare any needed policy recommendations for consideration during the 2027 Montana Legislative Session.

Earlier this week, a Healthcare Subcommittee to the Task Force was formed, and I was appointed as a member. This subcommittee will focus specifically on healthcare licensure challenges and potential reforms that can help increase the availability of healthcare professionals across Montana. Our first meeting was held today, and moving forward I expect the subcommittee will meet on a monthly basis. The meetings will provide an opportunity for members to bring forward thoughts, concerns, or specific ideas around licensure improvement, as well as opportunities to shape and advocate for legislative and administrative healthcare solutions.

I encourage you to learn more on the Licensing Reform Task Force webpage. There is a portal to submit your comments, as well as sign up for notices on the Task Force’s activities. Of course, I welcome and encourage you to share your organizations’ ideas directly with me at ed.buttrey@mtha.org.

Thank you for your continued involvement as we work together to strengthen Montana’s workforce, licensure processes, and to expand access to quality services for all users of our healthcare system.