Physician Assistant Guide to Locum Tenens Jobs in Montana

Our recruiters and staffing specialists do not expect you, the provider, to know ins-and-outs of every state in the country. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled information from TripAdvisor, state government pages, and tourist information sources to give you a glimpse into life in Montana.

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Montana resides on a remarkable piece of land, discovered in the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1804-1806.  Fur trappers followed and were the main economic activity in the area until gold was discovered in 1852. The gold rush brought many people into the area in the 1860s, and by 1889, Montana became a state. Cattle ranches began to grow in the western valleys of Montana, as agriculture is still a major industry in Montana to this day. Montana is a haven for outdoorsmen, with beautiful views, idyllic hiking trails, and plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy. Whether you are a visitor or resident, Montana is sure to leave you in awe and wanting more.

• Visit Glacier National park, home to 26 glaciers, 762 lakes, 563 streams, and roughly 746 miles of hiking trails. Take in the views, enjoy the wildlife, and be at peace in this beautiful park. 
• Take a ride through Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50 mile long road that crosses over the Continental Divide. This road passes through valleys, glaciers, alpine meadows, glaciers, and more! 
• Check out Downtown Bozeman to enjoy local shops, restaurants, and more! Bozeman is located an hour north of Yellowstone National Park, making it the perfect stop before heading into the park.

• Billings, Montana to Spokane, Washington: Approximately 450 miles; around 7 to 8 hours by car. 
• Billings, Montana to Denver, Colorado: Roughly 520 miles; about 8 to 9 hours by car. 
• Billings, Montana to Salt Lake City, Utah: Around 550 miles; approximately 8.5 to 9.5 hours by car. 
• Billings, Montana to Boise, Idaho: About 450 miles; approximately 7 to 8 hours by car.
• Billings, Montana to Rapid City, South Dakota: Approximately 350 miles; around 5.5 to 6.5 hours by car.

What is the Scope of Practice for Physician Assistants in Montana?

Physician assistants (PAs) in Montana have full practice authority, allowing them to practice medicine without direct physician supervision. This increases access to care for patients in rural and underserved areas, reduces healthcare costs, and improves the quality of care. PAs are required to complete rigorous education and training programs and pass national certification exams. Full practice authority for PAs is a relatively new concept but gaining momentum across the country, addressing the shortage of physicians in the United States. It benefits patients, PAs, and the healthcare system overall by increasing access, reducing costs, and improving care quality.

Can Physician Assistants Sign Death Certificates in Montana?

In Montana, physician assistants (PAs) are authorized to sign death certificates. PAs in Montana are required to complete specific coursework and pass a national certification exam to be licensed and are required to work under a licensed physician’s supervision. The authorization of PAs to sign death certificates ensures that all deaths are properly certified and recorded.

Does Montana Recognize Physician Assistants as Primary Care Providers? 

The state of Montana recognizes physician assistants (PAs) as primary care providers, as reflected in its statutes and administrative codes. PAs in Montana are licensed healthcare professionals who have completed rigorous education and training, and they work under physician supervision to provide a wide range of medical tasks, including conducting physical exams, diagnosing and treating illnesses, prescribing medications, and providing patient education and counseling. PAs play a vital role in providing access to primary care services, especially in rural and underserved areas. Their recognition as primary care providers is a testament to their valuable contributions to the healthcare system and ensures that all Montanans have access to high-quality and affordable healthcare.

Can Physician Assistants Prescribe Schedule II Drugs in Montana?

Yes, physician assistants can prescribe schedule II drugs in Montana.

Do Physician Assistants Qualify for Medical Staff Membership in Montana?

In Montana, physician assistants (PAs) are recognized as medical staff members. Medical staff membership offers PAs benefits like participating in clinical decision-making, collaboration with other professionals, and contributing to patient care policies. It enhances their professional standing and fosters a sense of belonging within the healthcare team. PAs who meet specific criteria are eligible to apply for medical staff membership. The inclusion of PAs in medical staff membership aligns with the evolving healthcare landscape, where collaborative care models are becoming increasingly prevalent.

Can Physician Assistants Order Physical Therapy in Montana?

In Montana, physician assistants (PAs) have extensive autonomy, including the ability to order physical therapy without physician supervision. This decision reflects recognition of their competence and expertise. Montana’s policy aligns with national trends toward expanding PA’s scope of practice, driven by increasing healthcare demands, physician shortages, and cost-effectiveness. Specific guidelines for PAs ordering physical therapy ensure patient safety and collaboration with physical therapists. This authorization benefits patients by improving access to care and reduces the burden on physicians.

Can Physician Assistants Sign Handicap Parking Permit Forms in Montana?

In Montana, physician assistants (PAs) are authorized to certify disability for parking placards. PAs are healthcare professionals trained to evaluate and assess medical conditions, making them qualified to determine an individual’s eligibility for a disability parking placard. The process involves a medical evaluation by a PA, who assesses the individual’s mobility and functional limitations, reviews medical records, and makes a determination based on eligibility criteria. The authorization of PAs to certify disability for parking placards ensures equitable access to parking facilities for individuals with disabilities, improving their quality of life.

Can Physician Assistants Sign POLST/POST/MOLST/MOST/COLST Forms in Montana? 

In Montana, PAs are authorized to sign POLST forms, guiding end-of-life care decisions for individuals with serious illnesses. PAs are considered the most qualified professionals to make these decisions, given their training and experience. They are required to discuss the form with the patient and family, obtain informed consent, and regularly review it. POLST forms ensure that individuals’ end-of-life care wishes are respected and maintain control over their medical care even when unable to communicate their decisions.

Can Physician Assistants Sign Do Not Resuscitate Orders in Montana?

In Montana, physicians can sign Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders under the Montana Natural Death Act, a legal framework for end-of-life care and decision-making. To sign a DNR order, physicians must determine the patient’s competence to make decisions about their medical care. A DNR order instructs healthcare providers to withhold life-sustaining measures in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest and is binding on all healthcare providers involved in the patient’s care. DNR orders play a crucial role in end-of-life care planning, ensuring patient wishes are respected and unwanted medical treatment is avoided.

What are the Continuing Education Requirements for Physician Assistants in Montana?

In Montana, physician assistants (PAs) are not required to complete continuing education (CE) credits for license renewal. Despite the lack of a mandate, many Montana PAs voluntarily pursue CE to stay informed and maintain their skills. Completing CE credits is crucial for PAs in Montana to stay current with medical advancements and maintain their high-quality care provision.