This article contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, call or text the 988 Lifeline by dialing or messaging “988.”
Montana’s labor department is set to review its monitoring process for medical providers facing addiction and mental health challenges after receiving substantial criticism. Commissioner Sarah Swanson expressed her concerns about issues raised in a legislative report and news articles during a meeting with lawmakers on the Legislative Audit Committee. The program’s contractor, Maximus, Inc., faced scrutiny following the suicide of a participant, first reported by Montana Free Press.
Investigations revealed that the death of nurse Amy Young was not included in reports presented to medical boards overseeing more than 60,000 professionals potentially directed to the monitoring program. Rep. Mary Caferro and Sen. Laura Smith, both Democrats, questioned Swanson about how deaths are tracked by Maximus and the state.
“What is very upsetting to me is the fact that nobody’s talking about the woman who died by suicide,” Caferro said, highlighting the silence around Young’s death. Swanson acknowledged that Maximus’ contract does not mandate reporting participant deaths, and the $1.6 million contract, active since late 2022, is up for potential renewal.
The department is forming an advisory council following a recent audit report highlighting the program’s challenges. The report, which omitted participant suicides, noted disruptions during vendor transitions and declining support for providers. Swanson assured that future contracts would require improved reporting.
Eileen Rivera, Maximus spokesperson, insisted their program meets contractual requirements. However, Swanson emphasized the need for input from medical boards on the contract’s monitoring and support components. Representatives from several boards, including chiropractors and veterinarians, will be included in the advisory council.
Lawmakers suggested involving former participants in the advisory council, but Swanson expressed concern about unequal representation. Still, she committed to transparency and public testimony. The Montana Medical Association, having previously bid for the program, criticized the current vendor’s punitive measures and advocated for supportive changes.
Swanson mentioned that Maximus’ contract renewal is undecided and will depend on advisory council input. Rep. Jane Gillette supported the Montana Medical Association’s potential re-bid, suggesting they could offer a more compassionate approach, despite concerns about industry self-monitoring.
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