The Corporate Practice of Medicine (CPOM) doctrine is central to healthcare regulation in Montana, shaping how medical businesses and telehealth providers operate. Ensuring compliance with Montana’s CPOM laws in 2025 requires a clear understanding of the regulations, careful planning, and proactive management. This roadmap provides a step-by-step guide for healthcare businesses and telehealth providers to navigate Montana’s CPOM landscape successfully.

Montana’s CPOM laws are vital for healthcare businesses and telehealth providers to understand in 2025. Access Plus Health offers a comprehensive roadmap to help you navigate compliance requirements, from ownership rules to physician oversight. Let us support your operations and ensure your practice remains legally sound.

1. Understanding Montana’s CPOM Doctrine

Montana’s CPOM doctrine seeks to:

• Safeguard Physician Independence:
  Ensure that medical decisions remain in the hands of licensed physicians rather than corporate entities.
• Promote Ethical Healthcare:
  Protect against conflicts of interest that could compromise patient care.
• Regulate Ownership Structures:
  Restrict non-physician ownership of medical practices while allowing certain management services.

2. Key Compliance Requirements

To operate within the boundaries of Montana’s CPOM laws, healthcare businesses and telehealth providers must adhere to these key requirements:

• Physician Ownership:
  Physicians must own and control medical practices, ensuring that clinical decisions are made independently.
• Valid Licensure:
  All practicing physicians, including telehealth providers, must hold a valid Montana medical license.
• Delineated Roles:
  Non-physician entities may provide administrative support but cannot interfere with clinical operations.

3. Challenges for Telehealth Providers

Telehealth providers face unique challenges under Montana’s CPOM laws, including:

• Interstate Practice:
  Physicians practicing telehealth across state lines must comply with Montana’s licensure and CPOM requirements.
• Data Privacy and Security:
  Telehealth platforms must adhere to both HIPAA and state-specific privacy laws.
• Maintaining Oversight:
  Ensure that Montana-licensed physicians oversee all clinical aspects of telehealth services.

4. Steps to Achieve Compliance

1. Audit Existing Structures:
   Evaluate ownership, contracts, and operations to identify potential CPOM violations.
2. Clarify Contracts:
   Ensure agreements between physicians and administrative entities explicitly maintain physician autonomy over clinical matters.
3. Engage Legal Counsel:
   Work with attorneys specializing in healthcare law to navigate complex CPOM regulations.
4. Monitor Regulatory Updates:
   Stay informed about changes to Montana’s CPOM laws and telehealth guidelines.

5. Looking Ahead: CPOM Compliance in a Changing Landscape

With healthcare evolving rapidly, Montana’s CPOM regulations are likely to adapt to new technologies and care models. Providers should anticipate:

• Enhanced Telehealth Regulations:
  Additional rules to address issues like virtual prescribing and cross-state practices.
• Focus on Integrated Care:
  Policies encouraging collaboration while maintaining CPOM compliance.

Montana’s CPOM laws are foundational to maintaining ethical and patient-centered healthcare. By following this roadmap, healthcare businesses and telehealth providers can navigate compliance challenges effectively and build sustainable, compliant operations in 2025.