50-4-106. Definitions. As used in 50-4-106 through 50-4-109, the following definitions apply:

Terms Used In Montana Code 50-4-106

  • Person: includes a corporation or other entity as well as a natural person. See Montana Code 1-1-201
  • State: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the territories. See Montana Code 1-1-201

(1)”Direct fee” means a fee charged by a health care provider to a patient or a patient’s designee for health care services provided by, or to be provided by, the health care provider to the patient. The term includes a fee in any form, including but not limited to a:

(a)monthly retainer;

(b)membership fee;

(c)subscription fee;

(d)fee paid under a direct patient service agreement; or

(e)fee for a service, visit, or episode of care.

(2)”Direct patient care” means a health care service provided by a health care provider to a patient in return for payment in accordance with a direct fee. The term includes services provided by means of telehealth as defined in 33-22-138.

(3)”Health care provider” means a person who is licensed, certified, or otherwise authorized by the laws of this state to provide health care in the ordinary course of business or practice of a profession.

(4)”Health care services” means any care, service, or procedure provided by a health care provider, including medical or psychological diagnosis, treatment, evaluation, advice, or other services that affect the structure or any function of the human body.