MT HB566

Transfers primary responsibility for the decennial veterans' long-term care needs study from the Department of Public Health and Human Services to the Montana Veterans' Affairs Division

Expands study methodology to include focus groups in addition to online and paper surveys, and allows identification of care needs beyond the previously specified categories

Requires collaboration with stakeholders including veterans' outreach organizations, legislators, and caregivers, with authority to form an advisory committee

Mandates the Veterans' Affairs Division prepare a study plan and budget estimate for the state administration and veterans' affairs interim committee prior to receiving census data, enabling the committee to request appropriation funding

Requires at least one progress update to the interim committee during the study and a final report including results, legislative recommendations, and recommendations for future study improvements