What Montana Senate Bill 109 Means for Injured Workers
Getting hurt on the job can be stressful. You may be in pain, worried about missing work, and unsure where to turn for help. In 2025, Montana made an important change to simplify and speed up that process.
Senate Bill 109, or SB 109, which was signed into law, allows licensed physical therapists to serve as treating physicians for many workers’ compensation injuries. In plain language, this means that for appropriate injuries, a physical therapist can evaluate you, manage your treatment, and help guide your recovery — without unnecessary delays.
You Can Start Care Sooner
Montana already allows “direct access,” meaning you can see a physical therapist without first getting a referral from a physician. SB 109 strengthens that access for people injured at work.
If you experience a work-related injury, you may be able to:
- See a physical therapist right away.
- Begin treatment immediately.
- Avoid waiting for multiple appointments before getting help.
For many injuries, early treatment leads to faster recovery and fewer long-term problems.
What Types of Work Injuries Can a Physical Therapist Treat?
Physical therapists are experts in movement and musculoskeletal injuries. Many common workplace injuries fall into this category, including:
- Low back pain from lifting.
- Neck pain from repetitive tasks.
- Shoulder injuries from overhead work.
- Knee injuries from slips or falls.
- Sprains, strains, and overuse injuries.
If your injury requires care outside the scope of physical therapy, your PT will refer you to the appropriate provider. Your safety always comes first.
What Does “Treating Physician” Mean?
Under SB 109, a physical therapist can act as your primary managing provider for appropriate workers’ compensation injuries.
This includes the ability to:
- Perform your initial evaluation.
- Create and adjust your treatment plan.
- Track your progress.
- Communicate with your employer and insurance company.
- Provide return-to-work recommendations.
This helps streamline your care and reduces unnecessary administrative steps.
How Does This Help Injured Workers?
SB 109 improves the workers’ compensation experience in several important ways.
Faster Recovery. When treatment starts early, many injuries heal more quickly. Physical therapy focuses on active recovery — helping you move safely, build strength, and return to normal function.
Clear Return-to-Work Planning. Physical therapists understand job demands. They can recommend modified duties, gradual return-to-work plans, and safe timelines based on your progress.
Less Reliance on Medication. Physical therapy emphasizes hands-on care, exercise, and movement-based treatment. For many injuries, this approach reduces the need for imaging, injections, or opioid medications.
Better Access in Rural Communities. Montana is a large, rural state. In some areas, physical therapists may be more readily available than other providers. This law improves access to timely care across the state.
Does This Change My Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
No. Your workers’ compensation rights and benefits remain the same.
You are still entitled to:
- Coverage for medically necessary treatment.
- Wage-loss benefits if you are unable to work.
- Protection under Montana’s workers’ compensation system.
SB 109 does not reduce benefits. It simply expands who can manage your care for appropriate injuries.
What Should I Do If I’m Injured at Work?
If you are injured on the job:
- Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible.
- Seek medical care — including evaluation by a licensed physical therapist if appropriate.
- Stay engaged in your treatment plan.
- Ask questions about your recovery timeline and work restrictions.
Early action can prevent minor injuries from becoming long-term problems.
The Bottom Line
Montana’s SB 109 removes unnecessary barriers to the care injured workers need. By allowing physical therapists to serve as treating physicians for many work-related injuries, the law helps people start care sooner, recover more effectively, return to work safely, and reduce delays in the workers’ compensation process.
If you’ve been injured at work and are unsure where to begin, a licensed physical therapist can help guide you through the steps to getting the care you deserve. Timely, active care matters — and now in Montana, accessing that care is easier than ever.
Physical therapists are movement experts. They improve quality of life through hands-on care, patient education, and prescribed movement. To help you find a physical therapist in your area, the American Physical Therapy Association provides the Find a PT directory.
