Archives West Finding Aid

In 1901, Montana’s Seventh Legislative Assembly created the Montana State Board of Health. The Board was responsible for sanitation as well as investigations regarding diseases, epidemics, mortality, and other health-related concerns. In 1967, with the creation of the State Department of Health, the State Board of Health was given the additional duty of overseeing the new Department. The State Board of Health continued in an advisory capacity, but the day-to-day administration of the state laws regarding public health and related matters were relegated to the new Department. The State Board of Health became the Department of Health and Environmental Sciences (DHES) in 1971 with the passage of Governor Anderson’s Executive Reorganization Order 9-71.

In 1937, the Montana Legislature established the Department of Public Welfare, which consolidated state welfare activities. The Department was responsible for the administration of all forms of public assistance, including general relief programs and supervision of institutions caring for the dependent, delinquent, or mentally or physically handicapped. In 1971, with the state reorganization, the Department of Public Welfare was abolished, and its functions were assumed by the newly created Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS). The SRS assumed the functions of various state agencies, including functions pertaining to vocational rehabilitation and education; the Commission on Aging; and the Council on Human Resources. The SRS administered all forms of public assistance, child protection, and child welfare; gave consultant service to private institutions providing care for the needy, indigent, handicapped, or dependent; developed provisions for services to the blind; supervised county boards of public welfare; and administered all funds allotted for public welfare activities.

In 1995, following another State government reorganization, SRS combined with portions of the Department of Health and Environmental Sciences (DHES) to form the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). The Environmental Sciences Division was split from DHES to become the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Additionally, in 1992, the Department of Institutions was renamed the Department of Corrections and Human Services. In 1995, the Department was reorganized, with some duties and Divisions remaining with Corrections, while others were transferred to the newly created Department of Public Health and Human Services, including oversight of the Montana State Hospital at Warm Springs.

Bureau Specific History

The Montana Department of Health and Environmental Sciences was given the responsibility, under the 1967 Session Laws, to license hospitals, long-term care facilities, nursing homes, and related institutions. This function also included the approval of new facilities, expansion of facilities, changes in classification, and inspection for adherence to standards. The Health Services and Medical Facilities Division and its Licensing and Certification Bureau also act as the agents for the United States Health Care Financing Administration in approving health care facilities for Medicare patients. Among the reasons a health care facility's license or Medicare approval can be revoked are: failure to meet minimum standards of construction and fire safety, failure to provide sufficient medical staff with the proper qualifications, conviction of a felony by the hospital manager, mistreatment or neglect of patients, and financial inadequacy. Licensing and Certification Bureau staff inspect each hospital, nursing home, and home care agency on a regular basis. Any inadequacies in significant areas of performance have to be corrected before the license can be renewed.

As of 2025, this Bureau, now named the Certification Bureau, operates within the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Public Health and Human Services.