Community Announcements
Share what matters with neighbors — events, milestones, and local updates.
Recent Community News
Swimming Pool
The Dutton swimming pool is a great place to cool off and have fun with the kids. We offer swimming lessons, both group and private, as well as private parties. Join us this summer for loads of fun! You can also sponsor a day of FREE swimming for everyone for $150!!! Pool Prices 2025: Daily Fee Day Swim $2.00 Night Swim $2.00 Lessons (not included in passes anymore) Regular Sessions $40 Private Sessions $70 Passes Single= $40/$60 Family up to 4= $100/$120* 5-7= $130/$150* 8+= $150/170* *Out of District Passes add $20.00 (This is for anyone who does not pay In-Town Taxes) Pool Parties and Sponsorships 2 Hours for $125 each additional hour $50 Sponsor a whole day for $150
Bill Payment
NEW PAYMENT PORTAL!! We're excited to announce that our new Citizen Portal is now live! Getting started is easy—just locate the WEB ID on the lower right of your bill. Once you have it, simply click the portal link, choose "Go to Payment Portal," and then select "Register" in the upper right corner to set up your account. With your account, you'll gain access to helpful tools for managing your account independently. Plus, don’t forget to set up your notification preferences to receive timely alerts for water outages or other important public safety updates. Stay connected and informed, right as things happen CITIZEN PORTAL LINK Support Phone Number for citizens: (855) 327-7046
Angel Fund
Neighbors helping neighbors. The Angel Fund helps Dutton households facing temporary hardship with their water and sewer bills. Find assistance Help a neighbor Local support. Essential service. Dignity first. Water & sewer relief Community funded Confidential review A little help.A way forward. A job loss, medical event, emergency expense, or fixed-income gap can make it hard to keep up. The Angel Fund provides temporary, needs-based assistance to households that meet these requirements: Your service address is within the Town’s utility service area. You are the account holder or a verified adult resident at that address. You can demonstrate a temporary financial hardship. Your account is past due or at documented risk of shutoff. Awards require Town Council approval. Contact the Town Office about current funding and the next review date. How to apply Your request is handled confidentially. Contact the Town Office Call 406-476-3311 or visit 11 Main Street West to request an application. Submit your application Include your service address, utility account number, hardship explanation, requested amount, verification permission, and good-faith/repayment response. Return it in person, in a sealed envelope through the dropbox, or by mail. Ask the office for mailing instructions. Council reviews your request Staff verifies the application and prepares an anonymous summary. Council reviews requests every three months and votes by Application ID and amount. Approved assistance is credited directly to your utility account. Be someone’s helping hand. The Angel Fund is supported by voluntary donations from individuals, businesses, civic groups, and community fundraisers. Your generosity helps a neighbor through a difficult stretch. Give by check Make checks payable to:Town of Dutton - Angel Fund. Bring your donation to the Town Office at 11 Main Street West, or call for mailing instructions. A written receipt confirms your donation amount and date. Give with your bill Ask the Town Office whether an add-on Angel Fund donation is available with your water bill. A small contribution can be a meaningful act of support for another household. Bring people together Churches, civic groups, businesses, and neighbors can organize a community drive or fundraiser. Contact the Town Office to coordinate your support for the Angel Fund. Your generosity. Handled with care. Donations are tracked in a dedicated Town accounting ledger. Applications are kept secure, and Council reviews anonymous summaries by Application ID. Public reporting uses totals and counts without identifying applicants. Assistance is a credit to the household’s utility account, with no cash payouts. Contact the Town Office for information about the fund and available public summaries. Good questions. Clear answers. What costs are covered by the Angel Fund?The fund helps with eligible water and sewer charges. Assistance is applied directly to the utility account. Non-utility debts and unrelated municipal charges are not covered. Do I have to repay the assistance?The application asks whether you are willing to repay some or all of the assistance if your finances improve. Repayment for first-time assistance is voluntary unless Council specifies otherwise. Repeat requests may involve additional good-faith requirements. Ask the Town Office about any conditions that apply to your request. What if I have a shutoff notice or need help quickly?Contact the Town Office promptly at 406-476-3311 and explain your situation. Reviews take place every three months. Ask staff about your account status, the next review date, and any available arrangements while you wait.
Forms and Ordinances
Town of Dutton Montana City Forms — Town of Dutton Printable Forms: Construction Application Employment Application Angel Fund Application Public Records Request Policy and Form Town Ordinances Town of Dutton Ordinance Book pdf
Fire Department
Town of Dutton Montana Fire Department — Town of Dutton Dutton Volunteer Fire Department Teton County burn permits are now available online. You can apply, pay for, and print out your burn permit all from home! You can pay by Debit/Credit card or Electronic check by entering your account info off of one of your checks. It is super easy to do, and very convenient.Dutton Fire Department wants to remind you to have plenty of water on hand before you burn, don't burn in high winds, and most importantly STAY SAFE! Lets join together in helping to make this fire season an uneventful one! Burn Permits Contact Us Phone: 406-467-3311 Chief: Evan Gouchenour: [email protected] Assistant Chief: Chance Ostberg: [email protected] (406)788-1118 Assistant Chief: Russell Palmerton: [email protected]
Town Office
Dutton Town Office The office for the town of Dutton is also the fire hall, located at 11 Main Street West. We handle all town business including water/sewer billing, construction applications, and dog licensing. We are always more than happy to answer any questions you may have about the town. Mayor Susan Fleshman is in the Office Monday through Thursday 10-1. Public Works Director/Clerk/Finance Officer Jeremiah Kjensmo is in the Office Monday through Friday 8-1. Assistant Clerk/Billing Clerk Sayde Wallace is in the Office Monday through Friday 8-1. Public Works Assistant Evan Gouchenour is in the Office Monday through Friday 8-1. Council Members Frank (Pete) Klein, Patricia Bayala, Candace Ellsworth, and Collette Wilson are at the Office for the Town Council Meetings that are held on the first Monday of every month, unless that happens to land on an observed holiday, in which case the time and date will be posted with the meeting agenda. Dutton Town Council Meeting Agenda Once a year, in compliance with the MT Department of Environmental Quality, the Town of Dutton releases it's annual Consumer Confidence Review. This report validates that our water is safe potable drinking water. This years report may be read or downloaded at any time by clicking the button below. As always we are happy to report the safety of our water, and that we are in full compliance with all monitoring requirements. dutton Water Consumer Confidence Report Every year Cities and Towns are required to submit an Annual Financial Report to the State. Here is our AFR for the year ending on June 30th, 2025. Annual Financial Report Fiscal Year 2025 Contact Us Phone: 406-476-3311 Fax: 406-476-3331 Town Email: [email protected]
Town of Dutton Council Meeting Agenda
Town of Dutton Council Meeting Agenda Monday, September 14, 2026 Town Hall 11 Main St West 7:00 pm 7:00 p.m. Budget Hearing Public Comment on Budget Close Budget Hearing 7:15/7:30 Regular Council Meeting Public Comment The Town Council would like to remind everyone in attendance that public comment is for members of the public to give input on public matters, not personal issues. To avoid violations of privacy, a member of the public wishing to address the Council will NOT be allowed to make any personal comments about any staff member. In order to maintain order and allow everyone the opportunity to speak, the Mayor may choose to limit an individual’s time. By law, the Council cannot take any action on matters that are brought up during public comment. Aug 3, 2026, Town Council Meeting Minutes & Aug 11, 2026, Emergency Procurement Resolution Minutes Current Bills 26-27 Budget Approval Dan Schuler Fence Construction Application Upcoming Holiday(s) Mayor Report Set Next Meeting Closing Comments Adjourn TOWN OF DUTTON PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL MEETING IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR DUTTON RESIDENTS The Town of Dutton will be holding a Public Informational Meeting to discuss the ongoing issues the Town has been experiencing with its water pumps, as well as the solutions the Town is currently looking at to address these issues. WHEN Thursday, September 10, 2026, 7:00 pm WHERE Dutton Senior Citizens Center WHAT WE WILL DISCUSS The current issues with the Town's water pumps What the Town has been experiencing Solutions the Town is currently looking at to address the pump issues Possible repairs or replacements What these issues may mean for the Town and its residents An opportunity for residents to ask questions and receive information PLEASE JOIN US! The Town encourages residents to attend and learn more about the situation affecting our community's water system. Your questions and concerns are important to us. TOWN OF DUTTON Keeping our community informed. Annual Consumer Confidence Report CCR
Beautification Days
Beautification Days VOLUNTEERS NEEDED CONTACT JONI MOSHER [email protected] Thompson Falls is a beautiful place to live and we want to maintain that beauty! You can help by being a part of Beautification Days. Our objective for this annual event is to both encourage people to "spruce up, clean up, pickup" as well as assist those who are unable to do the work themselves. Sign Up for April 16th, 17th and 18th, 2026 Thompson Falls Beautification Days is a community wide collaboration. We hope you will contribute some of your time on these dates or any other dates to help make Thompson Falls a cleaner and more beautiful place in which to live. We are "Better Together!" Don't leave the volunteer work to others, or it might not get done! Your help is needed and appreciated. A Little Background on Beautification Days: It all started with a need for a trash can in the front of the library. The library asked the Chamber to help purchase a new garbage can so visitors had a place to toss garbage before entering the library. Like flowers begin to grow and bloom each spring, the idea occurred to a group of Thompson Falls residents, that one garbage receptacle could blossom into something more significant – a whole bouquet of programs that work to clean up and beautify the community, which is what is now known as Thompson Falls Beautification Days. Now, a few years later, headed up by the Thompson Falls Main Street group, a long list of volunteers, organizations, businesses, government agencies and schools work together to clean up the community. It is no longer all about adding garbage cans to fight litter, but the idea has branched off into many different facets including a focused effort to assist town residents with special needs to keep their yards looking great. Other elements include awards and recognition, school art projects, student volunteerism programs, public service, education, special yearly projects and an overall effort to clean out the cobwebs from winter and haul that junk out of town. Making the Thompson Falls area sparkle each spring is a community wide effort that needs community wide support. Mark your calendar today, dig out your pruning shears and gardening gloves and sign up for this three day event which takes place usually the 3rd week in April of every year. Special Residential Projects Provides assistance in yard clean-up, pruning, and/or hauling debris to the refuse site for elderly or disabled residents. We are still looking for someone who could step up to be the Project Leader for this program. Contact Joni Mosher at [email protected] Transfer Site: The Thompson Falls Transfer Site at 5376 MT Hwy. 200 is open Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday 9-4:45, Sunday 11-4:45. (CLOSED ON FRIDAY) Accepted: Clean, flattened cardboard, aluminum cans, batteries, metal, oil, tires during Beautification Days @ the Thompson Falls Site. Used paint cans are accepted with regular trash, provided the paint is dry. To dry, leave the lid off or add sawdust or cat litter. Free Junk Vehicle removal: https://www.co.sanders.mt.us/DocumentCenter/View/244/Junk-Vehicle-Release-Form-PDF - Poster Contest - Sponsors & Supporters Starts in January each year to create a "keep our community beautiful" awareness in our elementary children. The artist of the best poster in each grade is given an "art basket" prize funded by First Security Bank. These posters become the basis of the flyers publicizing Beautification Days. Posters are judged in March, awards will be given out the end of March. Children's art posters, Beautification Days and Thumbs Up flyers will be put up throughout the businesses in town the last week in March. - Thumbs Up Awards - Recognizes the efforts of residents, businesses, and institutions in maintaining the attractiveness of their properties in Thompson Falls. Each year, 3 awards are given out in 3 categories: Residentiall, business, institution. Recognition is based on Most improved and/or consistently maintained, with continuous effort in property upkeep. Nominations are mailed to: P.O. Box 333, Thompson Falls, MT 59873 by the end of May. Judging will be conducted, with awards to be announced by mid-June. Funding for the purchase of the Thumbs Up plaques is generously provided by First Security Bank, Valley Bank and Whitefish Credit Union. Demonstrations 2025 Poster Beautification Days Winners
Town of Plains Streamlines Payments with Online Portal
Online Payments Make your Town of Plains payments easily and securely through our online portal. We accept payments for: - Water & Sewer Bills - Property Taxes - Other Town Fees Click here to access the payment portal: [Link to payment portal] For any payment-related inquiries, please contact the Town Hall.
Town of Plains: Pay Utility Bills Online Now
Welcome to the Town of Plains Payment Portal. Pay your Utility Bill online securely and conveniently. If you have any questions, please contact the Town Office at (406) 826-3571. Thank you for your cooperation.
WIC: Montana's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children
WIC Montana's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) WIC offers healthy food, breastfeeding support, nutrition tips, and connection to community resources. START HERE WIC Grocery Stores Food List - English Food List - Español Find a Clinic State Plan Program Policies Weekly Newsletters Prescription Forms Contact WIC State Staff National WIC Association WIC Needs Assessment Program Complaint Form - English Spanish Save form to computer before filling out
Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD) Division
The Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Division (BHDD) is to implement and improve a statewide system of prevention, treatment, care and rehabilitation for Montanans with mental disorders or addictions to drugs or alcohol. By teaming up with behavioral health specialists throughout Montana, BHDD provides substance abuse and adult mental health services for those in need of support. Adult Mental Health Services The Adult Mental Health Services Bureau is responsible for the development and oversight of the state's system for delivering and reimbursing publicly funded ... Click to Learn More About Adult Mental Health Services Childrens Mental Health Services The Children's Mental Health Bureau administers state funded mental health services for children. Our mission is to support and strengthen Montana youth and families... Click to Learn More About Childrens Mental Health Services Developmental Disabilities Services In July 2009, the Disability Services Division (DSD) of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) was restructured ... Click to Learn More About Developmental Disabilities Services Suicide Prevention/Information In 2017, DPHHS and the Montana Broadcaster’s Association (MBA) partnered on a suicide prevention and awareness media campaign of TV and radio public service announcements... Click to Learn More About Suicide Prevention/Information Behavioral Health Grants The Prevention Bureau provides services through Block Grants, Formula Grants, Discretionary Grants, and Emergency Grants. These are Federal Grants to provide Substance Use Treatment & Prevention... Click to Learn More About Grants Substance Use Disorder Treatment The Treatment Bureau is responsible for the certification of Mental Health Professional Person, State Approval, and development of Medicaid Manual for both SUD and Behavioral Health Services... Click to Learn More About Substance Use Disorder Treatment BHDD Manuals Page Program manuals administered by the Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Division. Click to Learn More About Provider Manuals Consolidated Appropriations Act The CAA is the availability of certain state plan services for incarcerated youth in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. Click to Learn More About Consolidated Appropriations Act HEART Waiver Services Healing and Ending Addiction Through Recovery and Treatment (HEART) waiver seeks federal authority through an 1115 demonstration to pay for additional community based treatment services as well as expanded inpatient and residential treatment. Click to Learn More About Heart Waiver Services To contact BHDD with general questions or concerns: HHS AMDD GEN DEL. Be sure to include the specific program, bureau or area of interest with your inquiry. To receive notifications about the rule making process, please email [email protected] and ask to be on the interested parties list of the program, bureau or area of interest with your inquiry. Email Updates To sign up for our weekly division newsletter, updates or to access your subscriber preferences, please enter your contact information below. Email Address Collapse Menu Contact Us Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Division PO Box 4210 Helena MT Email Us For Adult Mental Health, prevention, and Grant Funded programs call 444-3964. For Children’s mental health and developmental disabilities call 444-5978 Contact Information Programs Recovery Residence Registry Angel Initiative Behavioral Health System for Future Generations HEART Fund Naloxone Manuals and Program Resources Manuals Children’s Mental Health Bureau Manuals and Guide Developmental Disabilities Program Incident Management Manual Developmental Disabilities Program Provider Manual Developmental Disabilities Program Personal Supports Plan Procedure Manual Severe and Disabling Mental Illness, Home and Community Based Services Waiver Program Manual Substance Use Disorder and Behavioral Health Program Provider Manuals Training: Documentation Training Medicaid Provider Training Mountain-Pacific Quality Healthcare Provider Training Prior Authorization and Continued Stays: Mountain-Pacific Quality Healthcare Portal Or Call 1-800-219-7035 Services Adult Mental Health Services Applied Behavior Analysis Services Autism Information Children's Mental Health Services Developmental Disabilities Program (DDP) Fee Schedules Substance Use Disorder Services Find Treatment Treatment Services Locator Map of Montana Substance Use Disorder Providers Montana Mental Health Centers State Approved Substance Abuse Treatment Providers NAMI-MT County Resource Guide SAMHSA's National HelpLine Committees Children's System of Care (SOC) Planning Committee Montana Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) HCBS Summary Fact Sheet HCBS Information Sheet
Civil Monetary Penalties Grant Opportunities webpage
Civil Money Penalty Reinvestment Program The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) makes Civil Money Penalty (CMP) Reinvestment funds available to support projects that directly improve the quality of life and quality of care for nursing home residents. These funds come from federal penalties collected from nursing facilities and are returned to states to support resident‑focused initiatives through a grant process. CMP reinvestment funds may be used for a wide range of activities that benefit residents or strengthen their care, including: Training for staff or resident‑support programs Transition preparation for residents moving between care settings Culture change and quality‑of‑life initiatives Quality‑of‑care improvements Support for resident and family councils Assistance for residents affected by facility closures or downsizing About CMP Reinvestment Funds CMS may impose civil monetary penalties on Medicare‑certified nursing homes that are out of compliance with federal participation requirements. A portion of these penalties is returned to states to be reinvested in projects that enhance resident care and well‑being. CMP reinvestment funds may be approved for use by CMS‑certified nursing homes (provider type 26). Swing‑bed hospitals (provider type 03) are not eligible. Examples of allowable uses include: Direct improvements to quality of care Quality‑of‑life and culture‑change initiatives Facility improvement efforts approved by CMS, such as technical assistance, staff training, or surveyor training Projects that support resident and family councils Consumer information resources Assistance for residents affected by facility closure or decertification Time‑limited expenses related to relocating residents to other facilities or community‑based settings CMP funds cannot be used for research, indirect benefits to residents, capital improvements, duplicating CMS requirements, or nursing home employee salaries. For more information on allowable uses, non‑allowable uses, and examples of funded projects, visit the CMS resources: Examples of Allowable Uses of CMP Reinvestment Funds Examples of Non‑Allowable Uses of CMP Reinvestment Funds CMS Federal Grant Opportunities Civil Money Penalty Reinvestment Program Montana’s CMP Reinvestment State Plan CMPRP Application Handbook CMP Reinvestment Grant Opportunities The CMP grant funding for CMS-certified nursing homes is available for the following projects: Sustainable projects that: Collaborative safety; reduce slips and falls; improves infection control (more specifically urinary tract issues); reduces emergency room and/or hospitalization; and, improves mental health of staff and/or residents such as: Mental health/substance abuse education for staff, residents, and families Training for facility staff on assessing, interventions and treatment/services options—this can include tools used for assessing but not actually doing the assessment Mental health tools/activities/exercises that are beneficial for mental health for residents and staff Reinvestment Projects: Funding for a variety of projects for nursing homes to benefit residents. Projects can span a wide array of topics and involve improving the quality of life for residents. CMP Project Spotlights Enables Youth to Help Seniors Share Their Stories in “Write Your Life” Encourages Creativity and Removes “Pressure to Remember” Through Storytelling Reduce Polypharmacy in Nursing Homes Montana CMP Project Tracker How to Apply CMP FAQs Related Links Section 1919 of the Social Security Act 42 CFR Part 488 Section 1819 of the Social Security Act State Operations Manual - CMS The Affordable Care Act (Sec. 6111. Civil Money Penalties) S&C 12-13-NH MCA 53-6-106 and 53-6-107. Sanctions -- penalties, MCA Contact Us Senior and Long Term Care PO Box 4210, Helena MT 59604 (406) 444-4077 Additional Information Aging Services Area Agencies on Aging Insurance and Medicare Programs Legal Services Caregiver Resources Long-Term Care Ombudsman Nutrition Services Medicaid Programs and Services Adult Protective Services Legal Assistance Financial Planning Aging in the 406 Governor’s Conference on Aging Aging in the 406 Social Media Questions? Contact Us
Welcome to the Governor's Office
Welcome to the Governor's Office Serving Montanans as our state's 25th governor is the honor of my life. Our team is committed to transforming state government to be more customer friendly, responsive, and good stewards of your money. I want to hear from you, so please send me your ideas, thoughts, and concerns. My door is always open. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me for anything. Greg Gianforte Governor of Montana Contact the Governor Share.Request.Get Assistance HAPPENING NOW Visit our newsroom for additional information Load More HELP CUT RED TAPE Governor Greg Gianforte and Lieutenant Governor Kristen Juras are conducting a comprehensive, top-to-bottom review of regulations across every state agency. Revising, rolling back, and repealing unnecessary, burdensome regulations will help open Montana for business, grow our economy, increase access to greater opportunities, and create more good-paying Montana jobs. We need your help to get the job done. Governor Gianforte and Lt. Governor Juras want to hear from you. Please send them your ideas and reach out to others for their ideas about red tape relief. Learn More STATE STATISTICS 4 years of unemployment below 3.4%, a record 581,000+ Most people employed in state history #1 Place to Start a Business 63,814 Businesses created in 2024, a new record Office of the Governor PO Box 200801Helena, MT 59620-0801 Toll Free: 855-318-1330Phone: 406-444-3111FAX: 406-444-5529 Contact Us Directory Governor's Offices Office of the Governor Budget and Program Planning Community Service Indian Affairs Mental Disabilities Board of Visitors Mental Health Ombudsman
Public Service Commission Appointments
Public Service Commission Appointments Montana Public Service Commission District 2 (Carbon, Park, Stillwater, and parts of Big Horn, Gallatin, Rosebud, Sweet Grass, and Yellowstone Counties) Application & public comment schedule News release soliciting applications Application form Applications Kirk A. Bushman Nicholas R. Fitzmaurice Nicholas A. Loos John E. Prinkki Dave Wanzenried Public comment Kirk A. Bushman Nicholas R. Fitzmaurice Nicholas A. Loos John E. Prinkki Dave Wanzenried
Newsroom
Newsroom articles from the State of Montana Governor's office Skip to main content Newsroom This page contains the most recent news that pertains to the Governor's Office. To see a full history, and browse all Montana news, please visit the State of Montana Newsroom. Load More Office of the Governor PO Box 200801Helena, MT 59620-0801 Toll Free: 855-318-1330Phone: 406-444-3111FAX: 406-444-5529 Contact Us Directory Governor's Offices Office of the Governor Budget and Program Planning Community Service Indian Affairs Mental Disabilities Board of Visitors Mental Health Ombudsman Cookies and Google Analytics Flag Status
Priorities
Priorities Jobs and Economy As a business leader and entrepreneur, Governor Gianforte is creating an environment where small businesses can thrive and create good-paying Montana jobs. Learn more Government Working for You State government should work for Montanans. Governor Gianforte is changing the way it does business to better serve Montanans. Learn more Health Care Governor Gianforte is committed to increasing Montanans’ access to health care, preserving access in our rural communities, and bringing down the cost of health care and prescription drugs. Learn More Education and Workforce Providing our next generation with a high-quality education and empowering our workforce with the skills they need to thrive are among our greatest responsibilities. Learn more Safe Communities Government’s chief responsibility is keeping citizens and communities safe and secure, and Governor Gianforte is committed to protecting our families and communities. Learn more Protecting Our Way of Life Our Montana way of life is second to none, and our rich outdoor heritage, character, freedoms, liberties, and Montanans’ character make our state a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Learn more
Boards and Commissions
Information about Montana's Boards and Appointments Skip to main content Boards and Appointments Montana’s boards, councils, and commissions do important work to serve the state and the Governor. If you are interested in applying for a board, council or commission please click the link below. Please also let us know if you have any questions as to where you might be able to serve. Apply Now! Office of the Governor PO Box 200801Helena, MT 59620-0801 Toll Free: 855-318-1330Phone: 406-444-3111FAX: 406-444-5529 Contact Us Directory Governor's Offices Office of the Governor Budget and Program Planning Community Service Indian Affairs Mental Disabilities Board of Visitors Mental Health Ombudsman Cookies and Google Analytics Flag Status
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Long-term care ombudsmen (LTCO) help residents in long-term care living facilities understand and exercise the rights they are guaranteed by law. The sections below explain more about the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP), resident rights, and how LTCOP can help. What is the history of this program? The LTCOP was established in all states under the Older Americans Act (Title VII) and works on behalf of residents in long-term care and assisted living facilities. The Montana LTCOP is authorized by, and acts in accordance with, the federal Older Americans Act (42 U.S.C., Section 3001 et seq.) and Title 50, Chapter 5 of the Montana Codes Annotated (MCA). Montana currently has over 350 long-term care living options. Montana uses a decentralized system to serve residents of long-term care and assisted living facilities. The state long-term care ombudsman oversees the program, while local area agencies on aging, county councils on aging, and other contracted entities employ more than 30 certified ombudsmen to advocate for residents across the state. Each ombudsman must complete and pass a 45-hour training course to become certified. For a detailed breakdown of how these local and state offices collaborate, please review the Montana Ombudsman Policies and Procedures. What can an ombudsman help me with? A trained ombudsman can help: resolve problems or complaints from people living in assisted living or long-term care facilities; provide information to residents about long-term care services; seek remedies that protect residents who speak on behalf of other residents; learn about resident rights and good care practices; advise on starting resident and family councils; advocate for changes to improve quality of life and care; individuals become involved in their community through volunteering; investigate instances where individuals are moved or released without proper notice or cause; investigate claims of physical, verbal, or emotional abuse; address concerns about quality of life; inform the public on nursing homes and assisted living facilities; and inform residents and the public about long-term care issues and concerns. Quick Links More about Ombudsmen Montana Ombudsman Directory Montana Ombudsman Policies and Procedures Long-Term Care and Assisted Living Facilities Resources Area Agencies on Aging What are my rights? Residents' rights are defined in the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 [42 CFR 483.10] and in Montana State Statutes (Rights of Long-Term Care Facility Residents, Title 50, Chapter 5, Part 11 MCA). Residents have rights that include, but are not limited to, the right to: be treated with dignity and respect; be fully informed, prior to admission, of their rights, available services, and all charges; be transferred or discharged against their wishes only for specific reasons provided by law, given at least 30 days' written notice of moves outside the facility, and be informed of their appeal rights and rights to live there again; be fully informed by a physician of their medical condition and be given the opportunity to participate in the planning of their medical treatment; be free from chemical and physical restraint; voice grievances without fear of reprisal; send and receive personal mail; be assured privacy for visits by their spouse, or be permitted to share a room with their spouse if they are also a resident; associate and communicate privately with any person of their choice; have access to an ombudsman; have records kept confidential; file a complaint or recommend changes in policies and services for themselves or others to the resident council, facility staff, and/or outside representatives; be free from restraint, interference, coercion, discrimination, or reprisal; be informed by the facility of the outcome of any complaints presented; ask a state agency or ombudsman for assistance in resolving grievances; and examine the results of the most recent state or federal inspection of the facility and any plan of correction. For More Information Contact: The State Long-Term Care OmbudsmanOffice on Aging, Senior and Long-Term Care Division(800) 332-2272 (Note: This help line is only available during normal business hours. For all emergencies, call 911.) OR Your Regional or Local OmbudsmanMontana Ombudsman Directory(800) 551-3191 (Note: This help line is only available during normal business hours. For all emergencies, call 911.)
Aging in the 406
Welcome! Welcome to Aging in the 406, the official newsletter of the Senior and Long Term Care Division (SLTC). Our mission is to advance dignity and independence through quality long-term care services and supports, and this newsletter is an integral part of that commitment. Aging in the 406 provides important updates and information from each of our bureaus: Aging Services, Adult Protective Services, and Community Services. Stay informed about the latest initiatives, resources, and programs designed to enhance the quality of life for Montana's seniors and adults with disabilities. Download a PDF of the latest issue. Past Issues Spring 2026 Winter 2025-2026 Summer/Fall 2025 Spring 2025 Winter 2024/2025 Fall 2024 Spring-Summer 2024 Contact Us Senior and Long Term Care PO Box 4210, Helena MT 59604 (406) 444-4077 Additional Information Aging in the 406 Administrator's Note Features Aging Services News Adult Protective Services News Medicaid Programs and Services News Scam Alerts
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Celebrate Together
Sharing announcements helps build a stronger, more connected community.