Turning Winds applauds passage of Montana SB 191

Turning Winds, a youth residential mental health program integrating clinical care with academic advancement in the Yaak, gratefully applauds the successful passage of Montana Senate Bill 191 (SB 191), landmark legislation aimed at expanding access to residential treatment for teens across the state.

The bill, co-authored by Turning Winds founders John Baisden Jr. and Owen Baisden; former Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) personnel; and state Senator Mike Cuffe, was signed by Gov. Greg Gianforte recently after receiving strong bipartisan support in both chambers of the Montana Legislature.

SB 191 establishes a new licensing category for Residential Treatment Centers (RTCs) for youth under the age of 21 in Montana, repairing a critical gap in the state's mental health infrastructure.

Prior to this legislation, Montana families with commercial insurance faced significant challenges in accessing in-state residential mental health services for their children because of a license required by insurance providers, specifically Blue Cross, Blue Shield of Montana.

Currently, there are only two providers in the state with this license, limiting the availability of beds. Due to the absence of a recognized RTC license, families are often compelled to seek care out-of-state, separating children from their communities and support systems.

"This legislation is a significant improvement for Montana families with children," said John Baisden, Jr. "By creating a dedicated RTC license, we’re ensuring that more youth can receive high quality, clinically appropriate care right here in Montana, close to their families and communities.”

The new RTC license will be administered by DPHHS and includes provisions for:

- Clear staff-to-student ratios and staff qualification benchmarks

- Ongoing workforce training and thorough background screenings

- Weekly unmonitored video calls and access to a 24/7 abuse reporting phone line for residents

- Integration of the educational framework for young persons in treatment, to provide appropriate educational opportunities for eligible children.

"Our goal was to create a framework that not only expands access but also upholds the highest standards of care and safety," said CEO Owen Baisden. “SB 191 reflects our commitment to supporting the mental health needs of Montana's youth within their home state.”

The passage of SB 191, effective in October 2025, underscores Montana's dedication to addressing the mental health needs of its younger residents and sets a precedent for other states grappling with similar challenges.

To learn more about the story behind SB 191 and Turning Winds’ role in shaping it, listen to its recent podcast episode featuring John and Owen Baisden as they discuss the bill’s journey, its implications for Montana families, and what comes next at: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2136513/episodes/17151684.