As used in this part, the following definitions apply:

1. (1) "Complaint" means a written allegation filed with the department that, if true, warrants an injunction, disciplinary action against a licensee, or denial of an application submitted by a license applicant.
2. (2) "Department" means the department of labor and industry provided for in 2-15-1701.

3. (3) "Investigation" means the inquiry, analysis, audit, or other pursuit of information by the department, with respect to a complaint or other information before the department, that is carried out for the purpose of determining:

   1. (a) whether a person has violated a provision of law justifying discipline against the person;
   2. (b) the status of compliance with a stipulation or order of the department;
   3. (c) whether a license should be granted, denied, or conditionally issued; or
   4. (d) whether the department should seek an injunction.

4. (4) "License" means permission in the form of a license, permit, endorsement, certificate, recognition, or registration granted by the state of Montana to engage in a business activity or practice at a specific level in a profession or occupation governed by:

   1. (a) Title 37, chapter 2, part 6;
   2. (b) Title 37, chapter 16, 40, 45, 55, 56, 60, 72, 73[, or 77]; or
   3. (c) Title 50, chapter 6, 39, 74, or 76.

5. (5) "Profession" or "occupation" means a profession or occupation regulated by the department under the provisions of:

   1. (a) Title 37, chapter 2, part 6;
   2. (b) Title 37, chapter 16, 40, 45, 49, 55, 56, 60, 72, 73[, or 77]; or
   3. (c) Title 50, chapter 6, 39, 74, or 76. (Terminates June 30, 2031--sec. 10, Ch. 628, L. 2023; bracketed language in subsections (4)(b) and (5)(b) terminates December 31, 2030--sec. 10, Ch. 597, L. 2025.)

History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 481, L. 1997; amd. Sec. 111, Ch. 483, L. 2001; amd. Sec. 21, Ch. 410, L. 2003; amd. Sec. 18, Ch. 11, L. 2007; amd. Sec. 10, Ch. 502, L. 2007; amd. Sec. 7, Ch. 206, L. 2021; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 481, L. 2023; amd. Sec. 10, Ch. 482, L. 2023; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 483, L. 2023; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 484, L. 2023; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 628, L. 2023; amd. Sec. 20, Ch. 713, L. 2023; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 415, L. 2025; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 481, L. 2025; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 597, L. 2025; amd. Sec. 11, Ch. 644, L. 2025.