(1) Montana statutes are referred to collectively as the Montana Code Annotated.  The term "MCA" is the abbreviation for Montana Code Annotated.

(2) The Montana Administrative Procedure Act is referred to as "the Act" and includes 2-4-101 through 2-4-711, MCA.  The Act outlines procedures that agencies must follow when:

(a) adopting, amending or repealing agency rules;

(b) hearing contested cases; or

(c) issuing declaratory rulings.

(3) Each agency subject to the Act must adopt rules describing its organization and procedures.   2-4-201, MCA.  Section 2-4-202, MCA directs the attorney general to prepare a model form for a rule describing the organization of agencies and model rules of practice for agency guidance in fulfilling these requirements.  The model rules have been adopted for that purpose.  The model rules may be incorporated by reference to the model rules.  Subsequent amendments may be adopted only by following the rulemaking procedure of the Act.  See 2-4-307, MCA.

(4) The term "register" refers to the Montana Administrative Register.