Subdivision 1.Approved recovery program.

“Approved recovery program” means a course of instruction offered by a recovery school that provides academic services, assistance with recovery, and continuing care to students recovering from substance abuse or dependency. A recovery program may be offered in a transitional academic setting designed to meet graduation requirements. A recovery program must be approved by the commissioner of education. The commissioner may specify the manner and form of the application for the approval of a recovery school or recovery program. The commissioner must also approve any unreimbursed pupil transportation costs incurred by students participating in an approved recovery program.

Subd. 2.Eligibility.

(a) An approved recovery program is eligible for an annual recovery program grant of up to $125,000 to pay for a portion of the costs under this section for recovery program support staff and approved pupil transportation expenses.

(b) “Recovery program support staff” means licensed alcohol and substance use disorder counselors, licensed school counselors, licensed school psychologists, licensed school nurses, and licensed school social workers.