§ 254B.21 — Definitions
Plain-Language Summary
Section 254B.21 defines key terms used in the recovery residence certification statutes (sections 254B.21 to 254B.216). Defined terms include applicant, certified recovery residence, co-occurring disorders, operator, and recovery residence. A recovery residence is defined as a community housing setting that provides a safe, substance-free environment supporting people in recovery from substance use disorder.
254B.21 DEFINITIONS.
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Subdivision 1.Scope.
For the purposes of sections 254B.21 to 254B.216, the following terms have the meanings given. §
Subd. 2.Applicant.
“Applicant” means any individual, organization, or entity who has applied for certification of a recovery residence. §
Subd. 3.Certified recovery residence.
“Certified recovery residence” means a recovery residence that has completed the application process and been approved for certification by the commissioner. §
Subd. 4.Co-occurring disorders.
“Co-occurring disorders” means a diagnosis of both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder. §
Subd. 5.Operator.
“Operator” means the lawful owner or lessee of a recovery residence or a person employed and designated by the owner or lessee of the recovery residence to have primary responsibility for oversight of the recovery residence, including but not limited to hiring and termination of recovery residence staff, recovery residence maintenance, and responding to complaints being investigated by the commissioner. §
Subd. 6.Recovery residence.
“Recovery residence” means a type of community residence that provides a safe, healthy, family-like, substance-free living environment that supports individuals in recovery from substance use disorder. §
Subd. 7.Recovery residence registry.
“Recovery residence registry” means the list of certified recovery residences maintained by the commissioner. §
Subd. 8.Resident.
“Resident” means an individual who resides in a recovery residence. §
Subd. 9.Staff.
“Staff” means employees, contractors, or volunteers who provide monitoring, assistance, or other services for the use and benefit of a recovery residence and the residence’s residents. §
Subd. 10.Substance free.
“Substance free” means being free from the use of alcohol, illicit drugs, and the illicit use of prescribed drugs. This term does not prohibit medications prescribed, dispensed, or administered by a licensed health care professional, such as pharmacotherapies specifically approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of a substance use disorder as well as other medications approved by the FDA for the treatment of co-occurring disorders when taken as directed. §
Subd. 11.Substance use disorder.
“Substance use disorder” has the meaning given in the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association.
History:
**NOTE: **This section, as added by Laws 2025, First Special Session chapter 9, article 4, section 38, is effective January 1, 2027. Laws 2025, First Special Session chapter 9, article 4, section 38, the effective date.
History: History:
1Sp2025 c 9 art 4 s 38