§ 245G.18 — License Holders Serving Adolescents
Plain-Language Summary
This section sets additional rules for substance use disorder treatment programs that serve adolescents. A residential program serving an adolescent younger than 16 must be licensed as a residential program for a child in out-of-home placement unless it qualifies for an exemption. An alcohol and drug counselor treating adolescents must complete an extra 30 hours of training or instruction, or one three-credit college course, in adolescent development within six months of first serving adolescents, and an adolescent counseling group must not exceed 16 adolescents. Programs must also enroll school-age clients in a state-approved educational program and coordinate with the school system, address substance-free leisure activities, and include a plan for family involvement.
245G.18 LICENSE HOLDERS SERVING ADOLESCENTS.
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Subdivision 1.License.
A residential treatment program that serves an adolescent younger than 16 years of age must be licensed as a residential program for a child in out-of-home placement by the department unless the license holder is exempt under section 245A.03, subdivision 2. §
Subd. 2.Alcohol and drug counselor qualifications.
In addition to the requirements specified in section 245G.11, subdivisions 1 and 5, an alcohol and drug counselor providing treatment service to an adolescent must have an additional 30 hours of training or classroom instruction or one three-credit semester college course in adolescent development. The training, classroom instruction, or college course must be completed no later than six months after the counselor first provides treatment services to adolescents and need only be completed one time. The training must be interactive and must not consist only of reading information. An alcohol and drug counselor who is also qualified as a mental health professional under section 245I.04, subdivision 2, is exempt from the requirement in this subdivision. §
Subd. 3.Staff ratios.
A counseling group consisting entirely of adolescents must not exceed 16 adolescents. It is the responsibility of the license holder to determine an acceptable group size based on the needs of the clients. §
Subd. 4.Academic program requirements.
A client who is required to attend school must be enrolled and attending an educational program that was approved by the Department of Education. §
Subd. 5.Program requirements.
In addition to the requirements specified in the client’s treatment plan under section 245G.06, programs serving an adolescent must include:
(1) coordination with the school system to address the client’s academic needs;
(2) when appropriate, a plan that addresses the client’s leisure activities without substance use; and
(3) a plan that addresses family involvement in the adolescent’s treatment.
History:
1Sp2017 c 6 art 8 s 31; 1Sp2019 c 9 art 6 s 28,29; 2025 c 38 art 5 s 21
History: History: 1Sp2017 c 6 art 8 s 31; 1Sp2019 c 9 art 6 s 28,29; 2025 c 38 art 5 s 21