20-7-401. Definitions. In this title, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the following definitions apply:

(1) "Child with a disability" means a child evaluated in accordance with the regulations of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act as having a disability and who because of the disability needs special education and related services.

(2) "Free appropriate public education" means special education and related services that:

(a) are provided at public expense under public supervision and direction and without charge;

(b) meet the accreditation standards of the board of public education, the special education requirements of the superintendent of public instruction, and the requirements of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act;

(c) include preschool, elementary school, and high school education in Montana; and

(d) are provided in conformity with an individualized education program that meets the requirements of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act.

(3) "Related services" means services in accordance with regulations of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act that are required to assist a child with a disability to benefit from special education.

(4) "Special education" means specially designed instruction, given at no cost to the parents or guardians, to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability, including but not limited to instruction conducted in a classroom, home, hospital, institution, or other setting and instruction in physical education.

(5) "State-operated adult health care facility providing special education services to its residents" means the Montana state hospital, [the Montana developmental center,] the Montana mental health nursing care center, or the Montana chemical dependency treatment center.

(6) "Surrogate parent" means an individual appointed to safeguard a child's rights and protect the child's interests in educational evaluation, placement, and hearing or appeal procedures concerning the child. (Bracketed language deleted on occurrence of contingency--sec. 19(2), Ch. 444, L. 2015.)