27A-15-3. Separation of minors from adult patients--Exception.Except as otherwise provided in this section, a minor, whether admitted by a parent or involuntarily committed, may not be placed with adult patients, if the inpatient psychiatric facility maintains a separate unit for minors.A minor may be admitted or committed to a facility that does not maintain a separate unit for minors, only for acute treatment and evaluation and only for a period not to exceed seven working days. The facility shall provide separate sleeping quarters and separate day areas in which adult patients are not permitted.A patient who does not meet the definition of a minor, as set forth in §27A-15-1, but is less than nineteen years of age, may be placed in a separate unit with minors if the patient:(1)Is enrolled in a high school or pursuing high school equivalency; and(2)Consents to the placement.The facility shall provide a separate evaluation program for which specific guidelines must be approved by the Department of Health. Source: SL 1991, ch 220, §293; SL 1992, ch 194; SL 2022, ch 86, §1.
South Dakota Legal Code