South Dakota legal term
Patient in South Dakota Criminal Law
Current through 2026 South Dakota legislative session
In South Dakota criminal law, “Patient” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the South Dakota criminal code.
What does “Patient” mean in South Dakota criminal law?
(2) "Patient," any person who seeks or obtains psychotherapeutic services from a psychotherapist on a regular and ongoing basis; (3) "Psychotherapist," any physician, psychologist, nurse, chemical dependency counselor, social worker, member of the clergy, marriage and family therapist, mental health service provider, or other person, whether or not licensed or certified by the state, who performs or purports to perform psychotherapy; and (4) "Psychotherapy," the professional treatment, assessment, or counseling of a mental or emotional illness, symptom, or condition. (SDCL § 22-22-27)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.