South Dakota § 27A-15-48 - Right to refuse psychotropic medication, convulsive or shock therapy and electric shock--Exception--Parental consent--Judicial determination.

Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 27A-15-48 — Right to refuse psychotropic medication, convulsive or shock therapy and electric shock--Exception--Parental consent--Judicial determination., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 27A-15-48. Right to refuse psychotropic medication, convulsive or shock therapy and electric shock--Exception--Parental consent--Judicial determination.

A minor sixteen years of age or older, whether involuntarily committed or admitted by a parent, has the right to refuse psychotropic medication. Such minor also has the right to refuse convulsive or shock therapy or electric shock. If psychotropic medication or convulsive or shock therapy or electric shock is prescribed by the minor's treating psychiatrist upon that treating psychiatrist's written determination that the treatment is the least restrictive treatment alternative medically necessary for improvement of the minor's serious emotional disturbance, which opinion is concurred in by a consulting physician, the treatment may be administered with the informed consent of the minor's parent, guardian, or other legal custodian pending the judicial determination required in § 27A-15-50. Documentation of the minor's refusal, and the treating psychiatrist's written determination and the consulting physician's concurrence shall be made part of the minor's medical records.

Source: SL 1991, ch 220, § 338; SL 2013, ch 122, § 11.

Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 27A-15-48

What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 27A-15-48 cover?

Section 27A-15-48 ("Right to refuse psychotropic medication, convulsive or shock therapy and electric shock--Exception--Parental consent--Judicial determination.") is part of the South Dakota Codified Laws, the codified statutory law of South Dakota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite South Dakota § 27A-15-48?

A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 27A-15-48" (South Dakota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of South Dakota law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Dakota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Dakota attorney.

How does South Dakota § 27A-15-48 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Dakota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Dakota.