South Dakota § 59-6-11 - Durable Power of Attorney--Presumption--Liability--Exceptions.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 59-6-11 — Durable Power of Attorney--Presumption--Liability--Exceptions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 59-6-11. Durable Power of Attorney--Presumption--Liability--Exceptions.
A durable power of attorney for health care designated under the provisions of § 59-7-2.1 is presumed valid. Another person may rely on the presumption of validity unless the person has actual knowledge that the power was not validly executed or that the power was revoked.
Except as provided in this section, any person who refuses to accept the authority of the agent to exercise a power granted under the durable power of attorney for health care is liable to the principal and to the principal's heirs, assigns, and the personal representative or successor in interest of the principal's estate in the same manner as the person would be liable had the person refused to accept the authority of the principal to act on the principal's own behalf. The person found liable for refusing to accept the authority of an agent is liable for damages and costs, including reasonable attorney's fees.
A person who refuses to accept the authority of an agent to exercise a power granted under a durable power of attorney for health care is not liable pursuant to this section if:
(1) The person has actual knowledge of the revocation of the durable power of attorney before the exercise of the power;
(2) The duration of the durable power of attorney specified in the durable power of attorney has expired;
(3) The person has actual knowledge of the death of the principal;
(4) The person reasonably believes that the durable power of attorney is not valid under the law of this state;
(5) The person reasonably believes that the durable power of attorney does not grant the agent authority to perform the transaction requested; or
(6) The person reasonably believes that a course of conduct or refusal to act as proposed by the agent is contrary to the wishes of the principal as expressed to the person.
This section does not negate the liability that a person would have to the principal or the agent under another form of power of attorney, under the common law, or otherwise.
Source: SL 2004, ch 312, § 2; SL 2020, ch 214, § 50.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 59-6-11
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 59-6-11 cover?
Section 59-6-11 ("Durable Power of Attorney--Presumption--Liability--Exceptions.") 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 § 59-6-11?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 59-6-11" (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 § 59-6-11 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.