South Dakota § 22-46-1 - Definition of terms.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 22-46-1 — Definition of terms., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 22-46-1. Definition of terms.
Terms used in this chapter mean:
(1) "Adult with a disability," a person eighteen years of age or older who has a condition of intellectual disability, infirmities of aging as manifested by organic brain damage, advanced age, or other physical dysfunctioning to the extent that the person is unable to protect himself or herself or provide for his or her own care;
(2) "Caretaker," a person or entity who is entrusted with the property of an elder or adult with a disability, or who is responsible for the health or welfare of an elder or adult with a disability, and who assumes the position of trust or responsibility voluntarily, by contract, by receipt of payment, or by order of the court;
(3) "Elder," a person sixty-five years of age or older;
(4) "Emotional and psychological abuse," a caretaker's willful, malicious, and repeated infliction of:
(a) A sexual act or the simulation of a sexual act directed at and without the consent of the elder or adult with a disability that involves nudity or is obscene;
(b) Unreasonable confinement;
(c) Harm or damage or destruction of the property of an elder or adult with a disability, including harm to or destruction of pets; or
(d) Ridiculing or demeaning conduct, derogatory remarks, verbal harassment, or threats to inflict physical or emotional and psychological abuse, directed at an elder or adult with a disability;
(5) "Exploitation," the wrongful taking or exercising of control over property of an elder or adult with a disability with intent to defraud the elder or adult with a disability;
(6) "Neglect," harm to the health or welfare of an elder or an adult with a disability, without reasonable medical justification, caused by a caretaker, within the means available for the elder or adult with a disability, including the failure to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, or medical care; and
(7) "Physical abuse," physical harm, bodily injury, attempt to cause physical harm or injury, or fear of imminent physical harm or bodily injury.
Source: SL 1986, ch 186, § 1; SL 1990, ch 171, § 1; SL 2005, ch 120, § 339; SL 2007, ch 147, § 1; SL 2013, ch 125, § 4; SL 2016, ch 120, § 1.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 22-46-1
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 22-46-1 cover?
Section 22-46-1 ("Definition of terms.") 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 § 22-46-1?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 22-46-1" (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 § 22-46-1 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.