27A-4-17.1. Use of unclaimed funds--Satisfaction of indebtedness.
If a patient dies at the center and leaves funds, any indebtedness incurred by the patient for care at the center shall take precedence over any other claims. Funds may be disbursed by the center to satisfy the indebtedness and shall be disbursed in the following order:
(1)Any indebtedness incurred by the center prior to the patient's death for the benefit of the patient shall be paid by the center from the deceased patient's funds on deposit;
(2)Any indebtedness incurred by the patient during the patient's stay at the center shall be paid out of these funds;
(3)After the liabilities have been satisfied, any funds remaining shall be paid to the family if a valid estate has been established; and
(4)If a valid estate has not been established, the funds shall be applied to any outstanding funeral bills upon receiving a valid itemization from the funeral home.
Any liabilities paid pursuant to subdivision (1), (2), or (4) of this section shall be paid on a prorata basis if sufficient funds are not available to pay the entire amount within that subdivision.
Source: SL 1996, ch 181, ยง4.
Structure South Dakota Codified Laws
Title 27A - Mentally Ill Persons
Chapter 04 - South Dakota Human Services Center
Section 27A-4-1 - Hospital established--Location.
Section 27A-4-3 - Appointment of administrator.
Section 27A-4-8 - Establishment of psychiatric units at center--Special units.
Section 27A-4-11 - Receipt of patient from State Veterans' Home--Expenses paid by state.
Section 27A-4-12 - Contract for care of person in United States custody.
Section 27A-4-14 - Transfer of patients to other facilities, programs, or agencies.
Section 27A-4-15 - Transportation of nonresident patient to home state--Payment of expense.
Section 27A-4-16 - Search for patient on unauthorized leave--Notice--Return of patient to center.
Section 27A-4-17.1 - Use of unclaimed funds--Satisfaction of indebtedness.
Section 27A-4-17.2 - Disbursement of unclaimed funds after satisfaction of indebtedness.
Section 27A-4-17.3 - Disposition of personal property left by deceased or discharged patients.
Section 27A-4-17.4 - Disposition of funds left by discharged patient.
Section 27A-4-20 - Capacity limits for treatment areas.
Section 27A-4-21 - Crime of assisting in escape of involuntarily committed person--Penalties.
Section 27A-4-22 - Criminal background investigation of new employees--Temporary employment--Fees.