South Dakota at a Glance

The Office of Health Care Facilities Licensure & Certification licenses South Dakota nursing facilities and investigates complaints confidentially.

• Licenses and inspects South Dakota nursing facilities
• Receives complaints at 605-773-3356 — complainants are not identified to the facility
• Sends complainants a written report of investigation results

Visit the state agency site →

Families can speak with a South Dakota nursing home lawyer to understand if rights may have been violated.

South Dakota resident rights include:

• Right to be treated with dignity and respect
• Right to be fully informed of their rights, condition, and charges
• Right to choose a physician and participate in care planning
• Right to refuse treatment
• Right to privacy and confidential records
• Right to voice grievances without retaliation — complainant identity is kept confidential
• Right to be free from abuse, neglect, and improper restraints
• Right to keep and use personal possessions
• Right to transfer and discharge protections with advance notice
• Right of access to the Long-Term Care Ombudsman

Source: 42 CFR § 483.10; South Dakota facility licensing rules (ARSD art. 44:73)

Phone: 605-773-3656
Website: https://dhs.sd.gov/en/ltss/ombudsman-program

Learn more about nursing home ombudsmen →

If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. To report nursing home abuse or neglect in South Dakota, contact the Department of Health.

Families can:

• Call the complaint coordinator at 605-773-3356, then follow up in writing
• Contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman’s office at 605-773-3656
• Report suspected crimes to local law enforcement

Include the facility name, resident name, dates, injuries, witnesses, and photos if available.

Full reporting guide →

Families may be able to sue a South Dakota nursing home when poor care caused injury or death. South Dakota’s medical-care deadline runs from the date of the act — even if the harm wasn’t discovered right away — so timing is critical.

Common claims include:

• Personal injury: The resident was harmed by neglect or abuse.
• Wrongful death: Poor care contributed to the resident’s death.

South Dakota has strict legal deadlines, so families should speak with a nursing home abuse lawyer as soon as possible. Don’t wait — get started right now.

Free case review →

Nursing home settlements and trial verdicts in South Dakota can vary depending on the situation. Some cases have resulted in payouts of more than $1 million.

See nursing home settlement amounts in South Dakota →