27A-10-6. Professional examination of person apprehended--Report to chair--Person released if not dangerous. Within twenty-four hours after apprehension of any person who allegedly requires emergency intervention or a hold is initiated pursuant to § 27A-8-10.1, or a petition is filed pursuant to § 27A-8-11.2, a qualified mental health professional designated by the chair of the county board serving the area where the person is detained other than the person bringing the petition or initiating the hold shall perform an examination, including a mental status examination, of the person. Preceding the examination, the qualified mental health professional shall identify herself or himself to the person and explain the nature and purpose of the examination, including the fact that it is being performed to assist in the determination of whether custody should continue and that the examination may be used as evidence in an involuntary commitment hearing. The qualified mental health professional shall immediately report any findings to the chair of the county board. The referring county shall pay any expenses of the examination by the qualified mental health professional, subject to reimbursement by the county ultimately proven to be the county of residence. No lien may be placed against the person for the costs incurred in the qualified mental health professional examination.

Source: SL 1974, ch 184, § 5; SL 1975, ch 181, § 109; SDCL Supp, § 27-7A-6; SL 1987, ch 198, § 15; SL 1991, ch 220, § 115; SL 1999, ch 143, § 2; SL 2000, ch 129, § 7.