Putting It In Writing First
SDCL § 34-12D-2 — a declaration witnessed by two adults or a notary, revocable any time in any manner
A competent adult may sign a declaration about withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment, witnessed by two adults or notarized. It states the person's wishes about artificial nutrition and hydration.
Revocable any time. A declarant may revoke it at any time and in any manner, whatever their mental or physical condition, effective when communicated to the health care provider.
A person may also name an agent for health care decisions, with authority while the person lacks capacity. That document is signed and witnessed by two other adults or a notary.
A particular document is a question for a licensed South Dakota attorney.
Sources for this section (3)
- SDCL § 34-12D-2 — Declaration; Requirements to execute; Artificial nutrition and hydration
- SDCL § 34-12D-8 — Revocation of declaration; Medical record to contain revocation
- SDCL § 59-7-2.1 — Principal; Designation; Healthcare
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed South Dakota attorney.