Assisted living in South Dakota: how it is licensed.
Who licenses assisted living in South Dakota, and what to check before you choose.
What South Dakota calls it
In South Dakota, assisted living is licensed under the term “Assisted Living Center”. Other states use different names, so it helps to know the exact term when you search.
Who licenses and inspects
South Dakota Department of Health, Office of Licensure and Certification is the agency that licenses these communities. It is the official place to check a community’s license and inspection history. The state also lists an official facility search tool.
Paying for care
Medicare generally does not cover long term custodial care.
South Dakota's Medicaid HOPE waiver fee schedule lists assisted living waiver reimbursement and a state optional supplemental assisted living payment, and all services must be authorized by the Division of Long Term Services and Supports. Eligibility rules apply.
Checking a community
Survey inspection and complaint survey reports for assisted living centers, organized by community and facility.
Help and complaints
South Dakota Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program supports residents of long term care and their families.
Also worth knowing in South Dakota
South Dakota assisted living centers are governed by ARSD 44:70 and SDCL Title 34-12, and the Department of Health links to an Assisted Living Administrator Training Course.
Sources we checked (October 2026)
Licensing rules change. We checked the pages below. Confirm with the state agency.
Questions
Who regulates assisted living in South Dakota?
South Dakota Department of Health, Office of Licensure and Certification.