South Dakota Codified Laws 19-2-3. Physician-patient privilege waived when health of person in issue–Waiver tobe closely tailored–In camera review if party objects to discovery
In any action or proceeding or quasi-judicial administrative proceeding, if the physical or mental health of any person is in issue, any privilege under subdivision 19-19-503(b) is waived at trial or for the purpose of discovery under chapter 15-6 if such action or proceeding is civil in nature. However, the waiver of the privilege shall be narrow in scope, closely tailored to the time period or subject matter of the claim. If any party or the holder of the privileged records objects to the discovery of the privileged communication on the grounds that disclosure of the communication would subject the party to annoyance, embarrassment, oppression, or undue burden or expense and that the disclosure of the privileged communication is not likely to lead to the discovery of relevant evidence, the court shall conduct an in camera review of the privileged communication to determine whether the communication is discoverable.
Terms Used In South Dakota Codified Laws 19-2-3
- Discovery: Lawyers' examination, before trial, of facts and documents in possession of the opponents to help the lawyers prepare for trial.
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- Person: includes natural persons, partnerships, associations, cooperative corporations, limited liability companies, and corporations. See South Dakota Codified Laws 2-14-2
- Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
Source: SDC 1939 & Supp 1960, § 36.0101 (3); SL 1979, ch 154, § 1; SL 1997, ch 121, § 1; SL 2001, ch 103, § 2.