South Dakota lawmakers are advancing one measure aimed at easing medical debt while rejecting another.

The South Dakota senate is narrowly passing a bill to reduce the state’s felony ingestion law. South Dakota is the only state in the country with a felony charge for ingestion of a controlled substance.

Aberdeen Republican Rep. Al Novstrup is the primary sponsor. He said the bill will clamp down on access to medicinal products, describing the change as quote “minor but major.”

The South Dakota Department of Health is confirming a child death due to a co-infection of pertussis and influenza.

After Medicaid Expansion was put into the state constitution by voters, many thought that was the end of the battle. Potential changes in DC, however, is prompting a legislative effort to tighten South Dakota’s Medicaid rules.

South Dakota’s DUI rate is well over 160% above the national average, according to a new report. As a result, advocates have a message to the public – enjoy yourself safely in 2025.

Winner Regional Hospital will stop offering labor and delivery services starting February first. Winner Regional Health announced the service change on Monday, citing ongoing challenges in recruiting physicians and difficulties with Medicaid reimbursement.

South Dakota Medicaid will soon cover birth and postpartum doula services. Doulas can support families as part of a broader healthcare team during pregnancy and through the year following birth.

The South Dakota Child Care task force, in partnership with the Hunt Institute, plans to release its 2024 findings shortly before the launch of the next legislative session.

Sanford Health announces the most popular baby names of the year.