South Dakota Administrative Rules Title 20 - PUBLIC SAFETY
The South Dakota Administrative Rules, Title 20 - PUBLIC SAFETY, is a broad collection of regulations that cover a wide array of topics related to public safety in the state. While the title itself suggests a direct connection to the Department of Public Safety (DPS), it's important to note that the South Dakota Administrative Rules organizes regulations by broad subject matter, and Title 20 actually encompasses rules from several different agencies and boards.
The South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS) is indeed a primary agency responsible for many aspects of public safety, including:
Law enforcement (Highway Patrol)
Traffic safety
Fire safety (State Fire Marshal)
Driver's licenses and motor vehicle services
Emergency management
Homeland security
911 coordination
State Inspections Program (e.g., restaurants, school lunches, fire/life safety, daycare safety, weights and measures)
However, when examining the actual contents of South Dakota Administrative Rules, Title 20, you'll find it's a very diverse title. It includes articles and chapters for various entities that, while potentially related to public safety in some form, are often involved in commercial inspection and regulation or the licensing of various professions, which might not immediately come to mind as "public safety" in the traditional sense of law enforcement or emergency response.
Here's a breakdown of the types of articles and chapters you can find under Title 20 - PUBLIC SAFETY:
Article 20:01 - COMMERCIAL INSPECTION AND REGULATION: This is a significant portion of Title 20 and covers regulations related to:
Weights and Measures: Ensuring accuracy and credibility in commercial weighing and measuring devices (e.g., gas pumps, retail scales). This falls under the DPS's inspection program.
Petroleum Specifications: Regulations for the quality and standards of petroleum products.
Article 20:02 - SAVINGS AND LOANS: Regulations related to financial institutions. (While public safety might broadly include financial stability, this is more of a financial regulation.)
Article 20:03 - HUMAN RIGHTS: Regulations related to human rights.
Article 20:04 - GAMING COMMISSION - RACING and Article 20:18 - GAMING COMMISSION - DEADWOOD GAMBLING: Regulations for gambling and racing activities.
Article 20:06 - INSURANCE: Regulations for the insurance industry.
Article 20:07 - BANKING: Regulations for banking institutions.
Article 20:08 - SECURITIES: Regulations for securities and investments.
Article 20:09 - HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: Regulations related to housing development.
Article 20:10 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION: Regulations for public utilities.
Article 20:25 - ONE-CALL NOTIFICATION: This article covers the "Call Before You Dig" requirements, establishing rules for excavators and utility operators to prevent damage to underground facilities, which is a direct public safety concern.
Professional Licensing Boards (a large portion): Title 20 also contains regulations for a wide range of professional licensing boards that fall under the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, but are grouped under "Public Safety" in the Administrative Rules structure. These include:
Abstracters
Appraisers
Athletic Trainers
Audiologists
Barbers
Chiropractors
Cosmetologists, Estheticians, and Nail Technicians
Dentists
Electricians
Funeral Services
Hearing Aid Dispensers
Home Inspectors
Licensed Professional Counselors (including Mental Health)
Marriage and Family Therapists
Massage Therapy
Medical and Osteopathic Examiners (Physicians and Surgeons, Physician's Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, Midwives)
Nurses
Nursing Home Administrators
Nutrition and Dietetics
Occupational Therapists and Assistants
Optometry
Pharmacists and Drug Distributors
Physical Therapists and Assistants
Plumbers and the State Plumbing Code
Podiatrists
Psychologists
Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons
Respiratory Care Practitioners
Social Workers
Speech-Language Pathologists
Veterinarians
Certified Public Accountants
Why are all these under "Public Safety"?
The inclusion of so many diverse regulatory bodies and professions under "Public Safety" in the South Dakota Administrative Rules might be due to a historical or broad interpretation of "public safety" in the context of state governance. Many of these professions, while not directly involving emergency response, are regulated to ensure minimum standards of competence and ethical conduct, which indirectly contributes to the safety and well-being of the public. For instance, ensuring plumbers are licensed helps prevent health hazards, and regulating healthcare professionals ensures safe medical practices.
In conclusion, while the title is "PUBLIC SAFETY," South Dakota Administrative Rules Title 20 is an extensive collection that encompasses regulations from the Department of Public Safety (e.g., weights and measures, emergency management, 911) as well as numerous professional licensing boards and other regulatory bodies, reflecting a comprehensive approach to protecting the public through various means, including direct safety measures and the regulation of commerce and professions.
RELATED Blog
0 comments