SDCL § 21-25B-21: Two-stage hearings--Waiting period between stages.

Hearings before the health care services arbitration panel shall be in two stages. The first stage shall be a hearing to determine whether or not there is any liability on behalf of the defendant or defendants. If the panel does find liability, there shall be a thirty-day waiting period during which the parties may agree as to damages. At the end of thirty days, if the damage question has not been settled, the panel shall reconvene to determine the amount of damages, if any, the claimant shall be awarded.