20:06:53:07.  Exhaustion of internal grievance process required. Except as provided in §§ 20:06:53:09 to 20:06:53:11, inclusive, a request for an external review pursuant to §§ 20:06:53:12 to 20:06:53:53, inclusive, may not be made until the covered person has exhausted the health carrier's internal grievance process as set forth in SDCL 58-17I-1 to 58-17I-16, inclusive.

          Source: 37 SDR 48, effective September 22, 2010; 37 SDR 241, effective July 1, 2011.

          General Authority: SDCL 58-17-87, 58-17H-49, 58-17I-16- 58-18-79.

          Law Implemented: SDCL 58-17-87, 58-18-79.