The department shall determine the aggregate nonexempt resources and income of the community spouse and the institutionalized spouse at the beginning of a continuous period of institutionalization of the institutionalized spouse regardless of whether an application for long-term medical assistance is made at the time. After the aggregate nonexempt resources and income have been determined, the department shall determine a spousal share. The department shall notify the institutionalized spouse and the community spouse of the division of income and resources for the purpose of deeming in long-term care. If either the institutionalized spouse or the community spouse is dissatisfied with the division of income or resources, that spouse is entitled to a fair hearing pursuant to § 28-6-6 if there is an application for long-term care medical assistance. If an application for long-term care medical assistance is not made the department may charge a reasonable fee for its assessment.
SDCL 28-6-17