PAYMENT FOR TREATMENT; PROCEDURES.

(a) When a patient from the county has been admitted to a district facility, the board shall require an inquiry into the circumstances of:

(1) the patient; and

(2) the patient's relatives who are legally liable for the patient's support.

(b) If an agent designated by the district to handle these affairs finds that the patient or the relatives are not able to pay all or part of the costs of the care and treatment in the hospital, the care and treatment shall become a charge on the district.

(c) If the agent finds that the patient or the patient's relatives are liable to pay for all or part of the costs of the care and treatment, an order shall be made directing the patient or the relatives to pay a specified amount per week to the treasurer for the support of the patient. The amount ordered must be proportionate to financial ability and may not exceed the actual per capita cost of maintenance.

(d) The district may collect the sum from the patient's estate, or from any relatives legally liable for the patient's support, in the manner provided by law for the collection of expenses of the last illness of a deceased person.

(e) If there is a dispute as to the ability to pay, or doubt in the mind of the district's designated agent, the board shall hear and determine the dispute or resolve the doubt, after calling witnesses, and shall make a proper order. The order may be appealed to the district court by either party to the dispute.