PAYMENT FOR TREATMENT; PROCEDURES.

(a) When a patient who resides in the district is admitted to a district facility, the board or a board representative may have an inquiry made into the financial circumstances of:

(1) the patient; and

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

(b) If the board or the board's authorized representative determines that the patient or those relatives cannot pay all or part of the costs of the patient's care and treatment, the amount of the costs that cannot be paid becomes a charge against the district.

(c) If the inquiry under Subsection (a) discloses that the patient or those relatives can pay for all or part of the costs of the patient's care and treatment, the board shall order the patient or those relatives to pay the district a specified amount each week for the patient's care and support. The amount ordered must be proportionate to the person's financial ability.

(d) The district may collect the amount from the patient's estate, or from any relative who is 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, the board shall hear and determine the issue, after calling witnesses.

(f) The final order of the board may be appealed to the district court. The substantial evidence rule applies to the appeal.