PAYMENT FOR TREATMENT; PROCEDURES.

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

(1) the patient; and

(2) a relative of the patient who is legally responsible for the patient's support.

(b) If the district administrator determines that the patient or relative cannot pay all or part of the costs of the patient's care and treatment in the hospital, the amount of the costs that cannot be paid becomes a charge against the district.

(c) If the district administrator determines that the patient or relative can pay for all or part of the costs of the care and treatment provided to the patient by the district, the patient or relative shall be ordered 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 administrator may collect the amount from the patient's estate, or from any relative who is legally responsible 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) The board may institute a suit to collect an amount owed to the district by a patient who is not able to pay under this section.

(f) If there is a dispute as to the ability to pay, or doubt in the mind of the district administrator concerning the ability to pay, the board shall hold a hearing and, after calling witnesses, shall:

(1) resolve the dispute or doubt; and

(2) issue any appropriate orders.

(g) A final order of the board may be appealed to the district court.