PAYMENT FOR TREATMENT; PROCEDURES.

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

(1) the patient; and

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

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

(c) If the board or district administrator determines that the patient or those relatives are liable to pay for all or part of the patient's care and treatment, the patient or those relatives shall be ordered to pay the district a specified amount each week for the patient's care. The amount ordered must be proportionate to their financial ability and may not exceed the usual and customary charges for services.

(d) The board or district administrator may collect the amount from the patient's estate, or from any relative 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 between any party and the board or district administrator, the county court shall hold a hearing and, after calling witnesses, shall:

(1) resolve the dispute; and

(2) issue any appropriate orders.

(f) Either party to the dispute may appeal the order to the district court.