PAYMENT FOR TREATMENT; PROCEDURES.

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

(1) the patient; and

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

(b) If the district administrator determines that the patient or relatives 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 relatives can pay for all or part of the costs of the care and treatment, as determined by the district's indigent health care policy, the patient or relatives 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 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) The board may institute a suit to collect an amount owed to the district by a patient who has not been determined to be unable 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 determine the issue.