PAYMENT FOR TREATMENT; PROCEDURES

(a) When a patient is admitted to a district facility, the district administrator may have an inquiry made into the circumstances of: (1) the patient; and (2) the patient's relatives who are legally liable for the patient's support. (b) If the district administrator determines that the patient or those relatives cannot pay all or part of the costs of the care and treatment provided to the patient by the district and that payment is not available from any other source, 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 those relatives can pay for all or part of the costs 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 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) If there is a dispute as to the ability to pay, or doubt in the mind of the district administrator, the board shall hold a hearing and, after calling witnesses, shall: (1) determine the patient's ability to pay; and (2) issue any appropriate orders. (f) The final order may be appealed to the district court. The substantial evidence rule applies to the appeal.