PAYMENT FOR TREATMENT; PROCEDURES

(a) A person who resides in the district is entitled to receive necessary medical and hospital care regardless of whether the person has the ability to pay for the care and may apply to receive this care without cost. (b) The board or the district administrator shall employ a person to investigate the ability of the patient and any relative who is liable for the patient's support to pay for the medical and hospital care received by the patient. (c) If the district determines that the patient or relative legally liable for the patient's support cannot pay all or part of the costs of the patient's care, the expense of the care becomes a charge against the district. (d) If the patient or a relative legally liable for the patient's support can pay for all or part of the costs of the patient's care, the board shall order the patient or relative to pay to the district each week an amount specified in the order. The amount must be proportionate to the person's ability to pay. (e) The district administrator may collect the amount from the patient's estate, or from any relative who is 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. (f) If there is a dispute as to the ability to pay, the board shall hold a hearing and, after calling witnesses, shall: (1) determine the question; and (2) make the proper order based on the board's findings. (g) A party to the hearing who is not satisfied with the result of the order may appeal to the district court. The substantial evidence rule applies to the appeal.