1. (a) The attorney general may bring suit against:

   1. (1) the patient;
   2. (2) the responsible parties of the patient; or

   3. (3) the legal guardian of the patient;

      for failure to comply with a maintenance agreement established or for failure to make a maintenance agreement. Suit may be brought for the amount due the state for the maintenance charges of the patient.

2. (b) The court may order the payment of amounts due for maintenance charges for the periods that the circumstances require. The order may be entered against any of the defendants and may be based upon the proportionate ability of each defendant to contribute to the payment of sums representing maintenance charges.

3. (c) Orders for the payment of money may be enforced by attachments as in contempt proceedings against the defendants, and costs may be adjudged against and apportioned among the defendants.

   [Pre-1992 Revision Citation: 16-14-18.1-10(b).]

As added by P.L.2-1992, SEC.18.