1. (a) Whenever a patient has been admitted to a health center from the county in which the health center is situated, the administrator shall cause an inquiry to be made as to the financial circumstances of the patient and of any relatives of the patient who may be legally liable for the patient's support. If the administrator finds that the patient or the patient's relatives are able to pay for the patient's care and treatment, in whole or in part, an order shall be made directing the patient or the relative to pay a specified amount per month to the health center for the support of the patient.

2. (b) The health center may collect the amount from the estate of the patient or from relatives legally liable for the patient's support. If the administrator finds that the patient or the patient's relatives are not able to pay, the administrator may seek reimbursement from the county office, Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance companies, the township trustee as the administrator of township assistance, or the county general fund, depending on the eligibility of the patient for assistance from the county office or program.

   [Pre-1992 Revision Citation: 12-4-6-11.]

As added by P.L.2-1992, SEC.24. Amended by P.L.4-1993, SEC.228; P.L.5-1993, SEC.241; P.L.73-2005, SEC.164.