It is the duty of the father and the mother of any poor person who is unable to maintain himself by work, to maintain such person to the extent of their ability. Provided, that the liability of a parent to an institution, nursing home, intermediate care facility, or other resident facility for the care or maintenance of any such poor person shall not be excessive and shall not cause undue financial hardship upon said parent. Provided further, that the provisions of this section shall not apply to charges for care provided by institutions of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services or to charges for care provided by Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services outpatient facilities, including the alcohol and drug programs. The promise of an adult child to pay for necessaries previously furnished to a parent is binding.

Amended by Laws 1983, HB 1239, c. 128, § 1, emerg. eff. July 1, 1983; Amended by Laws 1990, SB 866, c. 51, § 1, emerg. eff. April 9, 1990.