A patient at an institution within the Department is liable for his care and treatment. This claim of the state for such care and treatment shall constitute a valid indebtedness against any such patient and his estate and shall not be barred by any statute of limitations. At the death of the patient this claim shall be allowed and paid as other lawful claims against the estate. Provided, further that no admission or detention of a patient in a state hospital shall be limited or conditioned in any manner by the financial status or ability to pay of a patient, his estate, or any relative.

Added by Laws 1953, HB 846, p. 172, § 111, emerg. eff. June 3, 1953. Amended by Laws 1959, HB 561, p. 190, § 6; Laws 1986, HB 2021, c. 103, § 57, eff. November 1, 1986. Renumbered from § 111 by Laws 1986, HB 2021, c. 103, § 103, eff. November 1, 1986.