Sec. 21. (a) Whenever a patient is admitted to the hospital from the county in which the hospital is located, the superintendent shall inquire:

(1) as to the patient’s circumstances; and

(2) of the relatives of the patient legally liable for the patient’s support.

     (b) If the patient or the patient’s relatives are able to pay for the patient’s care and treatment in whole or in part, the patient or the patient’s relatives shall be directed to pay the treasurer of the hospital for the patient’s support in proportion to the patient’s or relatives’ financial ability, but not to exceed the actual per capita cost of maintenance.

     (c) The superintendent has the same authority to collect the sum from the estate of the patient or the patient’s relatives legally liable for the patient’s support as is possessed by the township trustee as administrator of township assistance in similar circumstances. If the superintendent finds that the patient or the patient’s relatives are not able to pay either in whole or in part the patient becomes a charge upon the county.

[Pre-1993 Recodification Citation: 16-11-1-7.]

As added by P.L.2-1993, SEC.7. Amended by P.L.73-2005, SEC.165.