§ 43A-4-201. Liability of consumer and estate for cost of care and treatment.

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

Added by Laws 1953, p. 172, § 111, emerg. eff. June 3, 1953.  Amended by Laws 1959, p. 190, § 6, emerg. eff. June 27, 1959; Laws 1986, c. 103, § 57, eff. Nov. 1, 1986.  Renumbered from § 111 of this title by Laws 1986, c. 103, § 103, eff. Nov. 1, 1986.  Amended by Laws 2005, c. 150, § 30, emerg. eff. May 9, 2005.