1768 - Admission and maintenance of patients.
§ 1768. Admission and maintenance of patients. 1. Whenever a patient shall have been admitted to such hospital, the superintendent shall cause to be made such inquiry as may be deemed necessary, relative to the ability of such patient, or of relatives of such patient legally liable for his support, to pay for his care and treatment. 2. If the superintendent finds that such patient, or said relatives, are able to pay for his care and treatment in whole or in part, an order shall be made by the superintendent directing such patient, or said relatives, to pay to the treasurer of such hospital for the support of such patient a specified sum each week, in proportion to their financial ability, but such sum shall not exceed the actual cost of maintenance. The superintendent shall have the same power and authority to collect such sums from the patient, or his relatives legally liable for his support, as is possessed by a public welfare official in like circumstances. 3. If the superintendent finds that such patient, or his relatives, are not able to pay, either in whole or in part, for his care and treatment in such hospital, the unpaid cost of his maintenance shall become a charge upon the civil division of the state upon which he would be a charge as a needy person. 4. No employee of such hospital shall accept from any patient thereof any fee, payment or gratuity whatsoever for his service.