30:9-68 - Investigation of patients' ability to pay - New Jersey Statutes

30:9-68.     Investigation of patients' ability to pay 
     30:9-68. Whenever a patient is admitted from the county in which the hospital is situated the superintendent shall cause inquiry to be made as to his circumstances. If he finds that the patient or legally responsible relatives are able to pay for his care and maintenance in whole or in part he shall order payment to the treasurer of the hospital of a specified sum per week in proportion to the financial ability of the patient or such relative, but such sum shall not exceed the actual per capita cost of maintenance. The superintendent shall have the same power to collect such sum from the estate of the patient or relatives as is possessed by an overseer of the poor or a director of welfare in like circumstances. If the superintendent finds that the patient or his relatives are unable to pay, the cost shall become a charge upon the county. Should there be a dispute as to ability to pay or doubt in the mind of the superintendent the Superior Court may hear the matter in a summary manner and make such order as may be proper. 

    Amended 1953,c.29,s.68; 1991,c.91,s.335.