2021 Indiana Code
Title 12. Human Services
Article 24. State Institutions
Chapter 15. Legal Process for Recovery of Treatment and Maintenance Charges
12-24-15-8. Claim Against Estate of Patient or Responsible Party to Recover Unpaid Treatment and Maintenance Charges; Property Subject to Lien; Priority; Conditions

Sec. 8. (a) Upon the death of a patient or responsible party whose property is encumbered by a lien arising under this chapter and upon notification by the director, the attorney general shall file a claim in the estate of the patient or responsible party for recovery of all charges for treatment and maintenance that have accrued at the date of death.

(b) Notwithstanding any other law, a claim filed for recovery of charges for treatment and maintenance has priority in order of payment from the estate over all other claims except prior recorded encumbrances, taxes, reasonable costs of administration, and reasonable funeral expenses.

(c) If the real property of the deceased patient or responsible relative is occupied by a surviving spouse of the patient or responsible party, the director may not assert a lien or claim during the lifetime of the surviving spouse, except as provided in subsection (d).

(d) The division shall file a claim for recovery of costs of treatment and maintenance if:

(1) another claimant or person has opened an estate and is attempting to enforce a claim; or

(2) a fraudulent attempt is made to avoid the claim or lien.

[Pre-1992 Revision Citation: 16-14-18.1-10(e).]

As added by P.L.2-1992, SEC.18.