(a) Notwithstanding any statute enacted before January 1, 2011, receiving facilities and programs and the Arkansas State Hospital may make charges for patient treatment.
(b) Persons legally liable for the support of a patient are liable jointly and severally with the patient and the estate of the patient for treatment charges.
(c) Patient treatment charges may not exceed the actual cost of treatment.
(d)
(1) The Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services of the Department of Human Services shall promulgate rules establishing reasonable charges that may be made by a receiving facility or program and the Arkansas State Hospital.
(2) Rules establishing reasonable charges shall:
(A) Provide for postponing the collection of charges based on clinical considerations or the patient's inability to pay, or both; and
(B) Waive charges for treatment of defendants who plead guilty or nolo contendere or are found guilty at trial.