The State Department of State Hospitals with respect to a state hospital under its jurisdiction, or the State Department of Developmental Services with respect to a state hospital under its jurisdiction, may in its own name bring an action to enforce payment for the cost and charges of transportation of a person to a state hospital against any person, guardian, conservator, or relative liable for transportation. The department also may in its own name bring an action to recover for the use and benefit of any state hospital or for the state the amount due for the care, support, maintenance, and expenses of any patient therein, against any county, or officer thereof, or against any person, guardian, conservator, or relative, liable for the care, support, maintenance, or expenses.
(Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 24, Sec. 171. (AB 1470) Effective June 27, 2012.)