Section 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.