53-6-178. Department right of recovery -- limitations. (1) Except as provided in 53-6-180, 53-6-182, and this section, the department may collect upon its lien as provided in 53-6-171 through 53-6-188.

(2) The department may not recover upon a lien imposed on the recipient's home under 53-6-171 while the recipient's sibling or child who has resided lawfully and continuously in the home for at least 18 months immediately before the recipient's institutionalization continues to lawfully reside in the home. This subsection does not preclude the department from recovering under 53-6-167, 53-6-168, or 53-6-169.

(3) The department may not recover on a lien imposed under 53-6-171 while there is a surviving spouse of the recipient or while there is a surviving child of the recipient who is under 21 years of age, blind, or permanently and totally disabled. This subsection does not preclude the department from later recovery in accordance with 53-6-181.