53-1-411. Collections from residents and financially responsible persons. (1) If a resident or financially responsible person refuses or fails to pay the amount required under this part, any amount remaining unpaid 30 days after the department mails a written demand for payment may be collected:

(a) by the department in any manner allowed by law for the collection of debts; or

(b) by the department of administration in the manner set forth in Title 17, chapter 4, for the collection of debts owing to the state or by a civil suit brought by the department of administration in the name of the state.

(2) A resident's death or discharge from an institution does not reduce or eliminate the obligation of any person to pay an amount required under this part.