Section 7278.

The State Department of State Hospitals shall, following the admission of a patient into a state hospital for the mentally disordered cause an investigation to be made to determine the moneys, property, or interest in property, if any, the patient has, and whether he or she has a duly appointed and acting guardian to protect his or her property and his or her property interests. The department shall also make an investigation to determine whether the patient has any relative or relatives responsible under the provisions of this code for the payment of the costs of transportation and maintenance, and shall ascertain the financial condition of the relative or relatives to determine whether in each case the relative or relatives are in fact financially able to pay the charges. All reports in connection with the investigation, together with the findings of the department, shall be records of the department, and may be inspected by interested relatives, their agents, or representatives at any time upon application.

(Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 24, Sec. 169. Effective June 27, 2012.)