In this title the following words have the meanings indicated. As to a recipient of services under the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Law, a word used in this title has the same meaning as is indicated by a definition of the word in § 7–101 of this article. As to a recipient of services under the Maryland Mental Health Law, a word used in this title has the same meaning as is indicated by a definition of the word in § 7.5–101 or § 10–101 of this article. “Chargeable person” means: Any responsible relative; Except for a recipient of services, any other person who is legally responsible for the care of the individual; and Any person who maintains a policy of health insurance under which a recipient of services is insured. “Cost of care” means the cost of care, maintenance, treatment, and support of a recipient of services. “Cost of care” includes the cost of: An evaluation of an individual required under the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Law; and Any juvenile screening or treatment service provided to an individual under § 9–227(b)(1)(ii) of the Human Services Article. “Recipient of services” means an individual who receives care, maintenance, treatment, or support in a facility or program that is operated or funded wholly or partly by the Department. “Recipient of services” includes: An individual in a public facility under the Maryland Mental Health Law; An individual in a facility for an evaluation required under the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Law; An individual in a residential, public facility or a facility from which this State obtains residential care under the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Law; An individual to whom juvenile screening or treatment services are provided under § 9–227(b)(1)(ii) of the Human Services Article; and An individual in a private therapeutic group home from which this State obtains residential care under the Maryland Mental Health Law. “Responsible relative” means: The spouse of a recipient of services; and The parents of a recipient of services who is a minor.

It is the policy of this State to obligate each recipient of services and, to the extent provided in this title, those legally responsible for the recipient to pay, if financially able, for the cost of care that is received by the recipient of services. Unless otherwise provided by statute, the recipient of services and the chargeable person shall be responsible for payment regardless of whether the recipient of services was admitted voluntarily, involuntarily, or by court order. If the recipient of services is involuntarily admitted to a public facility and released after evaluation, for failure to meet the standards for involuntary commitment, the recipient of services or chargeable person shall not be responsible for the cost of care. The total cost of care of each recipient of services is, in the first instance, the responsibility of the recipient of services and, as provided in this title, the chargeable person. Any uncollectible costs for services provided to the recipient shall become the responsibility of this State.