State ex rel. Broughton Hospital v. Hollifield

Defendant’s first contention is that a State institution, such as hospital, may institute a civil action for treatment and maintenance only during the period of time when the patient is actually receiving such treatment and maintenance. It is argued that once a patient leaves the State institution, the action for treatment and maintenance may be instituted only after the patient’s death. In support of this position, defendant relies upon G.S. 143-121, which provides:

“Action to recover costs. — Immediately upon the fixing of the amount of such actual costs, as herein provided, a cause of…