46.10(7)
(7) The department shall administer and enforce this section. It shall appoint an attorney to be designated "collection and deportation counsel" and other necessary assistants. The department may delegate to such counsel such other powers and duties as it deems advisable. The collection or deportation counsel or any of the assistants may administer oaths, take affidavits and testimony, examine public records, subpoena witnesses and the production of books, papers, records, and documents material to any matter of proceeding relating to payments for the cost of maintenance. The department shall encourage agreements or settlements with the liable person, having due regard to ability to pay and the present needs of lawful dependents.
46.10(8)(a)
(a) Appear for the state in any and all collection and deportation matters arising in the several courts, and may commence suit in the name of the department to recover the cost of maintenance against the person liable therefor.
46.10(8)(b)
(b) Determine whether any patients are subject to deportation; and on behalf of this state enter into reciprocal agreements with other states for deportation and importation of persons who are public charges, upon such terms as will protect the state's interests and promote mutual amicable relations with other states.
46.10(8)(c)
(c) From time to time investigate the financial condition and needs of persons liable under
sub. (2), their ability to presently maintain themselves, the persons legally dependent upon them for support, the protection of the property and investments from which they derive their living and their care and protection, for the purpose of ascertaining the person's ability to make payment in whole or in part.
46.10(8)(d)
(d) After due regard to the case and to a spouse and minor children who are lawfully dependent on the property for support, compromise or waive any portion of any claim of the state or county for which a person specified under
sub. (2) is liable, but not any claim payable by an insurer under
s. 632.89 (2) or
(2m) or by any other 3rd party.
46.10(8)(e)
(e) Make an agreement with a person who is liable under
sub. (2), or who may be willing to assume the cost of maintenance of any patient, providing for the payment of such costs at a specified rate or amount.
46.10(8)(f)1.1. Make adjustment and settlement with the several counties for their proper share of all moneys collected.
46.10(8)(h)
(h) Ensure that all moneys collected under
sub. (12) on and after January 1, 1974, be credited under
ss. 46.036 and
51.423.
46.10(8)(i)
(i) Pay quarterly from the appropriation under
s. 20.435 (2) (gk) and
(7) (gg) the collection moneys due county departments under
ss. 51.42 and
51.437. Payments shall be made as soon after the close of each quarter as is practicable.
46.10(8m)(a)(a) Except as provided in
par. (b), for county departments under
s. 51.42 or
51.437, the department shall do all of the following:
46.10(8m)(a)1.
1. Deduct 100% of all money collected on or after January 1, 1975, from the chargeable cost of care at the mental health institutes.
46.10(8m)(a)2.
2. Deduct or remit, through the appropriation under
s. 20.435 (2) (gk), all money collected for persons ineligible for medical assistance benefits and who lack other means of full payment for care provided on or after January 1, 1982, by centers for the developmentally disabled. The deduction or remittance under this subdivision may not exceed the amount chargeable under
s. 51.437 (4rm) (c) 2. a.
46.10(8m)(a)3.
3. Return to boards 70% of all collections made for county hospitals.
46.10(8m)(a)4.
4. Return to boards 50% of collections made by the department for services other than those specified under
par. (a) 1.,
2. or
3.
46.10(8m)(b)1.1. Paragraph (a) 1. and
2. does not apply to primary psychiatric care, which shall be billed on the basis of total chargeable cost. Collections for primary care shall be deducted from the chargeable cost of other types of care provided at the institutes.
46.10(9)
(9) Any person who wilfully testifies falsely as to any material matter in an investigation or proceeding under this section shall be guilty of perjury. Banks, employers, insurers, savings banks, savings and loan associations, brokers and fiduciaries, upon request of the department, shall furnish in writing and duly certified, full information regarding the property, earnings or income or any funds deposited to the credit of or owing to any person liable under
sub. (2). Such certified statement shall be admissible in evidence in any action or proceeding to compel payment under this section, and shall be evidence of the facts therein stated, provided a copy of such statement be served upon the party sought to be charged not less than 3 days before the hearing.
46.10(10)
(10) The department shall make all reasonable and proper efforts to collect all claims for maintenance, to keep payments current, and to periodically review all unpaid claims.
46.10(11)(a)(a) Except as provided in
par. (b), in any action to recover from a person liable under this section, the statute of limitations may be pleaded in defense.
46.10(11)(b)
(b) If a person who is liable under this section is deceased, a claim may be filed against the decedent's estate and the statute of limitations specified in
s. 859.02 shall be exclusively applicable. This paragraph applies to liability incurred on or after July 20, 1985.
46.10(12)
(12) The district attorney or his or her assistants in a county having a population of 500,000 or more shall, in matters pertaining to the recovery of the cost of maintenance of persons in county institutions in that county, have the same authority as granted in this section to the department.
46.10(13)
(13) This section does not impair any rights or liability existing prior to June 19, 1947.
46.10(14)(a)(a) Except as provided in
pars. (b) and
(c), liability of a person specified in
sub. (2) or
s. 46.03 (18) for inpatient care and maintenance of persons under 18 years of age at community mental health centers, a county mental health complex under
s. 51.08, the centers for the developmentally disabled, Mendota mental health institute and Winnebago mental health institute or care and maintenance of persons under 18 years of age in residential, nonmedical facilities such as group homes, foster homes, treatment foster homes, child caring institutions and juvenile correctional institutions is determined in accordance with the cost-based fee established under
s. 46.03 (18). The department shall bill the liable person up to any amount of liability not paid by an insurer under
s. 632.89 (2) or
(2m) or by other 3rd party benefits, subject to rules which include formulas governing ability to pay promulgated by the department under
s. 46.03 (18). Any liability of the patient not payable by any other person terminates when the patient reaches age 18, unless the liable person has prevented payment by any act or omission.
46.10(14)(b)
(b) Except as provided in
par. (c) and subject to
par. (cm), liability of a parent specified in
sub. (2) or
s. 46.03 (18) for the care and maintenance of the parent's minor child who has been placed by a court order under
s. 48.355,
48.357,
938.183 (2),
938.355 or
938.357 in a residential, nonmedical facility such as a group home, foster home, treatment foster home, child caring institution or juvenile correctional institution shall be determined by the court by using the percentage standard established by the department of industry, labor and job development under
s. 49.22 (9) and by applying the percentage standard in the manner established by the department under
s. 46.247.
46.10(14)(c)
(c) Upon request by a parent, the court may modify the amount of child support payments determined under
par. (b), subject to
par. (cm), if, after considering the following factors, the court finds by the greater weight of the credible evidence that the use of the percentage standard is unfair to the child or to either of the parents:
46.10(14)(c)2.
2. The physical, mental and emotional health needs of the child, including any costs for the child's health insurance provided by a parent.
46.10(14)(c)3.
3. The standard of living and circumstances of the parents, including the needs of each parent to support himself or herself at a level equal to or greater than that established under
42 USC 9902 (2).
46.10(14)(c)5.
5. The earning capacity of each parent, based on each parent's education, training and work experience and based on the availability of work in or near the parent's community.
46.10(14)(c)6.
6. The need and capacity of the child for education, including higher education.
46.10(14)(c)8.
8. The financial resources and the earning ability of the child.
46.10(14)(c)9.
9. The needs of any person, including dependent children other than the child, whom either parent is legally obligated to support.
46.10(14)(c)10.
10. The best interests of the child, including, but not limited to, the impact on the child of expenditures by the family for improvement of any conditions in the home that would facilitate the reunification of the child with the child's family, if appropriate, and the importance of a placement that is the least restrictive of the rights of the child and the parents and the most appropriate for meeting the needs of the child and the family.
46.10(14)(c)11.
11. Any other factors that the court in each case determines are relevant.
46.10(14)(cm)1.1. Except as provided in
subd. 2., if a parent who is required to pay child support under
par. (b) or
(c) is receiving adoption assistance under
s. 48.975 for the child for whom support is ordered, the amount of the child support payments determined under
par. (b) or
(c) may not exceed the amount of the adoption assistance payments.
46.10(14)(cm)2.
2. Subdivision 1. does not apply if, after considering the factors under
par. (c) 1. to
11., the court finds by the greater weight of the credible evidence that limiting the amount of the child support payments to the amount of the adoption assistance payments is unfair to the child or to either of the parents.
46.10(14)(d)
(d) If the court finds under
par. (c) that use of the percentage standard is unfair to the minor child or either of the parents, the court shall state in writing or on the record the amount of support that would be required by using the percentage standard, the amount by which the court's order deviates from that amount, its reasons for finding that use of the percentage standard is unfair to the child or the parent, its reasons for the amount of the modification and the basis for the modification.
46.10(14)(e)1.1. An order issued under
s. 48.355 (2) (b) 4.,
48.357 (5m),
48.363 (2),
938.183 (2),
938.355 (2) (b) 4.,
938.357 (5m) or
938.363 (2) for support determined under this subsection constitutes an assignment of all commissions, earnings, salaries, wages, pension benefits, benefits under
ch. 102 or
108 and other money due or to be due in the future to the county department under
s. 46.215,
46.22 or
46.23 in the county where the order was entered or to the department, depending upon the placement of the child as specified by rules promulgated under
subd. 5. The assignment shall be for an amount sufficient to ensure payment under the order.
46.10(14)(e)2.
2. Except as provided in
subd. 3., for each payment made under the assignment, the person from whom the payer under the order receives money shall receive an amount equal to the person's necessary disbursements, not to exceed $3, which shall be deducted from the money to be paid to the payer.
46.10(14)(e)3.
3. Benefits under
ch. 108 may be assigned and withheld only in the manner provided in
s. 108.13 (4). Any order to withhold benefits under
ch. 108 shall be for an amount certain. When money is to be withheld from these benefits, no fee may be deducted from the amount withheld and no fine may be levied for failure to withhold the money.
46.10(14)(e)4.
4. No employer may use an assignment under this paragraph as a basis for the denial of employment to a person, the discharge of an employe or any disciplinary action against an employe. An employer who denies employment or discharges or disciplines an employe in violation of this subdivision may be fined not more than $500 and may be required to make full restitution to the aggrieved person, including reinstatement and back pay. Except as provided in this subdivision, restitution shall be in accordance with
s. 973.20
. An aggrieved person may apply to the district attorney or to the department of industry, labor and job development for enforcement of this subdivision.
46.10(14)(e)5.
5. The department shall promulgate rules for the operation and implementation of assignments under this paragraph.
46.10(14)(f)
(f) If the amount of the child support determined under this subsection is greater than the cost for the care and maintenance of the minor child in the residential, nonmedical facility, the assignee under
par. (e) 1. shall expend or otherwise dispose of any funds that are collected in excess of the cost of such care and maintenance in a manner that the assignee determines will serve the best interests of the minor child.
46.10(16)
(16) The department shall delegate to county departments under
ss. 51.42 and
51.437 or the local providers of care and services meeting the standards established by the department under
s. 46.036, the responsibilities vested in the department under this section for collection of patient fees for services other than those provided at state facilities if such county departments or providers meet the conditions deemed appropriate by the department. The department may delegate to county departments under
ss. 51.42 and
51.437 the responsibilities vested in the department under this section for collection of patient fees for services provided at the state facilities if the necessary conditions are met.
46.10 History
History: 1971 c. 125;
1971 c. 213 s.
5;
1973 c. 90 ss.
223,
223m,
560 (3);
1973 c. 198,
333;
1975 c. 39 ss.
347 to
350,
734;
1975 c. 41,
94;
1975 c. 189 s.
99 (2);
1975 c. 198,
199,
224;
1975 c. 413 s.
18;
1975 c. 428;
1975 c. 430 ss.
6,
80;
1977 c. 29,
203;
1977 c. 418 ss.
294 to
295,
924 (50),
929 (18);
1977 c. 428;
1977 c. 447 s.
206;
1977 c. 449 ss.
75,
497;
1979 c. 34;
1979 c. 102 ss.
236 (4),
237;
1979 c. 117,
221,
331;
1981 c. 20 ss.
755 to
758,
2202 (20) (i), (n);
1981 c. 81;
1983 a. 27 ss.
955m,
2202 (20);
1985 a. 29,
176,
281,
332;
1987 a. 307;
1989 a. 31,
56,
96,
212;
1991 a. 39,
221,
315,
316;
1993 a. 16,
27,
385,
437,
446,
479,
481;
1995 a. 27 ss.
2054,
2055,
9130 (4);
1995 a. 77,
224,
404.
46.10 Annotation
Before there can be recovery by the department for care and hospitalization of an individual committed to one of its institutions by reason of lack of competency to stand trial, the nature of the confinement must be changed to a civil commitment. Conservatorship of Grams, 63 W (2d) 194, 216 NW (2d) 889.
46.10 Annotation
Liability under (2) for cost of institutionalization is constitutional. In Matter of Guardianship of Nelson, 98 W (2d) 261, 296 NW (2d) 736 (1980).
46.10 Annotation
Sections 46.03 (18) and 46.10 do not constitute an unlawful delegation of legislative power. In Matter of Guardianship of Klisurich, 98 W (2d) 274, 296 NW (2d) 742 (1980).
46.10 Annotation
Statute imposing liability for costs of care and services on persons committed to state institutions did not apply to persons committed in violation of due process. Jankowski v. Milwaukee County, 104 W (2d) 431, 312 NW (2d) 45 (1981).
46.10 Annotation
Subs. (2) and (2m) violate neither the guarantees of equal protection nor due process. Matter of Care & Maintenance of K.C., 142 W (2d) 906, 420 NW (2d) 337 (1988).
46.10 Annotation
Sub. (3) and 46.03 (18) permit department to promulgate rules which consider non-liable family member's income in determining liable family member's ability to pay. In Interest of A.L.W. 153 W (2d) 412, 451 NW (2d) 416 (1990).
46.10 Annotation
See note to 46.03, citing In Matter of S.E. Trust, 159 W (2d) 709, 465 NW (2d) 231 (Ct. App. 1990).
46.10 Annotation
The uniform fee system under s. 46.03 (18) and s. 46.10 allows imputing income and, consequently, looking beyond tax returns to determine ability to pay. In Interest of Kevin C. 181 W (2d) 146, 510 NW (2d) 746 (Ct. App. 1993).
46.13
46.13
Wassermann tests. The department may arrange with the laboratory of hygiene to secure the Wassermann test for any person confined in any state or county institution.
46.14
46.14
Reports of state institutions. 46.14(1)
(1)
Monthly. The officer in charge of each state institution under the control of the department shall report monthly to the department, an itemized statement of all receipts and disbursements, and of the daily number of inmates, officers, teachers and employes, and of the wages paid to each.
46.14(2)
(2) Biennial. On July 1 in each even-numbered year such officer shall report to the department, covering the preceding biennial fiscal term, a summarized statement of the management of every department of the institution and of all receipts and disbursements, and such other information as may be required by the department.
46.15 History
History: 1977 c. 29;
1983 a. 27.
46.16
46.16
General supervision and inspection by department. 46.16(1)(1)
Generally. The department shall investigate and supervise all the charitable and curative institutions, including county infirmaries, of every county and municipality, except tuberculosis sanatoriums; all shelter care facilities for children and all hospitals, asylums and institutions, organized for the purpose set forth in
s. 58.01, and familiarize itself with all the circumstances affecting their management and usefulness.
46.16(2)
(2) Child welfare agencies; foster homes; treatment foster homes; child care centers; day nurseries; nursery schools. It may license and revoke licenses of and exercise supervision over all child welfare agencies and the placement of children in foster homes and treatment foster homes, and grant permits to foster homes, treatment foster homes, child care centers, day nurseries and nursery schools. In the discharge of this duty it may inspect the records of child welfare agencies, child care centers, day nurseries, nursery schools and visit all institutions conducted by them and all foster homes and treatment foster homes in which children are placed.
46.16(2m)
(2m) Immunization requirements; day care centers. The department, after notice to a licensee, may suspend, revoke or refuse to renew a license in any case in which the department finds that there has been a substantial failure to comply with the requirements of
s. 252.04.
46.16(2s)
(2s) Lead screening, inspection and reduction requirements; day care centers. The department, after notice to a day care provider certified under
s. 48.651, or a day care center that holds a license under
s. 48.65 or a probationary license under
s. 48.69, may suspend, revoke or refuse to renew a license or certification in any case in which the department finds that there has been a substantial failure to comply with any rule promulgated under
s. 254.162,
254.168 or
254.172.
46.16(3)
(3) County homes, poor relief. It shall visit the county homes and ascertain the number of each sex and the number of mentally ill, mentally deficient, deaf or blind persons, and children supported in each, at what cost and under what circumstances affecting their health, comfort, morals and education; collect statistics of the cost of support, and other important facts, of the poor relieved at public expense outside of county homes; and collect information as to the adequacy and efficiency of existing laws for the support and relief of the poor, and the causes of pauperism in the state.
46.16(4)
(4) Mental health institutions. The department shall visit all places in which mentally ill persons are committed or admitted; collect statistics concerning the residents, their treatment and employment; and collect information of other facts and considerations affecting the increase or decrease of mental illness.
46.16(5)
(5) Inspections. It shall inquire into the methods of treatment, instruction, government and management of inmates of the institutions mentioned in this section; the conduct of their trustees, managers, directors, superintendents and other officers and employes; the condition of the buildings, grounds and all other property pertaining to said institutions, and all other matters pertaining to their usefulness and management; and recommend to the officers in charge such changes and additional provisions as it deems proper.
46.16(6)
(6) Frequency of inspections. It shall inspect and investigate each institution annually, or oftener; and, when directed by the governor, it shall make special investigation into its management, or anything connected therewith, and report to the governor the testimony taken, the facts found and conclusions thereon.
46.16(7)
(7) Enforcement by attorney general and district attorneys. Upon request of the department, the attorney general or the district attorney of the proper county shall aid in any investigation, inspection, hearing or trial had under the provisions of this chapter, or those sections of
ch. 48 relating to powers of the department, and shall institute and prosecute all necessary actions or proceedings for the enforcement of such provisions and for the punishment of violations of the same. The attorney general or district attorney so requested shall report or confer with the department regarding the request, within 30 days after the receipt of such request.
46.16(8)
(8) Opportunity to inspect. All trustees, managers, directors, superintendents and other officers or employes of such institutions shall at all times afford to every member of the department and its agents, unrestrained facility for inspection of and free access to all parts of the buildings and grounds and to all books and papers of such institutions; and shall give, either verbally or in writing, such information as the department requires; and if any person offends against this requirement the person shall forfeit not less than $10 nor more than $100.
46.16(9)
(9) Testimonial power; expenses. The director or any person delegated by the director may administer oaths and take testimony; and may cause depositions to be taken. All expenses of the investigations, including fees of officers and witnesses, shall be charged to the appropriation for the department.
46.16(10)
(10) Statistics to be furnished. Wherever the department is required to collect statistics, the person or agency shall furnish the required statistics on request.
46.16 Annotation
This section does not convey authority to the department to order methods of operation, numbers and qualifications of staff, standards for food service, and the nature of treatment and training programs in local places of confinement. Section 46.17 relates to construction and maintenance of confinement buildings and provides no additional authority to the department under this section. 63 Atty. Gen. 267.
46.16 Annotation
Department is authorized by this section to compel county and local officers to provide jail information. 67 Atty. Gen. 242.
46.17
46.17
County buildings; establishment, approval, inspection. 46.17(1)(1) The department shall fix reasonable standards and regulations for the design, construction, repair and maintenance of county homes, county infirmaries, county hospitals, mental health facilities and shelter care facilities, with respect to their adequacy and fitness for the needs which they are to serve.
46.17(2)
(2) The selection and purchase of the site, and the plans, specifications and erection of buildings for such institutions shall be subject to the review and approval of the department. Department review shall include review of the proposed program to be carried out by the institution and the program's ability to meet the mental health service requirements of the county and the area it serves.
46.17(3)
(3) Before any such building is occupied, and annually or oftener thereafter, the department shall inspect it with respect to safety, sanitation, adequacy and fitness, and report to the authorities conducting the institution any deficiency found, and order the necessary work to correct it or a new building. If within 6 months thereafter such work is not commenced, or not completed within a reasonable period thereafter, to the satisfaction of the department, it shall suspend the allowance of state aid for, and prohibit the use of such building until said order is complied with.
