(a) The department shall charge fees for its services to patients and
residents, provided, however, that no person shall be denied services
because of inability or failure to pay a fee.
(b) The commissioner may establish, at least annually, schedules of
rates for inpatient services that reflect the costs of services, care,
treatment, maintenance, overhead, and administration which assure
maximum recovery of such costs.
In addition, the commissioner may establish, at least annually,
schedules of fees for noninpatient services which need not reflect the
costs of services, care, treatment, maintenance, overhead, and
administration.
(c) The executive budget, as recommended, shall reflect, by individual
facility, the costs of services, care, treatment, maintenance, overhead,
and administration.
(d) All schedules of fees and rates which are established by the
commissioner, shall be subject to the approval of the director of the
division of the budget. Immediately upon their approval, copies of all
schedules of fees and rates established pursuant to this section shall
be forwarded to the chairman of the assembly ways and means committee
and the chairman of the senate finance committee.