Colorado § 27-81-116 - Payment for treatment - financial ability of patients.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 27-81-116 — Payment for treatment - financial ability of patients., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 27-81-116. Payment for treatment - financial ability of patients.
(1) If treatment is provided by an approved public treatment facility and the patient, including a committed person, has not paid the charge therefor, the approved treatment facility is entitled to any payment received by the patient or to which the patient may be entitled because of the services rendered and from any public or private source available to the approved treatment facility because of the treatment provided to the patient. The approved treatment facility may seek and obtain a judgment in an appropriate court for any fees or charges that have not been paid.
(2) A patient in an approved treatment facility, or the estate of the patient, or a person obligated to provide for the cost of treatment and having sufficient financial ability is liable to the approved treatment facility for the cost of maintenance and treatment of the patient therein in accordance with rates established. The approved treatment facility may seek and obtain a judgment in an appropriate court for any fees or charges that have not been paid.
(3) The commissioner shall adopt rules that establish a standardized ability-to-pay schedule, under which those with sufficient financial ability are required to pay the full cost of services provided and those who are totally without sufficient financial ability are provided appropriate treatment at no charge. The schedule shall take into consideration the income, including government assistance programs, savings, and other personal and real property, of the person required to pay and any support the person required to pay furnishes to another person as required by law.
(4) Nothing in this section shall prohibit an approved treatment facility from charging a minimal fee for therapeutic purposes.
Source: L. 2010: Entire article added with relocations, (SB 10-175), ch. 188, p. 744, § 2, effective April 29. L. 2022: (3) amended, (HB 22-1278), ch. 222, p. 1574, § 190, effective July 1.
Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 25-1-315 as it existed prior to 2010.
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 27-81-116
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 27-81-116 cover?
Section 27-81-116 ("Payment for treatment - financial ability of patients.") is part of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Colorado. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Colorado § 27-81-116?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 27-81-116" (Colorado). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Colorado law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Colorado official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Colorado attorney.
How does Colorado § 27-81-116 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Colorado can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.