The department of health and human services, to the extent it has expended sums or provided services pursuant to this title, may seek civil recovery from the property of the respondent or committed individual. The department of health and human services must commence the action within six years after the department paid the sums or provided the services to the respondent or committed individual. After notice and hearing, the court may order an individual to reimburse the department of health and human services for all or part of the expenditures made for that individual pursuant to this chapter. In establishing the amount of reimbursement ordered under this section, the court shall consider the ability of the respondent or committed individual to pay.
N.D.C.C. § 25-03.3-21