(a) The liability of relatives for expenses incurred in the care and support of a patient admitted under Title XIX of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. § 1396 et seq.] shall be as follows: The spouse of a Title XIX patient shall be responsible for the expenses of the patient; parents shall be financially responsible for the expenses incurred by their children who are patients at the Hospital if such children are under the age of 18, are blind or are permanently or totally disabled.

(b) The spouse, parents or children of a person not admitted under Title XIX shall be liable, in the order above named, for the expenses incurred in the care and support of such person; provided, that they are found able to pay such expenses. The Board shall take legal proceedings to enforce this liability, if warranted by the facts and circumstances.

31 Del. C. 1953, § ?2831; 49 Del. Laws, c. 144, § ?2; 57 Del. Laws, c. 591, § ?20; 58 Del. Laws, c. 499, § ?6; 60 Del. Laws, c. 207, § ?3; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § ?1;