A decedent‘s representative who has actual knowledge that the decedent has been a recipient in a State facility shall notify the Department of the death of the decedent and, if the representative has been appointed by a court, shall furnish the Department with a copy of his letters of office. Within the time allowed by law for the filing of claims, the Department may file a claim against the decedent’s estate for any balance due for services charges by the decedent while a recipient. Such claim shall be allowed and paid as other lawful claims against the estate. Nothing contained in this Section imposes upon the legal representative any personal liability for the payment of any amount so due or claimed to be due.
     As used in this Section, ” representative” means executor or administrator of the decedent’s estate or anyone holding assets of the decedent.