California Code, Health and Safety Code - HSC § 1452

The board of supervisors of counties of the 20th class and 40th to 58th class, inclusive, in connection with the administration of a county hospital may establish in the county treasury a special fund to be known as the “Hospital Trust Fund,” into which may be placed deposits made voluntarily by patients entering such hospital.

At the time of any patient's dismissal from a county hospital, there shall be refunded to him, upon the order of the business manager or other person designated by the board of supervisors, such portion of the deposit made voluntarily by the patient at the time of his entrance into the hospital as was unneeded for his care while confined therein. The portion earned by the hospital shall be transferred to the hospital fund in the county treasury.

Upon presentation of an order for refund under this section, the county auditor shall draw his warrant on the Hospital Trust Fund, and the county treasurer shall pay the amount due thereon.

If no refund is made within 30 days after the patient's discharge, the patient may file a claim against the county pursuant to Article 1 of Chapter 4 of Division 3 of Title 3 of the Government Code.  1