California Code, Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 7282

The State Department of State Hospitals with respect to a state hospital under its jurisdiction, or the State Department of Developmental Services with respect to a state hospital under its jurisdiction, may, in its own name, bring an action to enforce payment for the cost and charges of transportation of a person to a state hospital against any person, guardian, or conservator liable for transportation. The department also may, in its own name, bring an action to recover for the use and benefit of any state hospital or for the state the amount due for the care, support, maintenance, and expenses of any patient therein, against any county, or officer thereof, or against any person, guardian, or conservator liable for the care, support, maintenance, or expenses.