Sec. 9. (a) Upon the death of a patient or a responsible party of the patient who is indebted to the state for any unpaid maintenance charges, whether or not secured by a lien, the attorney general shall file a claim against the estate of the patient or any responsible party for recovery of all charges for treatment and maintenance that have accrued at the date of death.
(b) Notwithstanding any other law, a claim filed under this section has priority except prior recorded encumbrances, taxes, reasonable costs of administration, and reasonable funeral expenses.
(c) Limitations of actions do not bar a division, except:
(1) as to sureties; and
(2) as provided in section 6 of this chapter.