California Welfare And Institutions Code Section 7278

The department shall, following the admission of a patient into a state hospital for the mentally disordered cause an investigation to be made to determine the moneys, property, or interest in property, if any, the patient has, and whether he has a duly appointed and acting guardian to protect his property and his property interests. The department shall also make an investigation to determine whether the patient has any relative or relatives responsible under the provisions of this code for the payment of the costs of transportation and maintenance, and shall ascertain the financial condition of such relative or relatives to determine whether in each case such relative or relatives are in fact financially able to pay such charges. All reports in connection with such investigation, together with the findings of the department, shall be records of the department, and may be inspected by interested relatives, their agents, or representatives at any time upon application.