I've always understood that not to be the case; however I just saw an article stating otherwise. A man in New Jersey was sued by his moms nursing home for an unpaid $93,000 nursing home stay. He never signed anything. Now I'm scared to have mil in a nursing home.
Yes, the nursing home sued and won $93K from the son.
His mother got well and she went back to Greece. He controlled all her money and he was evasive in court about what she had and where. Her Medicaid was "pending" when she left the country, so the NH did not get paid.
The nursing home actually sued all the children, but testimony revealed only one son had any knowledge or control of finances. He was ordered to pay up.
If you live in one of the states that still has these laws on the books, It might be a good idea to write your congressman to have the law removed. The sooner the better.
As Ambriel stated, as more and more baby boomers come of age, the more likely they will stay as they are for an added cushion and protection to pay outstanding bills.
https://www.agingcare.com/articles/filial-responsibility-and-medicaid-197746.htm