N.Y. Const. art. XVII, § 4: Care and treatment of persons suffering from mental disorder or defect; visitation of institutions for

§ 4. The care and treatment of persons suffering from mental disorder

or defect and the protection of the mental health of the inhabitants of

the state may be provided by state and local authorities and in such

manner as the legislature may from time to time determine. The head of

the department of mental hygiene shall visit and inspect, or cause to be

visited and inspected by members of his or her staff, all institutions

either public or private used for the care and treatment of persons

suffering from mental disorder or defect.