N.Y. Mental Hygiene Law § 22.07: Informal admission

§ 22.07 Informal admission.

For purposes of this chapter, the director of any chemical dependence

program or treatment facility may receive therein as a patient any

person found by such director to be suitable for, and in need of, such

care and treatment and requesting admission thereto, provided however,

that nothing in this section shall be construed to guarantee

reimbursement for such treatment.

(a) Such person may be admitted as a patient without making formal or

written application therefor, and any such person shall be discharged

from such program or facility upon his or her request at any time after

admission, provided, however, that such action may have other legal or

fiscal consequences pursuant to other state and federal laws, and

provided further that minors shall be admitted and discharged in

accordance with section 22.11 of this article.

(b) Participation in chemical dependence treatment is voluntary. The

office or any chemical dependence program or treatment facility shall

not force or otherwise coerce any person to participate in such program

or treatment, provided however that receipt of emergency services for

incapacitated persons shall be governed in accordance with section 22.09

of this article, and provided further, a person's failure to complete

treatment required by judicial mandate may have legal consequences under

the terms of such mandate.

(c) The commissioner shall promulgate rules and regulations and take

any other necessary action to insure that the rights of individuals who

have received or are receiving chemical dependence services are

protected.