N.Y. Mental Hygiene Law § 33.05: Communications and visits

§ 33.05 Communications and visits.

(a) Each patient in a facility shall have the right to communicate

freely and privately with persons outside the facility as frequently as

he wishes, subject to regulations of the commissioner designed to assure

the safety and welfare of patients and to avoid serious harassment to

others. Correspondence addressed to public officials, attorneys,

clergymen, and to the mental hygiene legal service shall be unrestricted

and shall be sent along promptly without being opened.

(b) The commissioner by regulation shall establish guidelines to

insure that patients at facilities have full opportunity for conducting

correspondence, have reasonable access to telephones, and have frequent

and convenient opportunities to meet with visitors.