N.Y. Public Health Law § 2730: Declaration of policy

§ 2730. Declaration of policy. Occurrence of malformation or

inherited disease at the time of birth is a tragedy for the child, the

family and the community, and a matter of vital concern to the public

health. In order to provide for the protection and promotion of the

health of the inhabitants of the state, the department of health shall

have the central and comprehensive responsibility for the development

and administration of the state's policy with respect to the conduct of

scientific investigations and research concerning the causes,

prevention, treatment and cure of birth defects and genetic and allied

diseases.