New York Laws
Article 33 - Rights of Patients
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.

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