N.Y. Mental Hyg. Law § 33.05

§ 33.05 Communications and visits.\n (a) Each patient in a facility shall have the right to communicate\nfreely and privately with persons outside the facility as frequently as\nhe wishes, subject to regulations of the commissioner designed to assure\nthe safety and welfare of patients and to avoid serious harassment to\nothers. Correspondence addressed to public officials, attorneys,\nclergymen, and to the mental hygiene legal service shall be unrestricted\nand shall be sent along promptly without being opened.\n (b) The commissioner by regulation shall establish guidelines to\ninsure that patients at facilities have full opportunity for conducting\ncorrespondence, have reasonable access to telephones, and have frequent\nand convenient opportunities to meet with visitors.\n