N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 14, § 15.1 – General.

(a) This Part contains regulations governing admission and retention of full-time inpatients or residents in hospitals, schools and alcoholism facilities, as such terms are defined in the Mental Hygiene Law.
(b) Each patient shall have a preliminary physical examination upon admission and a comprehensive physical and mental examination within 48 hours after admission to the facility, excluding weekends and holidays. In addition, an initial assessment should be made at the time of admission of those social and economic factors which will impede and those which will facilitate the patient's discharge and a tentative plan of action should be formulated. This should include information about the patient's minor children, their number, age and whereabouts, if applicable, and appropriate action should be taken if there is a question about their welfare.
(c) Except as otherwise provided, patients and residents may be admitted to facilities only on the forms and in accordance with the procedures prescribed by the commissioner. Detailed admission procedures are included in the following manuals issued and periodically revised for particular groups of facilities by the department.
1. (1) The Department Policy Manual^*
2. (2) The Manual of Medical Administrative Procedures—State Hospitals^*
3. (3) The Manual of Medical Administrative Procedures—State Schools^*
4. (4) Medical Records Manual^*
5. (5) The Policy and Reporting Manual for Psychiatric Hospitals^*
6. (6) The Policy and Reporting Manual for Residential Treatment Facilities for the Retarded^*
7. (7) The Policy and Reporting Manual for Psychiatric Units^*