(a) The commissioner may designate portions of correctional facilities as other special housing units to be used for purposes such as, but not limited to, the following:

1. (1) inmates required to be confined in a special housing unit as a reception center, detention center or diagnostic and treatment center (as these terms are defined in the Correction Law);
2. (2) a special housing unit used for outside work gangs or inmates assigned to work release programs;
3. (3) a special housing unit used for inmates who are physically unable to participate in the programs of the facility;
4. (4) a special housing unit used for inmates assigned there temporarily by the central office division of classification and movement for the purpose of evaluation and reclassification; or
5. (5) other purposes in the discretion of the commissioner.

(d) In the case of special housing units provided for in this Part, the superintendent shall transmit to the commissioner, with the order of designation, a complete description of the activities available for inmates of the unit. Such description shall include, at least, a specification as to the availability and the extent of the following:

1. (1) individual or group counseling or therapy;
2. (2) educational and vocational training;
3. (3) industrial or other work;
4. (4) exercise opportunities and yard time; and
5. (5) number of showers per week.