For purposes of this chapter, the director of any chemical dependence program or treatment facility may receive therein as a patient any person found by such director to be suitable for, and in need of, such care and treatment and requesting admission thereto, provided however, that nothing in this section shall be construed to guarantee reimbursement for such treatment. (a) Such person may be admitted as a patient without making formal or written application therefor, and any such person shall be discharged from such program or facility upon his or her request at any time after admission, provided, however, that such action may have other legal or fiscal consequences pursuant to other state and federal laws, and provided further that minors shall be admitted and discharged in accordance with section 22.11 of this article. (b) Participation in chemical dependence treatment is voluntary. The office or any chemical dependence program or treatment facility shall not force or otherwise coerce any person to participate in such program or treatment, provided however that receipt of emergency services for incapacitated persons shall be governed in accordance all not force or otherwise coerce any person to participate in such program or treatment, provided however that receipt of emergency services for incapacitated persons shall be governed in accordance with section 22.09 of this article, and provided further, a person's failure to complete treatment required by judicial mandate may have legal consequences under the terms of such mandate. (c) The commissioner shall promulgate rules and regulations and take any other necessary action to insure that the rights of individuals who have received or are receiving chemical dependence services are protected.
New York Legal Code