Occurrence of malformation or inherited disease at the time of birth is a tragedy for the child, the family and the community, and a matter of vital concern to the public health. In order to provide for the protection and promotion of the health of the inhabitants of the state, the department of health shall have the central and comprehensive responsibility for the development and administration of the state's policy with respect to the conduct of scientific investigations and research concerning the causes, prevention, treatment and cure of birth defects and genetic and allied diseases.
New York Legal Code