N.Y. Pub. Health Law § 2890
It is hereby declared that the recruitment, training, availability and proper performance of nursing service personnel in hospitals, nursing homes and home health agencies are matters of vital concern to the public health. Shortages and improper utilization of nursing service resources result in neglect of the health needs of sick, injured, disabled, infirm and invalid persons, and improper performance of nursing services. 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, comprehensive responsibility for the development and administration of the state's policy with respect to nursing service and the utilization of nursing service manpower resources by hospitals, nursing homes and home health agencies.
N.Y. Pub. Health Law § 2890