33.05 - Communications and visits.

§ 33.05 Communications and visits.    (a)  Each  patient  in  a facility shall have the right to communicate  freely and privately with persons outside the facility as frequently  as  he wishes, subject to regulations of the commissioner designed to assure  the  safety  and  welfare of patients and to avoid serious harassment to  others.  Correspondence  addressed  to  public   officials,   attorneys,  clergymen, and to the mental hygiene legal service shall be unrestricted  and shall be sent along promptly without being opened.    (b)  The  commissioner  by  regulation  shall  establish guidelines to  insure that patients at facilities have full opportunity for  conducting  correspondence,  have reasonable access to telephones, and have frequent  and convenient opportunities to meet with visitors.