The long-term rehabilitation of mentally disabled persons is promoted by maintenance of relationships with other persons and agencies in the community, avoidance of institutionalization, and minimization of disruption of life rhythms. The civil rights of mentally disabled persons require that such persons be treated and served in the least restrictive setting possible in which treatment or service goals can be met. Therefore, periods of inpatient service should be as short as possible in accordance with the individual patient's plan of care and treatment. This philosophy will, in many cases, require continued service to a patient on an outpatient basis at the conclusion of inpatient service.
N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 14 § 36.1