New York Consolidated Laws, Public Health Law - PBH § 2720. Legislative declaration

The rising incidence of heart disease, strokes and hypertension over the past twenty years has caused increasing awareness and concern among public health officials and private practitioners. It is imperative that new concepts be developed to combat the problems of heart disease, stroke and hypertension by attempting to reduce the causes leading to these diseases. The program provided by this article is designed to prevent heart disease, stroke and hypertension by concentrating on the elimination of risk factors associated therewith. 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 investigation and research concerning the causes, prevention, treatment and care of hypertension.