2006 New York Code - Declaration Of Purpose.

 
    §  3061.  Declaration of purpose. Trauma is the leading cause of death
  and disability during the first four decades of life. In  the  aftermath
  of  the  events  of  September  eleventh,  two thousand one, the medical
  response to natural and man-made  disasters  is  also  recognized  as  a
  public  concern  of  the  highest  order.  The  furnishing  of emergency
  medical, trauma, and disaster  care  is  therefore  a  matter  of  vital
  concern  affecting  the  public  health,  safety  and welfare. Emergency
  medical, trauma, and disaster care, the  planning  and  coordination  of
  such care between prehospital and inhospital personnel and collaborating
  public health, safety, and welfare officials, the quality management and
  review  of such care, and the development and maintenance of a statewide
  system  for  interfacility  transfer,  including  but  not  limited   to
  aeromedical  transport,  of  critically  ill or injured patients between
  general hospitals and other health care facilities, are essential public
  health services. It is the purpose of this article to promote the public
  health, safety and welfare by providing for development and  maintenance
  of  systems  for  emergency  medical, trauma, and disaster care, and for
  expeditious transfer of patients in need  of  such  care  to  facilities
  appropriately  staffed and equipped to provide this care in a timely and
  effective manner.