Section 2776. Powers and duties

1. The institute shall have the following
  powers and duties:
    (a) to develop and promote scientific investigations into  the  cause,
  prevention,  methods  of treatment, and cure of the acquired diseases of
  immunosuppression;
    (b) to develop and promote  programs  of  professional  education  and
  training  and  improvements  in instrumentation as necessary adjuncts to
  such scientific investigations;
    (c) to develop and maintain a clearing house within the department for
  information collected on acquired immune deficiency syndrome,  including
  a  catalogue  of  the  existing  medical  literature  and the results of
  existing epidemiological studies;
    (d) to develop  and  promote  an  outreach  campaign  directed  toward
  targeted  high  risk  populations  to  provide  coordinated  information
  regarding the treatment and counseling programs and sources of financial
  assistance available; and
    (e) to promote the availability of supportive  services  for  affected
  persons.
    2.  Personal  data  in  any  investigations,  reports  and information
  relating thereto shall be kept confidential and be afforded all  of  the
  protections  provided  by the provisions of paragraph (j) of subdivision
  one of section two hundred six of the public health law.  The  institute
  may,  however,  from  time  to  time publish analyses of such scientific
  investigations in such a manner as to assure that the identities of  the
  individuals concerned cannot be ascertained.