Governor John Jay made a proclamation on 13 September 1793 to establish this to regulate the ports of the city and ensure proper quarantines.

Three days later, the city, under the leadership of Mayor Richard Varick, created a tandem committee that ensured both private and commercial needs would be addressed.

[10] In 2021, Michelle E. Morse was named the first Chief Medical Officer of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

The departmental hierarchy is: On-site security services at the five New York City Health and Mental Hygiene clinics is provided by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Police.

New York City Health and Mental Hygiene (Police) are employed as Special Officers and who have very limited peace officer authority in connection with special duties of employment pursuant to New York State Criminal Procedure Law § 2.10(40).