(a) There shall be in the office secure treatment facilities, as defined in subdivision (o) of section 10.03 of this title, as designated by the commissioner for the care and treatment of dangerous sex offenders requiring confinement, as described in article ten of this title.

(b) Such secure treatment facilities may be created on the former grounds of hospitals operated by the office, but shall be considered separate and distinct facilities and shall not be considered or defined as hospitals.