(a) The commissioner, on behalf of the state and if in the public interest, shall accept, hold in trust, administer, apply, execute, or use gifts, devises, bequests, grants, powers, or trusts of personal or real property made to the state, the office of mental health, a facility within the office, the commissioner, or the directors or visitors of facilities which are to be used or may be used for purposes of the office of mental health, including, but not limited to, the maintenance, support, or benefit of one or more patients in a facility.

(b) The commissioner, in carrying out the provisions of subdivision (a) of this section, may create or provide separate and distinct funds, investments, and deposits and regulate their use, transfer, and withdrawal. He may dispose of a power or trust upon its expiration and according to its terms.

(c) Subdivisions (a) and (b) of this section apply to gifts, devises, bequests, grants, powers, or trusts given to, received, or applied by the state, the commissioner, the office of mental health, or facilities thereof and predecessor officers, agencies, or facilities prior to as well as subsequent to the enactment of this section.