With the consent of the Senate, the Governor shall appoint, to serve at his or her pleasure, the Director of State Hospitals. He or she shall have the powers of a head of a department pursuant to Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 11150), Part 1, Division 3, Title 2 of the Government Code, and shall receive the salary provided for by Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 11550), Part 1, Division 3, Title 2 of the Government Code.
Upon recommendation of the director, the Governor may appoint a chief deputy director of the department who shall hold office at the pleasure of the Governor. The salary of the chief deputy director shall be fixed in accordance with law.
Ca. Welf. and Inst. Code § 4005