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.