(a) The Department of Mental Health shall operate the Vermont State Hospital or its successor in interest and shall be responsible for patients receiving involuntary treatment.

(b) The Commissioner of the Department of Mental Health, in consultation with the Secretary, shall appoint a Chief Executive Officer of the Vermont State Hospital or its successor in interest to oversee the operations of the hospital. The Chief Executive Officer position shall be an exempt position. (Added 1967, No. 305 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 1968; amended 2005, No. 174 (Adj. Sess.), § 38; 2007, No. 15, § 11; 2011, No. 63, § E.315.1; 2011, No. 79 (Adj. Sess.), § 20, eff. April 4, 2012.)