California Code, Health and Safety Code - HSC § 11800

(a) The board of supervisors shall designate a health-related county agency or department that shall administer the county alcohol and other drug program.The board of supervisors or the head of the designated health-related agency or department shall appoint an alcohol and drug program administrator, who shall report to the head of the agency or department through administrative channels designated by the board of supervisors. The county alcohol and other drug program shall be placed at the same administrative level and have responsibility and authority similar to other major health programs in the county.

(b) In accordance with regulations adopted by the department, the alcohol and drug program administrator shall be qualified by his or her ability, training, and experience to administer or coordinate and monitor the county alcohol and other drug program.