Massachusetts General Laws Part I. Administration of the Government (Ch. 1-182) Ch. 6, § 193

The secretary of health and human services shall appoint, with the approval of the governor, the commissioner. Said commissioner shall be classified in accordance with section forty-five of chapter thirty and the salary shall be determined in accordance with section forty-six C of said chapter thirty and he shall devote his full time during business hours to the duties of his office. Every effort shall be made to locate and appoint a deaf or hard of hearing commissioner. Said commissioner shall be experienced in the administration and delivery of services to deaf and hard of hearing persons, and shall be fluent in sign language.

Said commissioner shall be the executive and administrative head of the commission. Said commissioner shall establish divisions and regional offices subject to appropriation. Said commissioner may appoint and remove such directors, assistants, supervisors, consultants and other agents as, from time to time, may be necessary to enable him to perform his duties. Every effort shall be made to locate and appoint deaf and hard of hearing personnel.

The provisions of chapter thirty-one shall not apply to the office of commissioner or of any deputy commissioner, assistant to the commissioner, assistant commissioner, director or regional director or other employees as the commissioner may appoint.