New York Consolidated Laws, Mental Hygiene Law - MHY § 41.09 Director

(a) Charter governments may provide for appointment and removal of directors in a manner authorized by such governments.  In all other local governments, the board shall appoint and remove the director.  Salaries and allowable expenses shall be set by the appointing authority.

(b) Each director shall be a psychiatrist or other professional person who meets standards set by the commissioner for the position.  If the director is not a physician, he shall not have the power to conduct examinations authorized to be conducted by an examining physician or by a director of community services pursuant to this chapter but he shall designate an examining physician who shall be empowered to conduct such examinations on behalf of such director.  A director need not reside in the area to be served.  The director shall be a full-time employee except in cases where the commissioner has expressly waived the requirement.