A. The chief executive and administrative officer of the department is the "secretary of aging and long-term services". The secretary shall be appointed by the governor with the consent of the senate. The secretary shall hold that office at the pleasure of the governor and shall serve in the executive cabinet.
B. An appointed secretary shall serve and have all of the duties, responsibilities and authority of that office during the period of time prior to final action by the senate confirming or rejecting the secretary-designate’s appointment.