A. There shall be a superintendent of the state hospital who shall be appointed by and under the supervision of the director.

B. The compensation to be paid to the superintendent shall be determined pursuant to section 38-611.

C. The superintendent shall be removed only for cause.

D. The superintendent shall have the following qualifications:

1. Administrative experience in the private sector.

2. An educational background that prepares the superintendent for the administrative responsibilities assigned to the position.

3. Mental health-related experience in both an institutional and community setting.

E. The superintendent, with the approval of the director, shall appoint a chief medical officer of the state hospital who is a physician and who is licensed pursuant to Title 32, Chapter 13 or 17. The chief medical officer shall have not less than three years’ experience in the treatment of psychiatric disorders and shall be board-certified in psychiatry by the board of psychiatry and neurology. The chief medical officer is eligible for compensation pursuant to section 38-611. The chief medical officer is responsible for the clinical administration of the hospital and shall report directly to the superintendent.