(a) The commissioner may, within the amounts appropriated therefor, appoint and remove in accordance with law and applicable rules of the state civil service commission, such officers and employees of the office for people with developmental disabilities as are necessary for efficient administration. The commissioner shall, in exercising his or her appointing authority, take, consistent with article twenty-three-A of the correction law, all reasonable and necessary steps to ensure that any such person so appointed has not previously engaged in any act in violation of any law which indicates a propensity to act in a manner that would compromise the health and safety of individuals with developmental disabilities.

(b) The director of a hospital or institute in the office shall have professional qualifications and experience to be prescribed by the commissioner.

(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, the position of deputy director in an office facility may be filled by new hire or by promotion open to employees who possess the minimum qualifications for the position.

(c) The use of volunteers in the office for people with developmental disabilities shall be encouraged. The commissioner may establish regulations governing such volunteer services.

(d) Where, and to the extent that, an agreement between the state and an employee organization entered into pursuant to article fourteen of the civil service law so provides, the commissioner is authorized to implement the provisions of such agreement relating to discipline consistent with the terms thereof.