Md. Code, Human Services § 9–206

(a) With the approval of the Governor, the Secretary may appoint three deputy secretaries as necessary.

(b) The deputy secretaries:

(1) serve at the pleasure of the Secretary; and

(2) are entitled to the compensation provided in the State budget.

(c) The deputy secretaries have the duties provided by law or delegated by the Secretary.

(d) The Secretary shall designate a deputy secretary to be the Acting Secretary when the Secretary is absent from the State or otherwise unavailable.