Section 7.23. Education and training

(a)  The  commissioner shall have the power to establish such programs
  of training and education related to mental illness  as  he  shall  deem
  desirable.
    (b)  The director of each facility in the office of mental health with
  the approval of the commissioner of  mental  health  may  establish  and
  supervise  training  and  education programs for employees. Directors of
  such facilities authorized to establish education or  training  programs
  may  enter into agreements with educational institutions to furnish such
  education and training in whole or in part.
    (c) The commissioner may grant leaves of absence to employees  of  the
  office  of  mental  health  for  the  purpose  of  receiving training or
  education for the better performance of their duties and, subject to the
  approval of the director of the budget, may  continue  the  salaries  of
  such  employees,  in  full  or  in  part,  in  an  amount  not to exceed
  reimbursement for the loss of earnings while receiving such training.