32-1702. Board of optometry; appointment; qualifications; term; removal

A. The state board of optometry is established consisting of the following members who are appointed by the governor to staggered four-year terms that end on July 1:

1. Five members who have been licensed and engaged in the active practice of optometry in this state for at least three years immediately before the appointment.

2. Two public members who do not have a direct or indirect interest in the practice of optometry, opticianry or medicine.

B. Before appointment by the governor, a prospective member of the board shall submit a full set of fingerprints to the governor for the purpose of obtaining a state and federal criminal records check pursuant to section 41-1750 and Public Law 92-544. The department of public safety may exchange this fingerprint data with the federal bureau of investigation.

C. The governor may remove any professional member for incompetency or unprofessional conduct or if the member's license has been revoked or suspended or if the member has been censured or placed on probation. The governor may remove any member for neglect of duty or improper conduct. The unexcused absence of a member for more than two consecutive meetings is justification for removal. Appointment by the governor to fill a vacancy caused other than by expiration of a term is for the unexpired portion of the term.

D. A member of the board is ineligible to serve more than two consecutive full terms. The completion of the unexpired portion of a full term does not constitute a full term for purposes of this subsection.

E. The board shall conduct regular meetings at least six times each year at times and places designated by the board or the governor. Special meetings may be called that the president determines are necessary to carry out the functions of the board, including meetings using communications equipment that allows all members participating in the meetings to hear each other.

F. A majority of the members of the board constitutes a quorum and a majority vote of a quorum present at any meeting governs all actions taken by the board.