(a)    (1)    The Commission shall consist of 15 members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.

(2)    Of the 15 members:

(i)    Nine shall be individuals who do not have any connection with the management or policy of a health care provider or payor; and

(ii)    Of the remaining six members:

1.    Two shall be physicians;

2.    Two shall be payors, as defined in § 19-132 of this subtitle;

3.    One shall be a nursing home administrator in the State; and

4.    One shall be a nonphysician health care practitioner.

(b)    (1)    The term of a member is 4 years.

(2)    The terms of members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Commission on October 1, 1999.

(3)    At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.

(4)    A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.

(5)    The Governor may remove a member for neglect of duty, incompetence, or misconduct.

(6)    A member may not serve more than two consecutive terms.

(c)    When appointing members to the Commission, the Governor shall:

(1)    Assure that:

(i)    At least five members are residents of different counties with a population of 300,000 or more; and

(ii)    At least three members are residents of different counties with a population of less than 300,000, of which at least:

1.    One shall be a resident of the Eastern Shore;

2.    One shall be a resident of Allegany County, Garrett County, Washington County, Carroll County, or Frederick County; and

3.    One shall be a resident of Southern Maryland; and

(2)    To the extent practicable, assure geographic balance and promote racial, ethnic, and gender diversity in the Commission's membership.