(A) There is created the Anesthesiologist's Assistant Committee as an advisory committee to the Board of Medical Examiners which consists of nine members to be appointed by the board. Three of the members must be licensed anesthesiologist's assistants with a minimum of three years of patient care experience. Two members must be consumers and three members must be physicians who are licensed to practice in this State. Of the three physician members, at least one must regularly employ an anesthesiologist's assistant. One member of the Board of Medical Examiners shall serve on the committee ex officio, with full rights to participate and vote. All organizations, groups, or interested individuals may submit recommendations to the board of at least two individuals for each position to be filled on the committee.

(B) The members shall serve for terms of four years and until their successors are appointed and qualify, except the initial term of two anesthesiologist's assistants, the consumer member, and one physician are for two years. Vacancies must be filled in the manner of the original appointment for the unexpired portion of the term. The board, after notice and opportunity for hearing, may remove any member of the committee for negligence, neglect of duty, incompetence, revocation or suspension of license, or other dishonorable conduct. Members of the committee shall receive mileage, subsistence, and per diem as provided by law for members of state boards, commissions, and committees for each meeting attended. No member may serve more than two full four-year terms consecutively but may be eligible for reappointment four years from the date the last full four-year term expired.

(C) The committee shall meet at least two times yearly and at other times as may be necessary. A majority of the members currently serving, not less than two of whom must be physician members, constitutes a quorum. At its initial meeting, and at the beginning of each year thereafter, the committee shall elect from its membership a chairman, vice-chairman, and secretary to serve for a term of one year.

HISTORY: 2001 Act No. 57, Section 1.