(a) The commissioner may appoint an advisory committee to assist the commissioner in the development and review of regulations prescribing standards under § 50-3-201.

(b)

(1) The committee shall consist of an uneven number of persons, not to exceed seven (7), appointed by the commissioner, engaged in the development of the regulation.

(2) Membership on the committee shall include representatives qualified by experience and affiliation to present the diverse viewpoint of persons and groups most likely to be affected by the standards, and may include representatives of employers, employees, the insurance industry, the health professions and the safety professions.

(3) In the selection of members, the commissioner shall consider such criteria as special expertise in the health and safety fields, geographical distribution of members within the three (3) grand divisions of the state, the interests of state and local government and the interests of the public.

(c) Members of the advisory committee shall be reimbursed for their expenses and shall be paid on a per diem basis for days actually and necessarily employed in the discharge of official duties of the committee at a rate to be determined by the commissioner and approved by the department of finance and administration.

(d)

(1) Administrative and technical assistance reasonably required by the advisory committee shall be provided by the commissioner.

(2) The committee may seek advice and information from interested and knowledgeable parties and governmental agencies to assist it in the determination of its recommended standards.