(a)

(1) The administrator shall appoint a medical advisory committee comprised of practitioners in the medical community having experience in the treatment of workers' compensation injuries, representatives of the insurance industry, employer representatives, and employee representatives to assist the administrator in the development of treatment guidelines and advise the administrator on issues relating to medical care in the workers' compensation system.

(2) The medical director shall serve as a nonvoting ex-officio member of the committee.

(b) In making appointments, the administrator shall strive to achieve a geographic balance and, in the case of the physician members of the committee, shall assure, to the extent possible, that the membership of the committee reflects the diversity of specialties involved in the medical treatment and management of workers' compensation claimants.

(c) Members of the committee shall serve without compensation but, when engaged in the conduct of their official duties as members of the committee, shall be entitled to reimbursement for travel expenses in accordance with uniform regulations promulgated by the department of finance and administration and approved by the attorney general and reporter.

(d) Each member appointed shall serve a term of four (4) years and may be reappointed by the administrator. If a member leaves the position prior to the expiration of the term, the administrator shall appoint an individual meeting the qualifications of this section to serve the unexpired portion of the term. The individual may be reappointed by the administrator upon expiration of the term.