(a) There is created a board of physical therapy, which shall perform the same functions and have the same duties and responsibilities that were performed by the committee of physical therapy prior to July 1, 2007.

(b) The board shall consist of five (5) members appointed by the governor, each of whom shall be a resident of this state. Three (3) members of the board shall be licensed physical therapists who have had at least five (5) years of experience in the actual practice or teaching of physical therapy immediately preceding their appointment. One (1) member of the board shall be a licensed physical therapist assistant who has had at least five (5) years of experience in the actual performance of physical therapy procedures and related tasks or teaching of a physical therapist assistant curriculum immediately preceding the appointment. One (1) member of the board shall be a person who is not engaged in the practice of physical therapy and who is not professionally or commercially associated with the health care industry.

(c) The physical therapist and physical therapist assistant members may be appointed by the governor from lists of nominees submitted by interested physical therapy groups, including, but not limited to, the Tennessee Physical Therapy Association. The governor shall consult with the interested physical therapy groups to determine qualified persons to fill positions on the board.

(d) The physical therapists and the physical therapist assistant who are serving on the committee of physical therapy on July 1, 2007, shall continue to serve as members of the board until the expiration of their terms.

(e) The board shall organize annually and select a chair and a secretary. Meetings shall be held as frequently as may be required.

(f) A quorum of the board shall consist of at least three (3) members.

(g) The division shall provide administrative, investigatory and clerical services to the board.

(h) Each member of the board shall be reimbursed for actual expenses incurred in the performance of official duties on the board and shall be entitled to a per diem of one hundred dollars ($100) for each day of service in conducting the business of the board. All reimbursement for travel expenses shall be in accordance with the comprehensive travel regulations promulgated by the department of finance and administration and approved by the attorney general and reporter.

(i) All regular appointments to the board shall be for terms of three (3) years each. Each member shall serve until a successor is appointed. Vacancies shall be filled by appointment of the governor for the remainder of the unexpired term.

(j) The governor may, at the request of the board, remove any member of the board for misconduct, incompetence or neglect of duty.

(k) In making appointments to the board, the governor shall strive to ensure that at least one (1) member is sixty (60) years of age or older, that at least one (1) member is a racial minority and that the gender balance of the board reflects the gender balance of the state's population.

(l) After July 1, 2007, the board shall assume and fulfill all powers and duties previously assigned to the committee of physical therapy, and the rules adopted by the committee of physical therapy shall become the rules of the board without further action by the board.