1. (a) There shall be a steering committee called the Steering Committee on Women’s Health that shall serve in an advisory capacity to the State Health Officer and the Director of the Office of Women’s Health. The membership of the committee shall include all of the following:

   1. (1) Three physicians appointed by the Medical Association of the State of Alabama.
   2. (2) Three nurses appointed by the Alabama State Nurses Association.
   3. (3) Three pharmacists appointed by the Alabama Pharmaceutical Association.
   4. (4) Three employers appointed by the Business Council of Alabama.
   5. (5) Three consumers, one appointed by the Governor, one appointed by the Lieutenant Governor, and one by the Speaker of the House.
   6. (6) Three members appointed by the Alabama Hospital Association.

   7. (7) Three registered dietitians appointed by the Alabama Dietetic Association.

      The members of the steering committee shall serve two-year terms of office with the exception of the initial committee on which one appointee from each group specified above shall serve a three-year term and one member from each group specified above will serve a one-year term. The steering committee shall be comprised of persons with an expertise in and knowledge of women’s health issues in Alabama.

      The Steering Committee shall reflect the racial, ethnic, gender, urban/rural, and economic diversity of the state.

2. (b) The State Health Officer shall:

   1. (1) Appoint a chair for the steering committee from the committee membership.
   2. (2) Establish the policies and procedures under which the steering committee operates.
   3. (3) Ensure that the steering committee will meet quarterly.

(Act 2002-141, p. 384, §4.)