There is created the State Board of Nursing composed of nine members. One must be a lay member from the State at large, six must be registered nurses, and two must be licensed practical nurses. One registered nurse shall represent each congressional district, one licensed practical nurse shall represent Region I which includes Congressional Districts 1, 2, and 3, and one licensed practical nurse shall represent Region II which includes Congressional Districts 4, 5, and 6. Representation of the licensed practical nurse in each region rotates from each district in successive terms. Registered nurse and licensed practical nurse members must be licensed in South Carolina, must be employed, must have at least three years of practice in their respective profession immediately preceding their appointment, and shall reside in the district they represent. A lay member must not be licensed or employed as a health care provider but shall represent the public at large as a consumer of nurse services. No member may serve as an officer of a professional health related state association.

The terms of the members are for four years and until successors are appointed and qualify. No member may serve more than two consecutive terms. All members must be appointed by the Governor.

An individual, group, or association may nominate qualified individuals and submit them to the Governor for his consideration. The board shall publish widely in the State and appropriate districts notice of all pending board vacancies. Vacancies must be filled for the unexpired portion of a term by appointment of the Governor.

The Governor may remove a member who has been guilty of continued neglect of his duties or who is found to be incompetent, unprofessional, or dishonorable. No member may be removed without first giving him an opportunity to refute the charges filed against him. He must be given a copy of the charges at the time they are filed.