(A) There is created the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners to be composed of eight members, one of whom must be a consumer advocate member from the State at large, one of whom must be a veterinarian from the State at large, and six of whom must be veterinarians representing each of the six congressional districts.Each veterinarian must be a resident of the State of South Carolina and of the congressional district which the veterinarian represents, licensed by the State, and practicing. The consumer advocate member must be a resident of the State.The terms of the members are for six years and until successors are appointed and qualify. No member is allowed successive terms of office.
(B) The veterinarian at large and the consumer advocate member must be appointed by the Governor. The board shall conduct an election to nominate two veterinarians from each congressional district. The election shall provide for participation by all veterinarians currently licensed and residing in the district for which the nomination is being made. The names of the nominees must be forwarded to the Governor by the board and the Governor may appoint one of the nominees as the member; however, the Governor may reject any or all of the nominees upon satisfactory showing of the unfitness of those rejected. If the Governor declines to appoint any of the nominees submitted, additional nominees must be submitted in the same manner. Vacancies must be filled in the manner of the original appointment for the unexpired portion of the term.
(C) The consumer advocate member may not vote on examination for licensure of veterinarians.
(D) The Governor may remove a member of the board who is guilty of continued neglect of board duties or who is found to be incompetent, unprofessional, or dishonorable. No member may be removed without first giving the member an opportunity to refute the charges filed against that member, who must be given a copy of the charges at the time they are filed.
(E) If a board member is disqualified and the member's absence results in the lack of a quorum or an adequate number of members to perform official functions, the Governor may appoint an individual to replace the member during the period of disqualification. This individual shall meet the same qualifications as the member being replaced and must take the same oath as required of other members of the board.