The South Carolina Protection and Advocacy System for the Handicapped, Inc., is governed by a board consisting of a minimum of twelve members and a maximum of sixteen members. Four members must be appointed by the Governor, one member from each of the system's four regions. Eight members must be elected by the board upon recommendation by the system's nominating committee which shall consult with advocacy groups of the State representing persons with handicaps. Members shall serve for terms of four years and until their successors are appointed and qualify. Vacancies must be filled in the original manner for the unexpired portion of the term. A vacancy must be filled not later than sixty days after the date on which the vacancy occurs. Up to four members who serve as chair of advisory councils or committees to the system may be elected by the board to serve ex officio as considered appropriate to the needs of the system or as mandated by law. No appointed board member may serve more than two successive four-year terms.

The board may change its corporate name in the same manner as any other nonprofit corporation, and if the board changes its corporate name, the powers and duties of the South Carolina Protection and Advocacy System for the Handicapped, Inc., are considered to be the powers and duties of the successor nonprofit corporation.

HISTORY: 1979 Act No. 48 Section 3; 1989 Act No. 145, Section 1, eff June 5, 1989; 1991 Act No. 52, Section 1, eff May 27, 1991; 1996 Act No. 251, Section 1, eff April 1, 1996.