The Governor shall appoint a seven-member consumer advisory board with the advice and consent of the Senate for each of the following divisions: the Intellectual Disability Division, the Autism Division, and the Head and Spinal Cord Injury Division. One member must be a resident of each congressional district, and one must be from the State at large.

The membership of each advisory board must consist of persons with knowledge and expertise in the subject area of that division. In making such appointments, race, gender, and other demographic factors should be considered to ensure nondiscrimination, inclusion and representation to the greatest extent possible of all segments of the population of the State; however, consideration of these factors in making an appointment in no way creates a cause of action or basis for an employee grievance for a person appointed or for a person who fails to be appointed.

The members of the commission shall receive subsistence, mileage, and per diem as may be provided by law for members of state boards, committees, and commissions.

Terms of the members shall be for four years and until their successors are appointed and qualify, except that of the original appointees, two shall be appointed for a period of two years, two shall be appointed for a period of three years, and three shall be appointed for a period of four years.

HISTORY: 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1078; 2011 Act No. 47, Section 2, eff June 7, 2011.