§ 17-86-201 - Members.

17-86-201. Members.

(a) (1) The Arkansas State Board of Massage Therapy shall consist of seven (7) members, who shall be appointed by the Governor for a term of three (3) years.

(2) (A) Six (6) of the members shall be licensees under this chapter. These members shall be full voting members.

(B) Only two (2) of the members shall be owners of a massage therapy school.

(3) One (1) member, to represent the public, shall not be engaged in or retired from the practice of massage therapy. This member shall be a full voting member.

(4) (A) A board member shall begin his or her appointed term on July 1, 2009.

(B) Board members appointed to their positions shall be selected in equal apportionment from the congressional districts of the state as provided in 25-16-801 and shall be subject to confirmation by the Senate.

(C) A board position becomes vacant immediately when the member filling that position moves to another state.

(D) (i) The initial terms of the appointed members of the board shall be determined by lot so that three (3) members have a three-year term, two (2) members have a two-year term, and two (2) members have a one-year term.

(ii) A person who has previously served on the board shall not be eligible for an initial appointment.

(5) Board members shall not serve more than six (6) consecutive years on the board.

(b) The Governor may remove members of the board from office according to 25-16-804. The Governor shall fill any vacancy caused by the removal of any member of the board, by a member's resignation or death, or upon the expiration of a member's term.

(c) (1) Members shall be paid and receive a fee of no less than fifty dollars ($50.00) per diem for each day actually engaged in attending board meetings or performing other official duties.

(2) All board members shall receive reimbursement for all reasonable and necessary travel at the rate approved for state employees. Lodging and other expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties will also be paid on the approved scale for state employees.