§ 365-c. Medical advisory committee. 1. A medical advisory committee is hereby established to consist of twenty members who shall be appointed by the governor, by and with the advice and consent of the senate, for the following terms: seven shall be appointed for a term to expire on May thirty-first, nineteen hundred seventy-four: seven shall be appointed for a term to expire on May thirty-first, nineteen hundred seventy-five: and six shall be appointed for a term to expire on May thirty-first, nineteen hundred seventy-six. Thereafter members appointed upon expiration of a term of office shall be appointed for a term of three years. Vacancies caused by death, resignation or refusal to act or by removal from the state shall be filled for the unexpired term only. At least seven members of such committee shall be duly licensed physicians. The governor shall designate a chairman from among the members of the medical advisory committee, to serve as such at the pleasure of the governor. In appointing the members of the medical advisory committee, the governor shall give consideration to professional qualifications and experience and to achieving representation of the professions of medicine, osteopathy, podiatry, mental health, social work, dentistry, optometry, chiropractic, physical therapy, pharmacy, nursing, hospital and health administration and education for the health professions, of public and private agencies in the field of medical assistance, and of recipients and consumers of medical assistance for needy persons.

2. The medical advisory committee shall advise the commissioner with respect to health and medical care services provided pursuant to this title.

3. The medical advisory committee shall meet at least once a year. Special meetings may be called by the chairman, and shall be called by him at the request of the governor or the commissioner.

4. No member of the medical advisory committee shall be disqualified from holding any other public office or employment, nor shall he forfeit any such office or employment by reason of his employment hereunder, notwithstanding the provisions of any general, special or local law, ordinance or charter.

5. The members of the medical advisory committee shall receive no compensation for their services, but shall be allowed their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties hereunder.