(a) The Advisory Board is created to advise the Department on the status and needs of people with developmental disabilities and their families. The Board shall also advise the Commissioner regarding the development of the system of care plan described in section 8725 of this title and recommend legislation, rules, policies, and standards to implement the system of care plan.

(b) The Board shall consist of 15 members appointed by the Governor: five persons shall be recipients, five members shall be advocates that represent people with developmental disabilities, and five members shall be professionals with expertise in the area of developmental disabilities.

(c) Members of the Board shall be appointed for staggered terms of three years, beginning April 1, and shall serve until a successor is appointed.

(d) The Board shall elect a Chair from among its members. The Board shall meet at least annually at the time and place determined by the Chair, and at such other times and places as the Chair may determine to be necessary.

(e) Members shall be entitled to reimbursement for necessary and actual expenses incurred in performance of their duties under this chapter. (Added 1995, No. 174 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)