(a) There is created an Alabama Board of Social Work Examiners, which shall consist of seven members who are citizens of this state and appointed by the Governor. No person shall be excluded from serving on the board by reason of race, sex, or national origin. Four members shall be "licensed certified social workers" under the provisions of this chapter, who have rendered service, education, or research in social work. Two members shall be "licensed graduate social workers" under the provisions of this chapter, who shall have rendered service, education, or research in social work. One member shall be a "licensed bachelor social worker" under the provisions of this chapter who has rendered service, education, or research in social work. Initial members shall be persons eligible for licensing as provided by this chapter. Members shall be appointed within 90 days after May 23, 1977, from a list of names of qualified persons submitted by any interested parties. The Governor may request the submission of additional names.

(b) After March 20, 1992, successor members of the board shall be appointed by the Governor as provided in this subsection. At least one position on the board shall be represented by a person who is a member of a minority race. Within 30 days following the expiration of a term or terms of office, the board shall notify each licensee in writing of the vacancy and shall solicit the nomination of not more than five licensed certified social workers, licensed graduate social workers, or licensed bachelor social workers, as the case may be, for consideration for each position to be filled. The board shall certify the names of not more than three persons receiving the highest number of nominations for each position to the Governor. The Governor shall appoint one of the nominated persons for the position or positions within 30 days following receipt of the list. If the Governor fails to make the appointment within the 30-day period, the person for each position receiving the highest number of nominations shall become the successor board member for that respective position. The first successor member appointed after March 20, 1992, shall be a member of a minority race who meets all other qualifications of this article. Beginning with the seventh appointment following March 20, 1992, not more than one member from any United States Congressional District, as those districts exist as of March 20, 1992, shall be appointed to serve at the same time.

(c) Any other provision of law notwithstanding, successors to the three terms that expire in October 2004 shall be appointed as follows: Two members shall be appointed for terms of two years and one member shall be appointed for a term of three years, with all terms expiring on September 30 of the final year of the term. Any other provision of law notwithstanding, successors to the four terms that expire in December 2005 shall be appointed as follows: One member shall be appointed for a term of two years and three members shall be appointed for terms of three years, with all terms expiring on September 30 of the final year of the term. Thereafter, subsequent appointments shall be for a term of three years, expiring on September 30 of the final year of the term. Each member shall hold office until his or her successor is appointed and assumes office. A two-year appointment to fill an expired term pursuant to this subsection shall be considered a consecutive term of office for determining the two consecutive terms of office limitation provided in Section 34-30-51. Any vacancy occurring other than by expiration of a term shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term by appointment of the Governor. An appointment to fill an unexpired term may not be considered a consecutive term of office for determining the two consecutive terms of office limitation provided in Section 34-30-51.