(a) The board shall elect annually a chair and a vice chair. Each member shall receive daily compensation as established by the board for each day actively engaged in the duties of the board and the same travel expense allowance as is paid to state employees for travel in the service of the board. At the request of the executive director, a board member may work additional days on behalf of the board. For such activities, the board member shall be compensated at the same daily rate for scheduled board meetings and shall receive the same travel expense allowance as is paid to state employees for travel in the service of the board. The amounts shall in no case exceed funds available to the board. The board shall hold at least one regular meeting each year. Additional meetings may be held at the discretion of the chair or at the written request of any three members of the board. The board shall adopt a seal which shall be affixed to all licenses and certificates issued by the board. The board shall from time to time adopt those rules and regulations as the board may deem necessary for the performance of the duties of the board. The board may appoint and employ a qualified person possessing a high degree of professional skill, not subject to the State Merit System, to serve as executive director. The compensation of the executive director shall be established by the board. Four members of the board shall be empowered to accept grants from foundations and institutions to carry on the functions of the board.

(b) Notwithstanding any other contrary provision of law, the executive director employed by the board may be a practicing licensee of the board.