(a)

(1) There is established a State Kidney Disease Commission to consist of ten (10) members.

(2) Nine (9) members shall be appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate as follows:

(A) Three (3) members who are knowledgeable in renal medicine and the treatment of end-stage renal disease shall be physicians licensed to practice in Arkansas who are actively engaged in the private practice of medicine in this state;

(B) One (1) member who is knowledgeable in renal medicine and the treatment of end-stage renal disease shall be a physician licensed in Arkansas who is engaged primarily in the institutional practice of medicine;

(C) Two (2) members shall be persons engaged in hospital administrative activities;

(D) Two (2) members shall be named from the public at large, but they shall be individuals who have a demonstrated interest in the treatment and cure of renal diseases; and

(E) One (1) member who shall represent the elderly shall be sixty (60) years of age or older and shall be appointed from the state at large. The member shall not be actively engaged in or retired from any profession, occupation, or industry which is regulated pursuant to this subchapter.

(3) The Commissioner of Arkansas Rehabilitation Services of the Department of Career Education shall be a member of the commission and shall serve as secretary and disbursing officer of funds appropriated to the commission for the treatment and cure of renal diseases.

(b) Members shall be appointed for four-year terms to expire on January 14 of the members' fourth year of the appointed term. Members shall serve until their successors are appointed and qualified.

(c) If a vacancy occurs on the commission due to death, resignation, or other cause, the vacancy shall be filled by appointment of the Governor of a person eligible for the initial appointment, as provided in subsection (a) of this section, for the remainder of the unexpired portion of the term of the member.

(d) The commission shall annually elect one (1) of its members as chair and one (1) of its members as vice chair and such other officers as the commission deems necessary.

(e) The commission shall meet at least one (1) time each calendar quarter and at such other times as may be designated by the commission's rules or upon call by the chair or upon written request of any four (4) members.

(f) Members shall serve without pay but may receive expense reimbursement in accordance with § 25-16-901 et seq.

(g) Members shall qualify by taking the oath of office as prescribed by law.