Sec. 5. (a) The commission consists of the following fifteen (15) members:

(1) One (1) member representing the state department.

(2) One (1) member representing local health departments.

(3) One (1) member representing the medical profession.

(4) One (1) member representing postsecondary educational institutions in Indiana.

(5) Two (2) members representing patient advocacy groups.

(6) One (1) member representing community organizations.

(7) One (1) member representing interpreter professional associations.

(8) One (1) member representing translator professional associations.

(9) One (1) member representing hospitals.

(10) One (1) member representing the interagency state council on black and minority health.

(11) One (1) member representing the department of correction who is nominated by the commissioner of the department of correction.

(12) One (1) member representing the department of education who is nominated by the state superintendent of public instruction.

(13) One (1) member representing the office of Medicaid policy and planning who is nominated by the director of the office of Medicaid policy and planning.

(14) The executive director of the health professions bureau or the executive director's designee.

The state health commissioner shall appoint the members of the commission designated by subdivisions (1) through (13). The appointments made under this subsection must be made in a manner to maintain cultural and language diversity.

(b) The state health commissioner shall designate:

(1) one (1) member as chairperson of the commission; and

(2) one (1) member as vice chairperson of the commission.

(c) Except for the member of the commission designated by subsection (a)(14), a member is appointed to a term of two (2) years or until a successor is appointed. A member may be reappointed to an unlimited number of terms.

(d) Except for the member of the commission designated by subsection (a)(14), if a member:

(1) resigns;

(2) dies; or

(3) is removed from the commission;

before the expiration of the member's term, the state health commissioner shall appoint a new member to serve for the remainder of the term.

(e) The expenses of the commission shall be paid from funds appropriated to the state department.

(f) Each member of the commission who is a state employee is entitled to reimbursement for traveling expenses as provided under IC 4-13-1-4 and other expenses actually incurred in connection with the member's duties as provided in the state policies and procedures established by the Indiana department of administration and approved by the budget agency.

(g) The affirmative votes of a majority of the members appointed to the commission are required for the commission to take action on any measure.

(h) The commission shall meet quarterly or on the call of the chairperson.

As added by P.L.61-2004, SEC.4. Amended by P.L.2-2007, SEC.196.