(1) There is created the Professional Art Therapists Advisory Council. The purpose of the council is to advise the Mississippi State Board of Health on matters relating to the administration and interpretation of the provisions of this chapter. The council shall consist of three (3) members who are professional art therapists licensed pursuant to Section 73-65-7 and who have engaged in art therapy practice for at least five (5) years, two (2) members shall be family members of consumers or consumers of art therapy services and one (1) physician or health professional member. All council members shall be citizens of the United States and residents of Mississippi. The initial council members who are not family members of consumers shall meet requirements for licensure and be licensed within one (1) year after July 1, 2000. Beginning July 1, 2000, each council member who is not a family member of a consumer shall be licensed as an art therapist before appointment and shall be actively engaged in the practicing or teaching of art therapy. Members of the council shall be appointed by the board for terms of four (4) years.

(2) Members of the council shall receive no compensation or per diem for their service on the council, but may receive reimbursement for travel expenses incurred in attending council meetings, as provided in Section 25-3-41.

(3) The council shall elect annually from its membership a chairman and any other officers as necessary to carry out its duties. The council shall meet at least two (2) times each year. Additional meetings may be called by the chairman, upon the written request of at least two (2) members of the council. Three (3) council members shall constitute a quorum of the council.