(a) The West Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine is continued. The members of the board in office on July 1, 2010, shall, unless sooner removed, continue to serve until their respective terms expire and until their successors have been appointed and qualified.

(b) Prior to July 1, 2010, the Governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall appoint:

(1) A registered veterinary technician for a term of five years; and

(2) A licensed veterinarian for a term of four years.

(c) Commencing July 1, 2010, the board shall consist of the following nine members, appointed by the Governor by and with the advice and consent of the Senate:

(1) Six members licensed to practice veterinary medicine in this state;

(2) One member registered to practice veterinary technology in this state; and

(3) Two citizen members, who are not licensed, registered, certified or permitted under the provisions of this article, and who do not perform any services related to the practice of the professions regulated under the provisions of this article.

(d) After the initial appointment term, the appointment term is five years. A member may not serve more than two consecutive terms. A member who has served two consecutive full terms may not be reappointed for at least one year after completion of his or her second full term. A member may continue to serve until his or her successor has been appointed and qualified.

(e) Each licensed or registered member of the board, at the time of his or her appointment, must have held a license or registration in this state for a period of not less than three years immediately preceding the appointment.

(f) Each member of the board must be a resident of this state during the appointment term.

(g) A vacancy on the board shall be filled by appointment by the Governor for the unexpired term of the member whose office is vacant.

(h) The Governor may remove any member from the board for neglect of duty, incompetency or official misconduct.

(i) A licensed or registered member of the board immediately and automatically forfeits membership to the board if his or her license or registration to practice is suspended or revoked.

(j) A member of the board immediately and automatically forfeits membership to the board if he or she is convicted of a felony under the laws of any jurisdiction or becomes a nonresident of this state.

(k) The board shall elect annually one of its members as chairperson and one member as secretary-treasurer who shall serve at the will and pleasure of the board.

(l) Each member of the board is entitled to receive compensation and expense reimbursement in accordance with article one of this chapter.

(m) A majority of the members of the board constitutes a quorum.

(n) A veterinary technician member may not be employed by a veterinarian on the board.

(o) The board shall hold at least one annual meeting. Other meetings shall be held at the call of the chairperson or upon the written request of three members, at the time and place as designated in the call or request.

(p) Prior to commencing his or her duties as a member of the board, each member shall take and subscribe to the oath required by section five, article four of the Constitution of this state.