1. The “Arthritis Program Review Committee” is hereby created within the department of health and senior services. This committee shall consist of fifteen members, two from each of the seven regions set forth in section 192.714 and one at-large member. The fourteen regional members shall be nominated to the committee by the board. The one at-large member shall be nominated by the state board of health and senior services. The members of the committee shall include at least one from each of the following categories: rheumatology educators, practicing rheumatologists, primary care practitioners, nurses, allied health professionals, arthritis patients, and members of the general public. Members of the committee shall be appointed by the director in consultation with the board of health and senior services. Of the fifteen initial members, five shall have a two-year term, five shall have a three-year term, and five shall have a four-year term. Thereafter, each member shall serve a four-year term and until his successor is appointed and confirmed. Vacancies on the committee arising from reasons other than expiration of the member’s term shall be filled by the director for the time remaining in the unexpired term.

2. The committee shall meet annually and at other such times as called by the chairman of the committee. The chairman shall be elected annually from the committee membership at the first committee meeting and shall serve as chairman until a new chairman is elected, or until his term on the committee expires, whichever occurs first.

3. The committee shall review, make site visits and determine and make recommendations to the board on the merit of regional arthritis center applications. No program or other activity will be recommended for funding by the board without the favorable review of the committee.

4. The arthritis program coordinator shall serve the committee as its executive administrator.