There is established a Workers’ Compensation Medical Services Board composed of five physicians licensed to practice medicine in the State of Alabama who shall be appointed by the Secretary of the Department of Labor. The initial board shall be selected from a list of 15 physicians who are members of the Medical Association of the State of Alabama, submitted by the association.

Members of the board shall serve terms of five years. In order that the appointments be staggered, one member shall serve an initial term of six years, one member shall serve an initial term of two years, one member shall serve an initial term of three years, one member shall serve an initial term of four years, and the remaining member shall serve an initial term of five years. Thereafter, successors shall be appointed by the secretary from among a list of three nominees submitted by the Medical Association of the State of Alabama to serve full five-year terms. A member of the board shall continue to serve beyond the expiration of his or her term of office until his or her successor is legally appointed. Members of the Workers’ Compensation Medical Services Board shall be eligible to serve two five-year terms of office in addition to an initial or unexpired term of less than three years, but shall not serve thereafter. Members of the board shall be entitled to receive per diem at the rate of $100.00 for each day or portion thereof spent in the performance of the duties of their office, and in addition, shall be reimbursed for expenses of travel in the same manner as employees of the State of Alabama.

The Workers’ Compensation Medical Services Board shall function as a part of the Department of Labor and shall have the authority, duties, and responsibilities as prescribed in this article. The board may meet quarterly at a time and place designated by the chair, and may meet more frequently at the call of the chair. The board shall elect one of its members as chair who shall serve a term of one year. The board may adopt rules governing its own proceedings. The department shall provide the board with necessary meeting and office space, secretarial and clerical support, reimbursement for travel expenses and per diem as specified in this article. Upon approval of the secretary, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, additional funding as required by the board for the employment of consultants, attorneys, and other professional staff necessary to accomplish the purposes and objectives stated in this article may be provided.