A. Each authorized local agency may establish an advisory committee to the agency and the department representing the needs and interests of the people who are inpatients or residents of nursing care institutions and residential care institutions in the area served by the agency.

B. If such a committee is established, the local agency shall appoint the members of the committee.

C. The committee shall be composed of at least six members. At least one-half of the members shall be consumers of health services who are not providers of health services. No more than one-sixth of the members shall be providers of nursing care services or residential care services.

D. Committee members shall serve in a voluntary capacity, except that the authorized local agency may reimburse committee members for subsistence and travel expenses while performing committee functions as determined by the authorized local agency.