(a) The board shall establish and administer an Attorney Diversion and Assistance Program, and shall establish a committee to oversee the operation of the program. The committee shall be comprised of 12 members who shall be appointed as follows:

(1) Six members appointed by the Board of Trustees, including the following:

(A) Two members who are licensed mental health professionals with knowledge and expertise in the identification and treatment of substance abuse and mental illness.

(B) One member who is a physician with knowledge and expertise in the identification and treatment of alcoholism and substance abuse.

(C) One member of the board of directors of a statewide nonprofit organization established for the purpose of assisting lawyers with alcohol or substance abuse problems, which has been in continuous operation for a minimum of five years.

(D) Two members who are attorneys, at least one of which is in recovery and has at least five years of continuous sobriety.

(2) Four members appointed by the Governor, including the following:

(A) Two members who are attorneys.

(B) Two members of the public.

(3) One member of the public appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly.

(4) One member of the public appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules.

(b) Committee members shall serve terms of four years, and may be reappointed as many times as desired. The board shall stagger the terms of the initial members appointed.

(c) Subject to the approval of the board, the committee may adopt reasonable rules and regulations as may be necessary or advisable for the purpose of implementing and operating the program.

(Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 417, Sec. 63. (SB 163) Effective January 1, 2012.)