(a) The provisions of chapter 54 shall be applicable to the Board of Regents for Higher Education, subject to the provisions of subsection (b) of this section.

(b) Policies, guidelines and criteria established by the board pursuant to § 10a-6 shall not be deemed to be regulations as defined in § 4-166, provided they are promulgated after reasonable opportunity has been provided for interested persons to present their views and, provided further, that such policies, guidelines and criteria remain subject to § 4-175.