1. As used in this chapter, “board” means the board of medicine established in chapter 147.

Terms Used In Iowa Code 148.2A

 2. Notwithstanding sections 17A.11, 69.16, 69.16A, 147.12, 147.14, and 147.19, the board may have a pool of up to ten alternate members, including members licensed to practice under this chapter and members not licensed to practice under this chapter, to substitute for board members who are disqualified or become unavailable for any other reason for contested case hearings.

 a. The board may recommend, subject to approval by the governor, up to ten people to serve in a pool of alternate members.
 b. A person serves in the pool of alternate members at the discretion of the board; however, the length of time an alternate member may serve in the pool shall not exceed nine years. A person who serves as an alternate member may later be appointed to the board and may serve nine years, in accordance with sections 147.12 and 147.19. A former board member may serve in the pool of alternate members.
 c. An alternate member licensed under this chapter shall hold an active license and shall have been actively engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery in the preceding three years, with the two most recent years of practice being in Iowa.
 d. When a sufficient number of board members are unavailable to hear a contested case, the board may request alternate members to serve.
 e. Notwithstanding section 17A.11, section 147.14, subsection 2, and section 272C.6, subsection 5:

 (1) An alternate member is deemed a member of the board only for the hearing panel for which the alternate member serves.
 (2) A hearing panel containing alternate members must include at least six people.
 (3) At least half of the members of a hearing panel containing alternate members shall be current members of the board.
 (4) At least half of the members of a hearing panel containing alternate members shall be licensed to practice under this chapter.
 (5) A decision of a hearing panel containing alternate members is considered a final decision of the board.
 f. An alternate member shall not receive compensation in excess of that authorized by law for a board member.