1. As an alternative to authority contained elsewhere in this chapter, a licensing board may employ within the limits of available funds an executive secretary, one or more inspectors, and such clerical personnel as may be necessary for the administration of the duties of the board. Employees of the board shall be employed subject to chapter 8A, subchapter IV. The qualifications of the executive secretary shall be determined by the board.
 2. All employees of a licensing board shall be reimbursed subject to the rules of the director of the department of administrative services for their expenses incurred in the performance of official duties. All reimbursements shall constitute costs of sustaining the board.
 3. Licensees appointed to serve on a hearing panel pursuant to section 272C.6, subsection 2, shall be compensated at the rate specified in section 7E.6 for each day of actual duty, and shall be reimbursed for actual expenses reasonably incurred in the performance of duties.
 4. Salaries, per diem, and expenses incurred in the performance of official duties of the board or its employees shall be paid from funds appropriated by the general assembly.