(1) The State Board of Massage Therapists operates as a semi-independent state agency subject to ORS § 182.456 to 182.472, for purposes of carrying out the provisions of ORS § 687.011 to 687.250, 687.895 and 687.991. The board consists of seven members appointed by the Governor and subject to confirmation by the Senate in the manner provided in ORS § 171.562 and 171.565. All members of the board must be residents of this state. Of the members of the board:

(a) Four must be licensed massage therapists.

(b) Three must be members of the public, including one public member selected from a health related field. Public members may not be:

(A) Massage therapists; or

(B) A spouse, domestic partner, child, parent or sibling of a massage therapist.

(2)(a) Board members required to be licensed massage therapists may be selected by the Governor from a list of three to five nominees for each vacancy, submitted by a professional organization representing massage therapists.

(b) In selecting the members of the board, the Governor shall strive to balance the representation on the board according to:

(A) Geographic areas of this state; and

(B) Ethnic group.

(3)(a) The term of office of each member is four years, but a member serves at the pleasure of the Governor. The terms must be staggered so that no more than three terms end each year. A member is eligible for reappointment. If there is a vacancy in the membership of the board for any reason, the Governor shall make an appointment to become immediately effective for the remainder of the unexpired term.

(b) A board member shall be removed immediately from the board if, during the member’s term, the member:

(A) Is not a resident of this state;

(B) Has been absent from three consecutive board meetings, unless at least one absence is excused; or

(C) Is not a licensed massage therapist or a retired massage therapist who was a licensed massage therapist in good standing at the time of retirement, if the board member was appointed to serve on the board as a massage therapist.

(4) Members of the board are entitled to compensation and expenses as provided in ORS § 292.495. The board may provide by rule for compensation to board members for the performance of official duties at a rate that is greater than the rate provided in ORS § 292.495.

(5) The board may:

(a) Hold meetings at times and locations determined by the board.

(b) Hire, define the duties and fix the salary of an administrator who may hire and define the duties and provide supervision and evaluation of other employees as necessary to carry out the provisions of ORS § 687.011 to 687.250, 687.895 and 687.991. The administrator, with approval of the board, may also employ special consultants. All salaries, compensation and expenses incurred or allowed shall be paid out of funds received by the board. [1971 c.650 § 37; 1973 c.792 § 42; 1977 c.217 § 2; 1977 c.507 § 13; 1985 c.82 § 11; 1989 c.69 § 2; 1997 c.177 § 1; 1997 c.626 § 12; 1997 c.632 § 11; 1999 c.537 § 16; 1999 c.1084 § 16; 2009 c.535 § 23; 2009 c.756 § 64]

[Repealed by 1955 c.492 § 15]