Each member of the board not otherwise employed by the state shall be paid the same compensation, and each member of the board shall be paid the expense reimbursement, as is paid to members of the Legislature for their interim duties as recommended by the Citizens Legislative Compensation Commission and authorized by law for each day or portion thereof engaged in the discharge of official duties. In the event the expenses are paid by a third party, the member shall not be reimbursed by the state. The reimbursement shall be paid out of the State Treasury upon a requisition upon the State Auditor, properly certified by the Office of Miners' Health, Safety and Training. No employer shall prohibit a member of the board from exercising leave of absence from his or her place of employment in order to attend a meeting of the board or a meeting of a subcommittee of the board, or to prepare for a meeting of the board, any contract of employment to the contrary notwithstanding.