§ 3655. Medical equipment service agency advisory board. 1. There is
hereby created in the department a medical equipment service advisory
board to consist of the commissioner or his or her designee as an
ex-officio member, and eight other members appointed by the
commissioner. The members shall include four representatives of the home
medical equipment service industry and/or home medical equipment service
providers, a rehabilitation technology specialist, a respiratory
therapist, a physician, and a representative of the public. The
commissioner shall designate one member to serve as chair.

2. The term of office of each member shall be for three years,
provided however, that of the members first appointed, three shall be
appointed for terms which expire December thirty-first, two thousand
three, two shall be appointed for terms which expire December
thirty-first, two thousand four, and three shall be appointed for terms
which expire December thirty-first, two thousand five. Vacancies shall
be filled by appointment for the unexpired term. The members shall
continue in office until the expiration of their terms and until their
successors are appointed. A member may be dismissed by the commissioner
for cause, or for repeated absence.

3. The board shall meet as frequently as its business shall require,
in no case less than on a semi-annual basis. The members of the board
shall receive no compensation for their services as members of the
board, but shall be reimbursed for necessary and actual expenses
incurred in the performance of his or her duties.

4. The commissioner, upon request of the board, may designate an
employee of the department to assist the board in carrying out its
responsibilities.

5. The board, upon an affirmative vote of a majority of its members,
may make recommendations to the commissioner regarding the adoption,
amendment and/or repeal of any rules, regulations, standards and
policies regarding the provision of home medical equipment services.