Protection of the public shall be the highest priority for the Physician Assistant Board in exercising its licensing, regulatory, and disciplinary functions. Whenever the protection of the public is inconsistent with other interests sought to be promoted, the protection of the public shall be paramount.

Notwithstanding any other law, the repeal of Section 3504 renders the board subject to review by the appropriate policy committee of the Legislature.

The members of the board shall include four physician assistants, one physician and surgeon who is also a member of the Medical Board of California, and four public members. Upon the expiration of the term of the member who is a member of the Medical Board of California, that position shall be filled by a physician assistant. Upon the expiration of the term of the member who is a member of the Medical Board of California, above, there shall be appointed to the board a physician and surgeon who is also a member of the Medical Board of California who shall serve as an ex officio, nonvoting member and whose functions shall include reporting to the Medical Board of California on the actions or discussions of the board. Following the expiration of the term of the member

described above, the board shall include five physician assistants, one physician and surgeon, and four public members.

Each member of the board shall hold office for a term of four years expiring on January 1st, and shall serve until the appointment and qualification of a successor or until one year shall have elapsed since the expiration of the term for which the member was appointed, whichever first occurs. No member shall serve for more than two consecutive terms. Vacancies shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired terms.

The Governor shall appoint the licensed members qualified as provided in this section and two public members. The Senate Rules Committee and the Speaker of the Assembly shall each appoint a public member.

Each member of the board shall receive a per diem and expenses as provided in Section 103.

The appointing power has power to remove from office any member of the board, as provided in Section 106.

It shall be the duty of the board to:

The board shall elect annually a president and a vice president from among its members.

The board may adopt, amend, and repeal regulations as may be necessary to enable it to carry into effect the provisions of this chapter. All regulations shall be in accordance with, and not inconsistent with, the provisions of this chapter. Such regulations shall be adopted, amended, or repealed in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

Five members shall constitute a quorum for transacting any business. The affirmative vote of a majority of those present at a meeting of the board shall be required to carry any motion. The physician and surgeon who serves as an ex officio member shall not be counted for purposes of a quorum.