a. There is created a Professional Advisory Committee which shall be elected by the directors in a manner provided by the bylaws, which shall advise and make recommendations to the board with respect to professional practice and health care issues, including, but not limited to, (1) the eligibility of and reimbursement for medical, surgical, or other health care procedures or services; and (2) the establishing of guidelines for the utilization of health care services and procedures.

b. The advisory committee created pursuant to subsection a. of this section shall be composed of at least five physicians, of whom not less than two shall also be directors, and all of whom shall be participating providers. In the case of a merger of a hospital service corporation and a medical service corporation, the initial advisory committee shall be elected by the board of the merging medical service corporation. Thereafter, all members of the advisory committee shall be elected by the directors, in a manner provided by the bylaws.

L. 1985, c. 236, s. 11, eff. July 15, 1985.