A. The Arizona advisory council on Indian health care is established to give tribal governments, tribal organizations and urban Indian health care organizations in this state representation in shaping medicaid and health care policies and laws that impact the populations they serve.

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B. The council consists of the following members:

1. Twenty-two representatives of the federally recognized American Indian tribes in this state who are appointed by the governor. Each federally recognized American Indian tribe in this state may recommend to the governor names of persons to represent the tribe on and for appointment to the council. Representatives shall be appointed from those names submitted by the tribes. Recommended representatives may have experience serving the elderly, youth, children or families or persons with disabilities.

2. One representative from the inter tribal council of Arizona who is recommended by the president of the inter tribal council of Arizona and who is appointed by governor.

3. One representative from an urban Indian health organization in this state that receives Indian health services funding pursuant to 25 United States Code chapter 18 who is recommended jointly by the urban Indian health organizations and who is appointed by the governor.

4. One representative from the Arizona health care cost containment system who is appointed by the director.

5. One representative from the department of health services who is appointed by the director of the department of health services.

6. One representative from the department of economic security who is appointed by the director of the department of economic security.

7. One representative from the Arizona early childhood development and health board who is appointed by the executive director of the Arizona early childhood development and health board.

C. A majority of the council members shall be members of federally recognized American Indian tribes in this state. The council shall contact each tribe to solicit names of persons to recommend for expired terms under subsection B, paragraph 1.

D. The council shall invite federal representatives of the centers for medicare and medicaid services, the Indian health service, the United States social security administration and the United States department of veterans affairs to serve as technical advisors to the council. These representatives shall be ex officio members and may serve a three-year term on the council.

E. Except as provided in subsection B, paragraphs 4, 5, 6 and 7 of this section, a member of the council may not be an employee of this state.

F. Members of the council are not eligible to receive compensation, but are eligible for reimbursement of expenses pursuant to title 38, chapter 4, article 2.

G. Members who are appointed pursuant to subsection B, paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 shall serve staggered three-year terms. A member who is absent without notice from three consecutive meetings vacates the individual’s membership. The governor may appoint a new member within thirty days after the third unexcused absence. Vacancies occurring on the council shall be filled for the balance of the term.

H. The council shall elect, from persons appointed pursuant to subsection B, paragraph 1, 2 or 3 of this section, a chairperson and vice chairperson. The chairperson and vice chairperson shall be members of a federally recognized American Indian tribe in this state. The election shall be held the second Monday in July every other year. The term of office shall be two years. The council shall meet at least six times a year and may meet more often at the call of the chairperson or vice chairperson. A majority of seated council members constitutes a quorum.

I. An ex officio member serving pursuant to subsection D of this section is not eligible to vote and is not a member for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present.

J. Meetings are open to the public and minutes of each meeting are open for public inspection.