(a) The attorney general shall appoint, with the approval of the board of nursing, assistant attorneys general who shall carry out the duties under subsection (b). The attorneys shall receive an annual salary fixed by the attorney general with the approval of the board of nursing. The salaries shall be paid from moneys appropriated to the board of nursing in the board of nursing fee fund.

(b) The assistant attorneys general appointed under subsection (a) shall represent the board of nursing in any proceedings or litigation that may arise in the discharge of the duties of the board of nursing and shall perform such other duties of a legal nature as may be directed by the board of nursing.