(A) There is created the Board of Examiners for the Licensure of Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, Addiction Counselors, and Psycho-Educational Specialists composed of eleven members appointed by the Governor. Of the eleven members, nine must be professional members, with representation from each congressional district in the State. Of the professional members, three must be licensed professional counselors, two must be licensed addiction counselors, three must be marriage and family therapists, and one must be a psycho-educational specialist. The remaining two members must be at large from the general public and must not be associated with, or financially interested in, the practice of professional counseling, marriage and family therapy, addiction counseling, or psycho-educational services.

(B) The membership must be representative of race, ethnicity, and gender. The eight professional members must have been actively engaged in the practice of their respective professions or in the education and training of professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, addiction counselors, or psycho-educational specialists for at least five years prior to appointment. Members may be licensed as a licensed professional counselor, marriage and family therapist, addiction counselor, or psycho-educational specialist. Members are eligible for reappointment. Vacancies must be filled in the same manner as the original appointment for the unexpired portion of the term. Each member shall receive per diem, subsistence, and mileage as allowed by law for members of state boards, commissions, and committees for each day actually engaged in the duties of the office, including a reasonable number of days, as determined by board regulation, for preparation and reviewing of applications and examinations in addition to time actually spent in conducting examinations.