(A) The members of the South Carolina Brain Injury Leadership Council should have knowledge or expertise in the area of brain injury or related services. The council shall be comprised of representatives of the following agencies and organizations, shall be appointed by the director of the agency or organization and shall serve ex officio:

(1) South Carolina Department of Education;

(2) South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services;

(3) South Carolina Department of Mental Health;

(4) South Carolina Department of Social Services;

(5) South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control;

(6) South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department;

(7) South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs;

(8) Head and Spinal Cord Injury Division within the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs;

(9) Medical University of South Carolina;

(10) University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities within the University of South Carolina School of Medicine;

(11) South Carolina Statewide Independent Living Council;

(12) South Carolina Developmental Disabilities Council;

(13) Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities, Inc.; and

(14) Brain Injury Association of South Carolina.

(B) Council members shall include persons who are survivors of traumatic brain injury, family members or legal guardians of these persons, health care professionals, representatives of service provider entities, or other interested parties knowledgeable about brain injuries. Membership shall meet requirements of the State Advisory Board designated by the federal Traumatic Brain Injury Act.

(C) Officers of the council shall be as follows: chairperson, vice chairperson, and secretary. Council officers are to be elected at the final quarterly council meeting of the year, and shall serve a two year term starting the next calendar year.

(D) Council members shall be appointed with consideration given to statewide geographic and demographic representation. When an appointed vacancy on the council exists, nominations to fill the vacancy may be received from members of the council by the secretary.

(E) Members and officers of the council are not entitled to mileage, per diem, subsistence, or any other form of compensation.