§ 5-60-4 — § 5-60-4. Board — Composition — Appointment, terms, oaths, and removal of members — Officers — Meetings.

§ 5-60-4. Board — Composition — Appointment, terms, oaths, and removal of members — Officers — Meetings.

(a) The director of the department of health, with the approval of the governor, shall appoint the members of the Rhode Island board of athletic trainers, which shall be composed of three (3) licensed athletic trainers and one public member and one physician licensed to practice medicine and with an interest in sports medicine. In making appointments to the board, the director shall give consideration to recommendations made by professional organizations of athletic trainers and physicians. Each appointee shall be licensed and practicing in the state, except that the director, in appointing the athletic trainer members of the first board, may appoint any practicing athletic trainer who possesses the qualification required by § 5-60-10. To qualify as a member, a person must be a citizen of the United States and a resident of the state for five (5) years immediately preceding appointment.

(b) The members of the board shall be appointed for terms of three (3) years, which expire on August 1 of even-numbered years, except that in making the initial appointments, the director shall designate one member to serve one year; two (2) members to serve two (2) years; and two (2) members to serve three (3) years. In the event of death, resignation, or removal of any member, the vacancy shall be filled for the unexpired portion of the term in the same manner as the original appointment. The director may remove any member for cause at any time prior to the expiration of his or her term. No member shall be appointed for more than two (2) consecutive three-year (3) terms. Upon expiration of the term of office, a member shall continue to serve until a successor is appointed and qualified.

(c) Each appointee to the board shall qualify by taking the constitutional oath of office within thirty (30) days from the date of their appointment. On presentation of the oath, the director shall issue commissions to appointees as evidence of their authority to act as members of the board.

(d) The board shall elect from its members for a term of one year, a chairperson, vice-chairperson, and secretary-treasurer, and may appoint committees that it considers necessary to carry out its duties. The board shall meet at least two (2) times a year. Additional meetings may be held on the call of the chairperson or at the written request of any three (3) members of the board. The quorum required for any meeting of the board shall be a majority of the seats filled. No action by the board or its members has any effect unless a quorum of the board is present.

Legislative History

P.L. 1983, ch. 307, § 1; P.L. 2025, ch. 134, § 10, effective June 24, 2025; P.L. 2025, ch. 135, § 10, effective June 24, 2025.