(a) The Georgia Board of Nursing existing immediately prior to April 4, 1990, is continued in existence and shall continue to consist of eight members to be appointed by the Governor with the confirmation of the Senate. Members shall serve three-year terms and until their successors are duly appointed and qualified. Those persons serving as members of the board immediately prior to April 4, 1990, shall continue to serve out their respective terms of office and until their respective successors are appointed and qualified. No member shall be appointed to more than two consecutive full terms, and for purposes of this limitation, an appointment to fill a vacancy for an unexpired term of two or more years shall constitute an appointment for a full term.

(b) A vacancy on the board for any reason other than expiration of the term shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term by appointment of the Governor with the confirmation of the Senate.

(c) Each of seven members appointed to the board shall be a registered professional nurse; shall have practiced nursing as a registered professional nurse for at least five years since graduation and immediately prior to appointment; shall be engaged in paid employment in clinical, educational, or administrative positions, or any combination thereof; shall be a citizen of the United States; and a resident of Georgia. The eighth member shall be a consumer member appointed by the Governor.

(d) No fewer than two members of the board shall hold master's or doctoral degrees or both. No fewer than two members of the board shall be currently employed in nursing service administration. No fewer than two members of the board shall be currently employed in professional nursing education. No two members of the board shall be employed by the same private school, school within the University System of Georgia, private employer, agency of state government, or another public employer. In the event a board member changes employment which causes a conflict with this subsection, the position of the member making such change shall be immediately vacant and a new member appointed to fill the vacancy.

(e) The board shall meet annually and shall elect from its members a president, vice president, and other officers as deemed necessary. All officers shall serve for terms of one year and until their successors have been elected. The board may hold such other meetings during the year as necessary to transact its business.