(a) The board may promulgate and amend, from time to time, such rules and regulations, consistent with this chapter and Chapter 13 of Title 50, the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act," as it deems consistent with or required for the public welfare, for the administration of any provision of this chapter, or for the orderly conduct of the board's affairs. Such rules and regulations may include, without limiting the generality of the foregoing:

(1) Rules of procedure for governing the conduct of matters before the board;

(2) Rules of professional conduct for establishing and maintaining high standards of competence and integrity in the practice of public accountancy;

(3) Regulations governing educational requirements for certification as a certified public accountant and registration as a public accountant and prescribing further educational requirements (requirements of continuing professional education) to be met from time to time by persons so certified or registered, in order to maintain their professional knowledge and competence, as a condition to continuing in the practice of public accountancy;

(4) Regulations governing individuals or firms engaged in this state in the practice of public accountancy;

(5) Regulations governing the registration of offices established or maintained for the practice of public accountancy in this state and the conditions upon which such registration shall be granted, including any requirements that the board may deem necessary to monitor the practice of such office to determine whether acceptable standards of competence and integrity in the practice of public accountancy are being maintained; and

(6) Any and all other rules and regulations which the board deems necessary or appropriate in exercising its functions under this chapter.

(b) Prior to the adoption, amendment, or repeal of any rule other than interpretive rules or general statements of policy, the board shall give notice of its intended action in accordance with Chapter 13 of Title 50, the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act," provided that such comments shall be advisory only. In connection with any rule-making proceeding, formal or informal, the board shall have the power to conduct hearings as provided in, and in accordance with, Chapter 13 of Title 50, the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act."