(a) The Georgia Board of Athletic Trainers, composed of four members who shall be appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, is created. To qualify as a member, a person must be a citizen of the United States and a resident of this state. Two members must be athletic trainers, one member must be a physician licensed by the state, and one member shall be appointed from the public at large and shall have no connection whatsoever with the practice or profession of athletic training.

(b) Members shall serve for a term of office of six years. All terms shall expire on January 31 of even-numbered years. In making the initial appointments, the Governor shall appoint one member for a term expiring in 1978, one member in 1980, and one member for a term expiring in 1982. The initial appointment for the member appointed from the public at large shall expire January 31, 1986.

(c) Each appointee to the board shall qualify by taking an oath of office within 15 days from the date of his appointment. On presentation of the oath, the Secretary of State shall issue commissions to appointees as evidence of their authority to act as members of the board.

(d) In the event of death, resignation, or removal of any member, the vacancy of the unexpired term shall be filled by the Governor in the same manner as other appointments.