§15–1203.

    (a)    The Advisory Group consists of:

        (1)    The Deputy Secretary of Health Care Financing, or the Deputy Secretary’s designee;

        (2)    The Secretary of Labor, or the Secretary’s designee; and

        (3)    The following members appointed by the Deputy Secretary of Health Care Financing, or the Deputy Secretary’s designee:

            (i)    Three consumers;

            (ii)    Two representatives of consumer organizations;

            (iii)    Three direct care workers;

            (iv)    Two representatives of worker organizations; and

            (v)    Three representatives of provider associations, of whom:

                1.    Two shall be representatives of a residential service agency; and

                2.    One shall be a representative of an employer trade association.

    (b)    To the extent practicable, the members appointed to the Advisory Group shall reflect the diversity of lived experience with disability, as well as the geographic, racial, ethnic, cultural, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, and socioeconomic diversity of the State.

    (c)    (1)    The Deputy Secretary of Health Care Financing, or the Deputy Secretary’s designee, shall establish an application process that is accessible to the general public for the recruitment of members.

        (2)    The application and criteria for selection shall be published on the Department’s website.

    (d)    (1)    The Deputy Secretary of Health Care Financing, or the Deputy Secretary’s designee, shall chair the Advisory Group.

        (2)    The Department shall provide staff and support for the Advisory Group, including appropriate logistical and informational support to ensure meaningful participation of direct care workers and consumers in the Advisory Group.

    (e)    The Secretary may remove or suspend a member of the Advisory Group for misconduct, incompetence, or neglect of duties after an opportunity for the member to be heard.

    (f)    A member of the Advisory Group:

        (1)    May not receive compensation as a member of the Advisory Group; but

        (2)    Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.

    (g)    (1)    Beginning November 1, 2025, the Advisory Group shall meet annually.

        (2)    Meeting dates, times, and locations shall be selected to maximize member attendance.