1. How many meetings does the board hold per year?
Most boards meet monthly, with some boards meeting on a bi-monthly or quarterly basis. For further information, consult with the specific board's website for a calendar of their meetings.
2. How long is the duration of a typical board meeting?
Most board meetings run on average for 2-4 hours, although the duration of meetings can vary depending on the size of the board and the length of the board meeting agenda. Occasionally board meetings run for greater than 4 hours. The larger boards, such as Nursing and Pharmacy, typically meet from 9am - 5pm once per month. For further information, consult with the specific board's website for a calendar of their meetings.
3. What is the process for getting appointed and how long does it take?
If you are an interested candidate, you should submit an application with your current resume, letter of interest, and demographic form. All candidates must be vetted by the Governor’s Office prior to their formal appointment. Depending on the volume of pending appointments, it may take several months for candidates to complete this process.
4. What are the expectations of a board member?
As a board member, you have a responsibility to attend all meetings for the board. Prior to the board meeting, you will be sent documents that will be discussed during the board meeting. It is a requirement to review these documents and be prepared to discuss this information during the board meeting. You will also vote on applications for licensure, enforcement actions, and policy matters.
Regardless of your background, the best preparation for assuming the responsibility of board service is to gain a clear and thorough grasp of your board's enabling statute and its regulations. For further information, please see the board's specific webpage.
5. What is the time commitment outside of meetings?
The size and complexity of board agendas can vary. As a Board member, you should expect to commit an average of 6-8 hours outside of each meeting in order to read through the board packet and be prepared for board discussion on the meeting day.
6. What is the typical duration of a board seat appointment?
Appointment terms range from two to five years depending on the board. Some boards have term limits (usually two consecutive terms) and some do not have term limits. If you are initially appointed as a board member for a partial term, you may be able to serve two full terms after the partial term is complete. In this case, you would work with the Executive Director of the Board on your term limits.
7. Are board meetings held in person or virtually?
All board meetings are held virtually at this time.
8. Where can candidates learn more about board vacancies?
Consult with the specific board's website for a roster that lists current board members and open seats.
9. How will I be assisted in preparing for the role?
Once appointed, a state email account will be created for you, Next you will receive a board member orientation manual for your review prior to your first board meeting. The BPHL Executive Director will also follow up with a welcome email and answer any questions you may have. As a board member, you will receive an informational packet prior to each board to your state email account. You must go through your state account to retrieve these packets.
10. Who is my point of contact once I am appointed?
Once appointed, the Executive Director of the board is your point of contact.
11. Is this a paid position?
Most board member roles are unpaid, voluntary positions. As a board member, you may be reimbursed for any approved travel, or for other expenses incurred during the course of business such as meals and lodgings, efficiently and at the lowest reasonable cost to ensure the best value for the Commonwealth. As meetings are currently held remotely, additional expenses are rarely incurred. Please check with individual boards for further information.
12. Am I qualified to serve on a board?
Each board has its own statute that outlines the requirements for each seat on the board. Consult with each specific board's website for its governing statute. Please contact the board directly if you have questions about a particular seat.
13. When do I need to recuse on a matter? How will I know?
Upon being appointed as a board member, you are required to complete the state's Conflict of Interest Law training, which must be taken every other year thereafter. As a board member, you should always remove yourself from activities where a conflict of interest may be present and not participate in or hear discussions of matters involving your private employer, family, or yourself. When in doubt, or if more information is required, ask the BPHL Executive Director for assistance and seek guidance from the State Ethics Commission.