(a) There is established the Virgin Islands Board of Social Work Licensure within the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs. The Board consists of five members appointed by the Governor of the Virgin Islands with the advice and consent of the Legislature of the Virgin Islands. Not less than two members must be licensed master social workers or licensed clinical social workers, and two other members must be a licensed social worker, one member who may be an active or retired licensed social worker, a licensed master social worker, or licensed clinical social worker and one of the two must be a member of the public who has never been licensed under this chapter. At all times, there must be not less than two members who are residents of the district of St. Croix, and not less than two members who are residents of the district of St. Thomas and St. John, one of whom must reside on St. John.
(b) The term of office of each member of the Board is three years; but of the members first appointed, two must be appointed for a term of two years, two must be appointed for a term of three years, and one must be appointed for a term of four years. Each member of the Board shall continue to serve until a successor is appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Legislature. If the Board lacks a quorum, which consists of not less than three members, the Commissioner shall assume the administrative functions of the Board until a quorum is restored. However, the Commissioner has no voting power and is not an ex-officio member of the Board.
(c) Members of the Board may be removed by the Governor for cause.
(d) The organization, meetings, and management of the Board must be established in regulations promulgated by the Board.
(e) The Board, its members, and its designated agents—including legal counsel, consultants, and employees authorized to act on behalf of the Board—are immune from personal liability for actions taken in good faith in the discharge of the Board’s responsibilities. The Government of the Virgin Islands shall hold the Board, its members, and its designated agents harmless from all costs, damages, and attorneys’ fees arising from claims and suits against them in the discharge of those responsibilities.