Massachusetts General Laws Part I. Administration of the Government (Ch. 1-182) Ch. 6, § 76

There shall be an advisory council to consist of fourteen members to be appointed by the secretary of health and human services, with the approval of the governor. Said advisory council shall advise the commissioner in matters of interest relating to the delivery of rehabilitation services. At least five of the members shall be individuals or immediate family members of individuals with a disability. The terms of the initial members shall be as follows: three shall be appointed for one year, three shall be appointed for two years, three shall be appointed for three years and five shall be appointed for four years. Upon the expiration of the term of a member, their successor shall be appointed for a term of four years. Said members shall elect a chairman and shall meet at least quarterly. They shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for expenses necessarily incurred in the performance of their duties. If any member is absent from two regularly scheduled quarterly meetings in any one calendar year, the office of such member may be declared vacant by the chairman. Upon notification by the chairman that a vacancy exists, the secretary of health and human services shall appoint, with the approval of the governor, another member to fill the unexpired term.