Which statement describes the lay board member's relation to healers?

• A. The lay member may be related within the third degree.
• B. The lay member must be a licensed healer.
• C. The lay member must not be related within the third degree of consanguinity or affinity to any healer.
• D. The lay member must be a podiatrist.

Answer: (C)

Public oversight relies on a lay board member being truly independent from practicing healers. That means the lay member must not be related within the third degree of consanguinity (blood) or affinity (by marriage) to any healer. This rule helps prevent conflicts of interest and ensures decisions are made with an objective, public-interest focus rather than personal or familial influence. The lay member is not expected to be a licensed healer or a podiatrist, so requiring healing licensure would defeat the purpose of having a lay, non-professional voice on the board.