The Committee consists of seven members appointed by the Secretary. Of the seven members: two shall be knowledgeable in the field of continuing care; two shall be certified public accountants; one shall be from the financial community; and two shall be consumer members. In appointing the consumer members, the Secretary shall give a preference to subscribers of continuing care facilities. The term of a member is 3 years. The terms of members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members on October 1, 2007. A member may serve consecutive terms. The Committee shall elect its chair. A member: may not receive compensation as a member of the Committee; but is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget. A member is immune from civil liability as provided in § 5-514 of the Courts Article. A member may not participate in a review of a provider’s financial condition if that member has an interest, as defined under the Maryland Public Ethics Law in § 5–101 of the General Provisions Article, in the provider. The deliberations of the Committee and communications between the Department and the Committee, including recommendations of the Committee, shall be confidential.