There is continued in existence and shall be, in each district, one or more hearing boards consisting of five members each, as specified in Section 40801, appointed by the district board.

The district board may also appoint one alternate for each member. The alternate shall have the same qualifications, specified in Section 40801, as the member for whom such person is the alternate. The alternate may serve only in the absence of the member, and for the same term as the member.

An alternate shall not hold any of the single member hearings authorized by subdivision (c) of Section 40824, subdivision (c) of Section 40825, Section 42351.5, or Section 42359.5.