1. No person, firm or corporation, other than an attorney and counsellor-at-law, shall appear on behalf of any claimant or person entitled to the benefits of this chapter, before the board or any officer, agent or employee of the board assigned to conduct any hearing, investigation or inquiry relative to a claim for compensation or benefits under this chapter, unless he or she shall be a citizen of the United States or a noncitizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States, and shall have obtained from the board a license authorizing him or her to appear in matters or proceedings before the board.
Such license shall be issued by the board in accordance with the rules established by it. Any person, firm or corporation violating the aforesaid provisions shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. The board, in its rules, shall provide for the issuance of licenses to representatives of charitable and welfare organizations, and to associations who employ a representative to appear for members of such association, upon certification of the proper officer of such association or organization, which licenses shall issue without charge; and may provide for a license without fee in the case of all other persons, firms or corporations in an amount to be fixed by said rules. The board shall have such tests of character and fitness with respect to applicants for licenses, and such rules governing the conduct of those licensed, as aforesaid, as it may deem necessary.