Note: The ammendments are in BOLD, a few with {curly brackets} if it's like {Delete Something}. Article and Section headers are also (normally) in BOLD, so those aren't necessarily ammendments.

AORN of North Central Florida
Chapter 1016 Bylaws

Article I

Name

The name of this professional organization is The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses of North Central Florida.

Article II

Purposes

The purposes of this Association are:

A. To unite registered professional perioperative nurses for the purpose of maintaining an Association dedicated to the constant endeavor of promoting the highest professional standards of perioperative nursing practice for the optimum care of the patient before, during, and after surgery;

B: To provide opportunity for continuous learning through diversified educational activities;

C: To study, discuss, research, and exchange knowledge, experience, and ideas in the field of perioperative nursing;

D: To hold meetings at intervals for the advancement of the purposes of the Association;

E. To cooperate lawfully with other professional associations, health care facilities, universities, industries, technical societies, research organizations, and governmental agencies in matters affecting the foregoing purposes of the Association;

F. To otherwise lawfully adopt policies and conduct programs for the improvement of perioperative nursing practice provided that the policies and programs are consistent with the requirements that the Association is not organized for profit and no part of its earnings inure to individuals.

Article III

Membership and Dues

Section 1: Membership in this organization is a privilege and is contingent upon compliance with requirements as specified in these bylaws.

Section 2: Membership is unrestricted by consideration of nationality, race, creed, lifestyle, color, sex, or age.

Section 3: Categories of membership in this Association are: Chapter Member, Retired, and Student.

A. Chapter Membership

1.) Any registered professional nurse who supports the mission of AORN living in an area where a chapter exists.

B. Retired

1.) A registered professional nurse who supports the mission of AORN.

                a.) Qualifies to be a member-at-large.

                b.) If a chapter is selected, chapter dues will may be assessed.

C. Student

1.) An individual pursuing education leading to eligibility to sit for the registered nurse licensing examination.

                                a.) Qualifies to be a member at large.

                                b.) If a chapter membership is selected, applicable chapter dues may be assessed.

                                c.) May not hold elective office.

                                d.) May not serve as a delegate to the AORN House of Delegates.

Section 4: Representation

A. Chapter members are eligible to hold office, vote, serve on elected or appointed committees, and serve as delegate to the annual Congress.

Section 5: Termination

A. By a two-thirds ballot vote, the Board of Directors may terminate a member for failure to meet membership requirements, provided the member was offered the opportunity to have a unprejudiced hearing, at which the member was permitted to defend against the termination.

B. A member terminated may be reinstated by majority vote of the Board of Directors, making application as a new member, and paying current dues and assessments.

Section 6: Dues

A. The amount of dues of the chapter are determined by the Board of Directors and subject to the approval of the membership.

B. The current membership dues of this chapter are $15.00.

C. The annual dues in National AORN are determined by the national Board of Directors and are subject to ratification by the National House of Delegates.

D. Dues shall be paid according to established policy. Both local and national membership dues are sent to Headquarters office in accord with national policy.

Section 7: Delinquency and Reinstatement

A. Any member whose dues are not received by the end of their renewal month will be removed from the membership roster and all privileges of the Association are withdrawn.

B. Reinstatement is effected by application as a new member and payment of current dues.

 

Article IV

Officers and Duties

Section 1: Officers

The officers of this Association shall be: President, President-Elect, Secretary, and Treasurer.

Section 2: Definitions

A. President

1. Shall be responsible to the Board of Directors and have approval of the Board for activities of the chapter.

2. Presides at all business meetings of the Board of Directors and the chapter.

3. Appoints all committees with the approval of the Board, and is a member ex-officio thereof, except the Nominating Committee and those otherwise provided for in the bylaws or by the order creating same.

4. Terminates non-functioning committees with the approval of the Board.

5. Is the official representative of the chapter at meetings of other organizations. In the event the President is unable to attend, an alternate may be designated.

6. Performs such other duties as usually pertain to the office, and serves as the chair of the Executive Committee.

B. President-Elect

1. Serves as a member of the executive committee.

2. Becomes acquainted with the duties of the office of President by active aid to that officer, in order to perform those duties efficiently upon assuming them.

3. Performs the duties of the President in the absence or inability of the President to act.

4. Performs such other duties as may be delegated by the President or by the Board of Directors.

C. Secretary

1. Maintains a record of the proceedings of all business meetings of the Board of Directors.

2. Excerpts and submits pertinent data to respective committee chairmen.

3. Serves as a member of the executive committee.

(Parliamentary note: Keeps copies of the bylaws and standing rules of the Association on hand during all meetings.)

D. Treasurer

1. Assumes responsibility for the financial affairs of the chapter.

2. Presents a written report of the financial standing of the chapter at the annual and mid-year meetings of the Board of Directors.

3. Act as chairman of the Budget and Finance committee.

4. Serves as a member of the executive committee.

Section 3: Upon retiring from office, all officers shall deliver all records and other property to their successors within one month of retirement.

Article V

Board of Directors

Section 1: The governing body of this Association is the Board of Directors which consists of the officers and three elected members. It has power, authority, and responsibility to manage the affairs of the Association, except to modify action of the members.

Section 2: Duties

A. Directs the business and financial affairs of the Association.

B. Establishes administrative policies.

C. Fills all vacancies of the Board of Directors.

D. Fosters growth and development of the Association.

E. Reviews committee reports and determines action(s) to be taken.

F. Authorizes the sole and exclusive use of the official insignia of the Association.

G. Serves as members of the executive committee.

Article VI

Meetings-Quorum-Special meetings

Section 1: Meetings

A. Association Meetings

1. The number of meetings per year, the months in which they are held, and the time and place is determined by mutual agreement of the Board of Directors and the membership.

2. Notices of the monthly meetings will be sent to the membership at least two weeks prior to the meeting.

3. Ten percent (10%) of the membership, including three members of the Board of Directors, two of whom are officers, constitutes a quorum for a business meeting.

4. The annual meeting is designated as the May meeting.

B. Board of Directors

1. Meets at least two times per year: annual and mid-year.

2. Three members of the Board of Directors, two of whom are officers, constitutes a quorum.

C. Special Meetings

1. A special meeting may be called by the President, or by request of a majority of the Board of Directors, or by request of a quorum of the membership.

2. In the event of a call for a special meeting, all members shall be notified at least two weeks prior to the meeting.

3. The call shall state the purpose of the meeting, the time and the place where the meeting will be held, and no business other than that stated in the call may be transacted.

4. Ten percent (10%) of the membership, including three members of the Board of Directors, constitutes a quorum.

Article VII

Elections-Terms-Vacancies-Nominating Committee

Section 1. Nominating Committee

A. The committee shall consist of at least five members. Three members are elected in the odd numbered years, and two members in the even numbered years. The immediate past president will automatically become a non-voting member of the committee following the term of office of president.

B. The committee prepares a list of nominees for the annual election, and presents this list to the membership at least 30 days prior to the date of the election.

Section 2. Nominations

A. All nominees must submit {delete written} consent to serve if elected, before their name may be placed on the ballot.

B. Nominations may be made from the floor provided eligibility has been verified and {delete written} consent to serve has been obtained and submitted at the time of nomination.

Section 3. Eligibility to Serve in an Elected Capacity

A. To be eligible for elective office as a {Proposed, delete n officer,) member of the Board of Directors, or Nominating Committee, a nominee must have current membership status in the chapter.

B: To be eligible for nomination to the offices of Treasurer, Secretary, or President-Elect, a member must have served on the Board of Directors and hold current membership status in the chapter.

C. Any member holding elective office may not be a candidate for another office unless their current term expires at the impending annual election.

Section 4: Elections

A. Election of officers, Board of Directors and Nominating Committee shall be elected by written ballot mailed to the membership, and plurality elects.

B. Ballots will be collected to be counted by the Nominating Committee at the annual meeting.

C. In case of tie, choice is by lot.

Section 5: Terms of Office

A. A President-Elect is elected each year and serves in that capacity for one year, after which time they become President to serve in that capacity for one year.

B. The Treasurer, and two members of the Board of Directors are elected in the EVEN numbered years for a term of two years.

C. The Secretary, and one member of the Board of Directors are elected in the ODD numbered years for a term of two years.

D. Three members of the Nominating Committee are elected in the odd years, and two members are elected in the even years, for a term of two years.

E. No officer shall serve more than two consecutive terms in the same office.

F. The term of office begins at the adjournment of the June Association meeting.

Section 6: Vacancies

Vacancies that occur in any elective office due to the inability of eligibility of the incumbent to perform the duties of the office are filled it the following manner.

A. President: the President-Elect immediately assumes the office.

B. President-Elect: A vacancy in the office of President-Elect is filled by a vote of the Board of Directors.

C. The Board of Directors fills all other vacancies.

D. Any member filling a vacancy for an unexpired term of one (1) year or more is deemed to have served one (1) term.

Article VIII

Committees

Section 1: The standing committees are appointed annually by the President with the approval of the Board except as otherwise provided in the bylaws or order creating same. Each committee is composed of a chairman and at least two members. A majority of members present constitute a quorum. Each committee chairman, at the annual business meeting, will submit a written report to the chapter secretary.

Section 2: The standing committees of this Association are:

A. Executive

B. Bylaws

C. Membership

D. Programs/Education

E. Policy

F. Publicity and Editorial (OR Nurses Day)

G. Budget and Finance, Ways and Means

H. Newsletter/Publication

I. Legislative

J. Research

K. Scholarship

Section 3. Duties

A. Executive

1. Is comprised of the Chapter Officers and Board Members.

2. Oversees the general business of the Chapter.

3. Reports to the membership. {All subsequent committees sequence alphabetically.}

B. Bylaws

1. Review the bylaws and recommend amendments to insure consistency with the action of the policy-making bodies of the chapter.

2. Prepare amendments which are considered advisable to facilitate the work and best interests of the chapter, and submit same to the Board of Directors for consideration.

3. Any amendments adapted by the chapter must be submitted immediately (two copies) to the National Bylaws Committee for approval.

C. Membership

1. Promote and maintain growth of the chapter. Act as Hospitality Committee for the chapter.

D. Program/Education

1. Plan and present all educational programs and social functions for the chapter.

2. Secure meeting place for each meeting.

a. It shall be the responsibility of the Officers and Board of Directors to arrange for facilities and refreshments, if sponsoring institution requests assistance. Special consideration shall be given to size of meeting room available.

3. Promote program interest through preparation of audio-visual aids, such as posters, program notices, and brochures.

E. Policy

The Board of Directors shall be responsible for establishing the policy for the chapter; however, the Policy Committee is charged with the following responsibilities.

1. Formulate policies which shall be a guide towards implementing and enlarging upon the bylaws of the chapter.

2. Formulate and maintain current policies in the following areas:

a. Definition, responsibility, and method of functioning of all standing committees as called for in the bylaws.

b. Definition, responsibility, and method of functioning of all special committees as established by the President.

c. Responsibilities and duties of delegates.

3. Shall assist in preparation of guidelines for a new committee before its members are expected to function.

4. Shall prepare an annual report to the Board of Directors.

F. Publicity and Editorial (OR Nurses Day)

1. Prepare and submit press release items for publication in local news media, always with the objective of image enhancement of perioperative nursing.

2. Act as chapter historian retaining all press clippings, and program or seminar materials.

3. Assist other committees with needed publicity.

G. Budget and Finance, Ways and Means.

This committee shall be responsible for all budgeting of local monies and for raising additional funds to meet the needs of the chapter.

H. Newsletter/Publication

1. Solicit material and publication of chapter newsletter.

2. Solicit manuscripts and material for publication in AORN Journal.

I. Legislative

1. To function as liaison between all national and state relevant legislative association.

J. Research

K: Scholarship

Section 4: Special Committees

Special committees may appointed by the President, and cease to exist when the purpose for which it was created is completed. Each committee consists of a chairman and at least two members. A majority of members present constitutes a quorum.

Each committee chairman submits a written report at the annual business meeting. Each committee chairman, at the annual business meeting, will submit a written report to the chapter secretary.

Article IX

Delegates and Alternate Delegates

Section 1: Eligibility

Delegates and Alternate Delegates to the annual Congress must have current membership status.

Section 2: Representation

A. Delegates will be chosen by a point system.

B. The President shall send a list of Delegates and Alternate Delegates, with the name of the Chair of the Delegates, for the annual Congress to Headquarters. All pertinent data for each Delegate and Alternate Delegate shall be included with the list and shall be postmarked no later than six (6) weeks preceding Congress.

Section 3. Credentials

A. No delegate shall be seated in the House of Delegates until their credentials have been approved by the National Credentials Committee.

Section 4. Responsibilities

A. The Delegates and Alternate Delegates shall attend all business meetings of the House of Delegates.

B. The Delegates and Alternate Delegates shall acquaint themselves with all activities and business of the Association, and be prepared to vote on all issues presented to the voting body. Only Delegates vote. Alternate Delegates should be familiar with all issues in the event they become Delegates.

C. Delegates shall be prepared to vote on the slate of candidates for election to national office.

D. Delegates designated to any annual Congress shall continue in their office as Delegates for the purpose of any special meeting of the National Association that may be called until the Delegates are duly designated for the next annual Congress.

Article X

Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of the Association is July 1 through June 30.

Article XI

Headquarters

Section 1: Headquarters office of the National Association is located at:

2170 S. Parker Rd., Suite 300

Denver, Co. 80231-5711

Article XII

Parliamentary Authority

Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised govern this Association in all cases not covered in these bylaws.

Article XIII

Amendments

Section 1: Amendments to these bylaws may be made at any regular meeting by a majority vote of the members present, Provided:

A. Proposed amendments have been presented at a previous meeting or,

B. Proposed amendments have been mailed to the membership at least 30 days prior to the vote.

Section 2: Amendments to these bylaws, after being approved by the membership, will be sent to the National Bylaws Committee for evaluation and approval, by sending two copies to Headquarters.

Revised: September, 1992
cpf/tg
May, 1996
tjm/eh
November, 1999
tjm/pas