ARTICLE I. NAME, PURPOSES, AND FUNCTIONS
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| Section 1. Name |
| The name of this association shall be the North Carolina Nurses Association (NCNA). |
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| Section 2. Purposes |
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The purposes of the North Carolina Nurses Association shall be to: |
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1. Work for the improvement of health standards and the availability of health care services for all people in North Carolina, and
2. Foster high standards of nursing, and
3. Promote the personal and professional development of nurses and support their economic welfare.
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| b. These purposes shall be unrestricted by consideration as defined by the ANA bylaws. |
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| Section 3. Functions |
| The functions of NCNA shall be to: |
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a. Promote through appropriate means standards of nursing practice, nursing education, and nursing services as defined by the American Nurses Association (ANA).
b. Promote adherence to the code of ethical conduct for practitioners established by ANA.
c. Act and speak for the nursing profession in North Carolina in regard to legislation, governmental programs, and health policy.
d. Support the nurse in personal and professional growth and development in the practice setting to promote positive work-related experiences.
e. Promote and protect the economic and general welfare of nurses in North Carolina.
f. Provide for the continuing professional development of nurses.
g. Represent nurses and serve as their state spokesperson with allied professional, community, and governmental groups and with the public.
h. Assume an active role as consumer advocate.
i. Provide for representation in the ANA House of Delegates, and the ANA Constituent Assembly.
j. Promote relationships and collaboration with the North Carolina Association of Nursing Students.
k. Ensure the collection and preservation of documents and other materials which have contributed and continue to contribute to the historical and cultural development of nursing. |
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ARTICLE II. NCNA RELATIONSHIP TO ANA
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| Section 1. Membership Responsibilities |
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The North Carolina Nurses Association is a constituent member of the American Nurses Association.
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a. NCNA shall pay dues to ANA in accordance with policies adopted by the ANA House of Delegates.
b. NCNA is responsible to ANA for the payment of dues in accordance with the ANA House of Delegates Dues Policy until such time that 2/3 of the entire NCNA/ANA membership vote to disaffiliate from ANA. The NCNA/ANA membership for these purposes is defined as members of NCNA who are also members of ANA. |
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| Section 2. Representation |
| a. |
ANA House of Delegates |
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1. The NCNA is entitled to representation at regular and special meetings of the ANA House of Delegates according to the ANA bylaws and policy.
2. Delegates and alternates who are members of NCNA/ANA shall be elected by secret ballot by NCNA/ANA members to serve for a term of two years or until a successor is elected. No delegate shall serve more than four consecutive terms, except for the president who shall be permitted an additional term as an elected ANA delegate. At least one alternate for each delegate shall also be elected. The designated number of delegates who receive the highest number of votes shall be declared elected. The number of nominees for delegates who receive the next highest number of votes shall be declared elected as alternates.
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| b. |
ANA Constituent Assembly |
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1. The NCNA representatives to the ANA Constituent Assembly shall be the president and chief executive officer or their designees. The president or the president's designee shall be a NCNA/ANA member.
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ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP AND DUES
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| Section 1. Composition |
| The NCNA shall be composed of registered nurses who meet the qualifications stated in these bylaws. The membership of the NCNA is unrestricted by consideration as defined by the ANA bylaws. |
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| Section 2. Qualifications |
| a. |
A member is one: |
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1. who has been granted a license to practice as a registered nurse in the State of North Carolina, or is licensed in another state, District of Columbia, or territories of the United States, or has been granted retired nurse status by the licensing body, and who does not have a license under suspension or revocation in any state. NCNA may include in its membership the impaired nurse, in recovery, who has surrendered a license to practice, or
2. who is otherwise entitled by law to practice, and
3. whose application for membership in NCNA has been accepted, and
4. whose dues are current, and
5. whose membership is not under revocation, and
6. who holds concurrent membership in a district or region.
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| Section 3. Categories of Membership |
| a. |
NCNA/ANA Full Membership |
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An individual nurse who is working full or part-time. The annual dues for an NCNA member shall be established by the NCNA House of Delegates and includes the ANA portion of the dues as established by the ANA House of Delegates. |
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NCNA/ANA Reduced Membership |
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An individual nurse who qualifies for one of the following categories may elect to pay 50% of the established dues: |
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1. Under 62 years of age and not employed.
2. Enrolled full-time in an accredited nursing education program.
3. New graduate from pre-licensure nursing education program for first two years of membership.
4. Retired.
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| c. |
NCNA/ANA Special Membership |
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An individual nurse who qualifies for one of the following categories may elect to pay 25% of the established dues: |
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1. 62 years of age or over and not employed.
2. Totally disabled.
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| d. |
NCNA/ANA Honorary Membership |
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An individual nurse who has been a member of ANA, NCNA or another state nurses association for at least 40 years may elect to pay no dues. |
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NCANS/NSNA New Graduate |
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A new graduate who has been a member of NCANS/NSNA during school can join NCNA/ANA for a rate equal to the annual dues paid to NCANS/NSNA and escalating in increments for the next three years. |
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NCNA-Only Members |
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An individual nurse who lives or works in North Carolina may join NCNA at the state level only. The annual dues for an NCNA-Only member shall be established by the NCNA House of Delegates and includes an administrative fee to ANA based on a contract between NCNA and ANA. |
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| Section 4. Membership Rights |
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NCNA/ANA members have the right to: |
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1. Receive an NCNA membership card and the official publications of the NCNA and ANA.
2. Vote for elected officials of NCNA and ANA delegates.
3. Seek election as delegate to ANA in accordance with ANA bylaws and applicable policies.
4. Seek election or appointments within NCNA and ANA in accordance with ANA and NCNA bylaws and applicable policies.
5. Participate in structural units of NCNA and ANA.
6. Attend conventions and other unrestricted activities of NCNA, ANA, and meetings of the International Council of Nurses.
7. Transfer into the membership of another constituent member association (CMA) for the remainder of a paid membership year, provided that the CMA's s membership qualifications are met.
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| b. |
NCNA-Only members have the right to: |
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1. Receive an NCNA membership card and the official publications of the NCNA.
2. Vote for elected officials of NCNA.
3. Seek election or appointments within NCNA.
4. Participate in structural units of NCNA.
5. Attend conventions and other NCNA activities at the member rate.
6. Participate in the Member Only section of the NCNA website.
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| Section 5. Membership Obligations |
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The NCNA/ANA member shall have the obligation to: |
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1. Uphold the bylaws of the NCNA and the bylaws of ANA.
2. Abide by the Code of Ethics for Nurses as adopted by the ANA House of Delegates.
3. Pay dues as required by the NCNA and ANA.
4. Fulfill the requirements of an office or committee if elected or appointed.
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| b. |
The NCNA-Only member shall have the obligation to: |
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1. Uphold the bylaws of NCNA.
2. Abide by the Code of Ethics for Nurses as adopted by the ANA House of Delegates.
3. Pay dues as required by NCNA.
4. Fulfill the requirements of an NCNA office or committee if elected or appointed.
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| Section 6. Disciplinary Action |
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Cause for disciplinary action against a member shall be limited to failure to fulfill the obligations as cited in Article III, Section 5, of these bylaws and other actions detrimental to the purposes, goals, and function of NCNA. |
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Disciplinary proceedings shall be conducted in accordance with NCNA policies and procedures established by the Board of Directors which shall have final disciplinary authority over members. Policies and procedures shall guarantee due process pursuant to common parliamentary and statutory law. |
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Depending on the severity of the disciplinary violation, a member may be: |
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1. reprimanded
2. censured
3. suspended from membership
4. expelled from membership or
5. removed from elected or appointed office or committee.
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A member may appeal any disciplinary action in accordance with procedures adopted by the NCNA Board of Directors. |
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Any disciplinary action taken by another constituent member association against one of its members shall be given full recognition and enforcement, provided such action was taken in accordance with the disciplining CMA's bylaws and disciplinary procedure. |
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| Section 7. Dues |
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The rate of dues for categories of membership and the uniform dues of its district associations and/or regions shall be established by the NCNA House of Delegates and may be adjusted by the Board of Directors according to Article III, Section 7b of these bylaws. |
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Dues will be reviewed annually by the Board of Directors of the association and may be adjusted to reflect an increase or decrease at a rate not to exceed ten (10) percent of the NCNA member dues rate. |
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The dues for a member of NCNA shall be for a membership year of twelve (12) consecutive months and shall be paid in accordance with current policy. |
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Additional dues shall not be required from nor refunded to CMA members transferring from another constituent CMA, if the member has made full payment of dues. |
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No money shall be refunded or additional monies collected when a change in dues category occurs within the membership year. |
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Members in all categories shall retain full membership rights within their category. |
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ARTICLE IV. ORGANIZATIONAL AFFILIATES
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| Section 1. Qualifications |
| An organizational affiliate of NCNA is an association that: |
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a. Is a nursing organization that meets criteria established by the NCNA House of Delegates, and
b. Has been granted organizational affiliate status by the Board of Directors, and
c. Has a governing body composed of a majority of registered nurses, which is not meant to preclude the participation of associate nurse organizations, and
d. Has paid an organizational affiliation fee to NCNA in accordance with policies established by the NCNA Board of Directors. |
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| Section 2. Organizational Affiliate Obligations |
| Each organizational affiliate shall maintain a mission and purpose harmonious with the purposes and functions of NCNA. |
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| Section 3. Organizational Affiliate Rights |
| The organizational affiliate shall have the right to: |
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a. Designate one registered nurse participant who shall have voice but no vote in the NCNA House of Delegates.
b. Make informational reports in their area of expertise to the NCNA House of Delegates.
c. Recommend positions to the NCNA House of Delegates.
d. Submit for consideration by the NCNA Board of Directors names of registered nurses who are qualified for appointment to NCNA organizational units.
e. Submit educational offerings for the NCNA annual convention. |
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ARTICLE V. DISTRICT ASSOCIATIONS
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| Section 1. Definition |
| District associations are those North Carolina local area nurses associations which have been established by the NCNA Board of Directors. |
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| Section 2. Boundaries |
| Boundaries of districts shall be defined by the Board of Directors. Boundaries may be changed by a two thirds vote of the Board of Directors, provided such change has been approved by each district concerned. |
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| Section 3. Obligations |
| Districts shall be required to: |
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a. Assure that its members are qualified as provided in Article III, Section 2, of these bylaws.
b. Adopt and maintain such bylaws that are harmonious with the bylaws of NCNA and ANA and submit such bylaws when requested by NCNA for review.
c. Submit reports to the NCNA as required in these bylaws and requested by the Board of Directors. |
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| Section 4. Dissolution |
| A district which fails to comply with the requirements of these bylaws, or with NCNA policies and procedures related to district associations, may be dissolved by a two-thirds vote of the NCNA Board of Directors. |
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| Section 5. Reinstatement |
| A district which has been disqualified may be reinstated upon request by the district members and approved by unanimous vote of the Board of Directors. |
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ARTICLE VI. REGIONS AND REGIONAL DIRECTORS
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| Section 1. Definition |
| Regions may be composed of districts or individual NCNA members living within regional boundaries. |
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| Section 2. Boundaries |
| Boundaries of regions shall be defined by the Board of Directors. Boundaries may be changed upon request of the region or district members and approved by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors. |
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| Section 3. Purpose |
| The purpose of bringing districts and/or individual members together in a region is to facilitate communications from and to the Board of Directors and other structural units as needed. |
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| Section 4. Regional Directors |
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a. One regional director shall be elected to serve as a member of the Board from each of the regions established by the Board of Directors.
b. Regional directors act as a resource to districts and/or individual members within their region.
c. Regional directors facilitate communication between and among the Board of Directors and structural units. |
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ARTICLE VII. HOUSE OF DELEGATES
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| Section 1. Definition and Composition |
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a. The House of Delegates shall be the governing body of the NCNA and shall consist of the Board of Directors and the accredited delegates in attendance from district associations and regions. The Credentialing Committee, appointed by the Board of Directors, shall accredit delegates and report the number of seated delegates at the opening of the House.
b. One registered nurse participant from each organizational affiliate shall have voice but no vote in the NCNA House of Delegates. |
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| Section 2. Apportionment |
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a. The number of delegates to which any district association or region shall be entitled at any convention or special meeting shall be based on the number of members in good standing on December 31 preceding a regular meeting of the House of Delegates.
b. Each district or region in good standing shall be entitled to one delegate in addition to one delegate for each 15 members.
c. Districts or regions shall conduct delegate elections by secret ballot.
d. Each delegate or alternate shall serve for a one year term or until a successor is elected.
e. In the event a vacancy cannot be filled by an elected alternate, the president/designee of the district or the regional director, where appropriate, may appoint a member who is in attendance to fill the vacancy. |
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| Section 3. Quorum |
| A quorum for the transaction of business of the House of Delegates shall consist of five members of the Board, one of whom shall be the president, president elect, or vice president, and a majority of delegates representing the districts and regions. |
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| Section 4. Meetings |
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a. The House of Delegates shall meet at the time of the annual convention at such time and place and with such registration fee as shall be determined by the Board of Directors.
b. Special meetings may be called by the Board of Directors and shall be called by the president upon the written request of a majority of the districts.
c. Notice of meetings of the House of Delegates shall be mailed to all members of the association at least 30 days prior to the meeting. Such notice of the odd numbered year meeting shall be accompanied by a report of the Nominating Committee. Notice of a special meeting shall be mailed at least 15 days before the first day of the meeting. |
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| Section 5. Committees of the House of Delegates |
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Definition
A committee of the House of Delegates is an elected or appointed committee that reports to the Board of Directors for information and reports to and is accountable to the House of Delegates. These committees are Nominating, Bylaws and Reference. |
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Nominating Committee |
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1. The Nominating Committee shall be composed of five members elected by the membership. The member receiving the highest number of votes shall serve as chairman. Members of the Nominating Committee shall serve for a two-year term or until their successors are elected. Members may serve no more than two consecutive terms.
2. The Nominating Committee shall:
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(a.) Request names of NCNA/ANA and NCNA-Only members as candidates for statewide elective offices.
(b.) Assure that candidates for delegates to the ANA House of Delegates are NCNA/ANA members.
(c.) Prepare a slate of at least two nominees for each statewide elective office and publish such slate in the Tar Heel Nurse at least 60 days prior to the election. This slate shall be representative, insofar as possible, of the various geographical areas of the state and of the diversity within the membership.
(d.) Prepare a separate slate for candidates for ANA Delegate to assure that NCNA-Only members do not vote for the ANA Delegate candidates.
(e.) Implement the policies and procedures for nominations and elections as established by the Board of Directors.
(f.) Assume other responsibilities for nominations as provided for in these bylaws and in policies and procedures as established by the Board of Directors.
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Committee on Bylaws |
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1. The Committee on Bylaws shall be appointed by the Board of Directors and shall consist of at least five members. Terms shall be for two years.
2. The Committee on Bylaws shall:
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(a.) Review and interpret the bylaws of NCNA and the district/regional associations and recommend corrections or amendments as appropriate.
(b.) Draft the proposed text of all amendments to the NCNA bylaws, report its recommendations to the Board of Directors, and submit them to the House of Delegates in accordance with the provisions of Article XVI. |
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Reference Committee |
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1. The Reference Committee shall be composed of at least five members appointed by the Board of Directors. Terms shall be for two years.
2. The Reference Committee shall:
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(a.) Receive, request, review, refine and report on proposals about concerns and issues of this association as submitted by structural units and individual members for consideration by the NCNA House of Delegates.
(b.) Maintain a record of all proposals submitted to the committee and report to each originator the action taken and the rationale.
(c.) Inform the Board of Directors prior to each meeting of the House of Delegates the committee's recommendation for approval, disapproval, or referral to the appropriate structural unit of each proposal considered by the committee.
(d.) Report all proposals and the resulting committee's recommendation to the House of Delegates and provide for hearings on proposals at meetings of the House of Delegates.
(e.) Develop procedures for presentation of proposals to the House of Delegates for adoption.
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ARTICLE VIII. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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| Section 1. Definition |
| The Board of Directors is the corporate body composed of officers, regional directors and commission chairs elected as hereinafter provided. |
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| Section 2. Composition |
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a. There shall be five officers: president, president elect, vice president, secretary, and treasurer.
b. There shall be one director for each region established by the Board of Directors.
c. There shall be four commission chairs representing education, practice, services and advanced practice nursing.
d. Officers, regional directors and commission chairs are elected by the membership. |
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| Section 3. Authority |
| The Board of Directors shall have the authority delegated to it by the House of Delegates, including the duty and power of acting for the membership in the intervals between meetings of the House of Delegates, and other duties and powers as defined in these bylaws. |
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| Section 4. Accountability |
| The Board of Directors shall report and be accountable to the House of Delegates. |
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| Section 5. Responsibility |
| The Board of Directors shall: |
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a. Exercise the corporate responsibility and fiduciary duties of the association consistent with applicable provisions of law.
b. Provide for implementation of the actions and directives of the House of Delegates.
c. Establish policies and procedures for the transaction of business, coordination of association activities, and operation and maintenance of a state headquarters.
d. Establish financial policies and procedures, adopt budget, submit all books annually to a certified public accountant for audit, and present annual financial statement to House of Delegates.
e. Grant, suspend or revoke organizational affiliate status in accordance with these bylaws.
f. Establish fees for organizational affiliates.
g. Establish policies and procedures for approving publications and other printed materials prior to their distribution.
h. Establish policies and procedures for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of information.
i. Establish policies and procedures for nominations and elections.
j. Approve the creation and dissolution of committees as deemed necessary for the performance of duties of the association and define the purpose and authority of such committees.
k. Approve the initial appointment of committees and those commission members not elected as provided for in these bylaws and fill vacancies not otherwise provided for in these bylaws.
l. Approve council viability criteria; establish and dissolve councils in accordance with these bylaws.
m. Define district and regional boundaries.
n. Confer membership on districts meeting qualifications established in these bylaws.
o. Establish fees for conventions and conferences, specified activities, and services.
p. Provide for NCNA liaison or representation at meetings of voluntary organizations and of public or governmental agencies.
q. Establish relationships and collaboration with North Carolina Association of Nursing Students.
r. Control the use of the official NCNA insignia and the procurement and sale of replicas thereof.
s. Report to the membership and report at each meeting of the House of Delegates the business transacted by the Board of Directors during the preceding year.
t. Appoint, define the authority and responsibilities of, and annually review the performance of the chief executive officer.
u. Establish such policies and procedures and perform other duties as may be provided for elsewhere in these bylaws and by the House of Delegates. |
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| Section 6. Terms of Office |
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a. Officers, regional directors and commission chairs shall be elected in odd numbered years by the membership to serve for two years or until their successors are elected, except the president elect, who shall serve two years as president elect, then two years as president.
b. No officer, regional director or commission chair shall serve more than two consecutive terms in the same office. An officer or director who has served more than half a term shall be considered to have served a full term. |
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| Section 7. Vacancies |
| In the event of a vacancy: |
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a. In the office of president, the vice president shall become president for the remainder of the term.
b. In the office of president elect during the first year of that term, a special election shall be held in the next even numbered year to fill that office.
c. In the office of president elect during the second year of that term, the office shall remain vacant until the next election when a president and president elect will be elected.
d. In the office of another officer, regional director or commission chair, the Board of Directors shall fill the vacancy by appointment until the next election. |
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| Section 8. Duties of Officers |
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a. The president shall serve as the official representative of the association and as its spokesperson on matters of association policy and positions, as the chairman of the House of Delegates, the Board of Directors, and the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors; as an ex officio member of all committees except the Nominating Committee; and as representative to the ANA Constituent Assembly if an NCNA/ANA member. In the event the president is unable or ineligible to represent NCNA at the ANA Constituent Assembly, the NCNA Board of Directors may designate a representative to serve in his/her place.
b. The president elect shall assume such duties as designated by the president and the Board of Directors.
c. The vice president shall assume such duties as designated by the president and the Board of Directors and, in the absence of the president, shall assume the duties of that office.
d. The secretary shall be accountable for recordkeeping and reporting of meetings of the House of Delegates, the Board of Directors, and the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors.
e. The treasurer shall be accountable for the fiscal affairs of NCNA and shall provide reports and interpretation of NCNA's financial condition to the Board of Directors, the House of Delegates, and the membership. The treasurer shall be chairman of the Finance Committee.
f. Members of the Board of Directors shall, upon expiration of their terms, surrender to the chief executive officer all properties in their possession belonging to their respective office.
g. Officers and directors shall fulfill the responsibilities of the Board of Directors as defined in these bylaws. |
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| Section 9. Committees of the Board of Directors |
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a. There shall be an Executive Committee of the Board of Directors composed of the officers. This committee shall have all the powers of the Board of Directors to transact business between meetings in accordance with rules established by the Board of Directors. All transactions of this committee shall be reported at the next regular meeting of the Board of Directors.
b. There shall be a Finance Committee consisting of at least three persons including the treasurer. This committee shall prepare the annual budget, review it periodically, and recommend revisions and advise the Board of Directors as to the expenditure and investment of all funds of the association.
c. The Board of Directors may establish and appoint any other committees deemed necessary for performance of the board's responsibilities. |
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| Section 10. Chief Executive Officer |
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a. The Board of Directors shall delegate to the chief executive officer, the authority to manage the association according to policies established by the House of Delegates and the Board of Directors.
b. The chief executive officer shall be accountable to the Board of Directors.
c. The chief executive officer shall employ, direct, promote, and terminate staff of the association.
d. The chief executive officer may represent the association and serve as spokesperson on matters of established policy and positions and shall represent NCNA at the ANA Constituent Assembly. |
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| Section 11. Meetings |
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a. Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at least quarterly. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the president or shall be called by the president upon written request of not less than five districts or five members of the Board of Directors.
b. Absence from two consecutive regular meetings of Board of Directors may be cause for declaring a vacancy in the position. Such vacancy shall be determined by majority of Board of Directors.
c. A majority of the Board, including the president, the president elect, or the vice president shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of the Board. |
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ARTICLE IX. NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF NCNA OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
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| Section 1. Nominations |
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a. Candidates for office shall meet established qualifications and shall consent to serve if elected.
b. A member of NCNA who meets the established qualifications for an elective office may declare as a candidate by notifying the Nominations Committee in writing.
c. Individual members of NCNA shall be considered eligible for only one elective NCNA Board of Directors position at any one time. |
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| Section 2. Elections |
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a. Elections shall be held in odd numbered years and shall be by secret ballot according to NCNA policies and procedures. Members may vote by electronic ballot.
b. A plurality vote shall constitute an election. In case of a tie, the choice shall be by lot.
c. Terms of office, except for the treasurer, shall begin at the close of the NCNA House of Delegates in odd-numbered years.
d. The Treasurer's term of office shall begin at the start of the fiscal year in even-numbered years.
e. All ballots and other records of the election shall be preserved until the next election. |
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| Section 3. Challenge |
| Any challenge to the election shall be filed with the secretary of NCNA not more than 30 days after the election results are announced. |
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| Section 4. Removal of Elected Officials |
| Any official elected by the membership may be removed by the House of Delegates by a majority vote whenever such action is deemed to be in the best interest of the association or for other just cause. |
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ARTICLE X. COMMISSIONS
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| Section 1. Definition |
| A commission is an organized deliberative body to which these Bylaws and the House of Delegates assign specific responsibilities related to fulfilling the functions of NCNA. |
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| Section 2. Accountability |
| Commissions shall be accountable to the Board of Directors and shall report to the House of Delegates. |
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| Section 3. Designation |
| Commissions established are the: |
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a. Commission on Education
b. Commission on Membership Development and Services
c. Commission on Standards and Professional Practice
d. Commission on Advanced Practice Nursing |
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| Section 4. Composition |
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a. Each commission shall consist of a minimum of seven members who have expertise and/or interest in the field related to the commission's functions and who meet criteria and qualifications recommended by the commission and approved by the Board of Directors.
b. The chair shall be elected by the NCNA membership and serve on the NCNA Board of Directors.
c. The Executive Committee of each council under a commission shall designate one of its members as a representative to said commission.
d. The remaining commission positions, should there be any, shall be appointed by the Board of Directors in accordance with NCNA's appointment policies and procedures. |
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| Section 5. Term of Office |
| Appointments and election of commission members shall be for a two year term or until successors have been appointed or elected. No member shall serve more than four consecutive years in the same capacity. |
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| Section 6. Responsibilities |
| Each commission shall: |
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a. Evaluate trends, developments, and issues in the commission's area of responsibility.
b. Establish a plan of operation, including proposed committees required to carry out the plan, and develop a budget for carrying out its responsibilities.
c. Interpret and seek to implement standards developed by the ANA.
d. Recommend policies and positions to the Board of Directors and the House of Delegates.
e. Provide for dissemination of information to structural units as approved by the Board of Directors.
f. Maintain communication with other commissions, councils, community groups, and appropriate ANA organizational units on matters of mutual concern.
g. Establish special interest groups around a practice, education or research interest.
h. Review special interest groups periodically to determine appropriateness of constitution.
i. Recommend to the Board of Directors the creation or dissolution of councils based on approved viability criteria.
j. Address and respond to concerns related to equal opportunity and human rights.
k. Review and respond to current and pending legislation through appropriate association channels.
l. Assume other responsibilities as assigned by the House of Delegates and Board of Directors.
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| Section 7. Officers |
| In addition to the chair, a vice chair shall be elected by the commission's membership to serve for two years. The vice chair shall serve as chair in the absence of the chair, but in the case of a vacancy in the chair position, the vice chair will not automatically be appointed to the NCNA Board of Directors. |
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| Section 8. Vacancies |
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a. Absence from two consecutive meetings may be cause for declaring a vacancy in the position. Such vacancy shall be determined by a majority of the Board of Directors.
b. A vacancy in a commission shall be filled by appointment by the Board of Directors in accord with the appointment policies and procedures of the association. |
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| Section 9. Commission on Education |
| The Commission on Education shall: |
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a. Carry out responsibilities of commissions as stated in Section 6 of this Article.
b. Develop and implement program of activity to promote quality nursing education in North Carolina.
c. Work with the Commission on Standards and Professional Practice to develop strategies for collaboration between nursing education and practice.
d. Forecast trends in the health care delivery system and related nursing manpower issues.
e. Provide a program of continuing education for nurses in North Carolina by implementation of the ANA Standards for Nursing Professional Development: Continuing Education and Staff Development. |
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| Section 10. Commission on Membership Development and Services |
| The Commission on Membership Development and Services shall: |
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a. Carry out responsibilities of commissions as stated in Section 6 of this Article.
b. Work collaboratively with other NCNA organizational units to promote a positive image of nursing by incorporating effective marketing strategies in the dissemination of information to the membership, the nursing profession, and the public.
c. Develop marketing strategies, including development of tools for use by regions/districts, for the purpose of membership recruitment and retention.
d. Investigate and recommend to the Board of Directors new membership benefits and develop a marketing plan for such.
e. Serve as a resource to existing association programs addressing various member and/or organizational needs.
f. Promote development of projects which NCNA and its regions and districts can cosponsor with other community groups.
g. Devise and recommend strategies to achieve equity within NCNA for all members.
h. Serve as resource for nurses in identifying and coping with hazards to their well being and impairments to safe practice.
i. Identify and develop services needed by the regions/districts.
j. Facilitate district organization and development. |
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| Section 11. Commission on Standards and Professional Practice |
| The Commission on Standards and Professional Practice shall: |
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a. Carry out responsibilities of commissions as stated in Section 6 of this Article.
b. Promote the recognition of professional achievement and excellence.
c. Receive and take appropriate action on complaints and concerns of nursing practice.
d. Promote adherence to ethical, professional, and legal standards of nursing practice.
e. Coordinate activities of councils that are established based on clinical practice interests.
f. Work with the Commission on Education to develop strategies for collaboration between nursing education and practice.
g. Identify and evaluate developments and trends in health care practices and the general economy for their social and economic implications for nurses.
h. Promote awareness of nurses, consumers, and others about professional and economic issues.
i. Identify basic principles of desirable employment standards for nurses, devise methods for gaining their acceptance and implementation, and otherwise promote improvement in work environment.
j. Promote and facilitate efforts in nursing research. |
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| Section 12. Commission on Advanced Practice Nursing |
| The Commission on Advanced Practice Nursing shall: |
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a. Carry out responsibilities of commissions as stated in Section 6 of this Article.
b. Monitor, review, and develop position statements related to advanced practice nursing in NC on issues regarding practice, ethical, professional, legal and reimbursement matters.
c. Promote the recognition of professional achievement and excellence in advanced practice nursing.
d. Establish and maintain partnerships with other APRN organizations and stakeholders.
e. Promote discussion and research on barriers to optimal APRN practice and seek proactive ways to better serve our citizens.
f. Articulate clearly the roles and benefits of APRN practice to other nurses, healthcare providers, consumers, and legislators.
g. Mentor APRN students to become part of the broader APRN profession and NCNA. |
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ARTICLE XI. COUNCILS
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| Section 1. Definition |
| A Council is an organizational unit through which members participate in the improvement or advancement of the profession in an area of nursing practice or interest. Councils are accountable to the Board of Directors through the commission appropriate to the council's area of interest. |
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| Section 2. Designation |
| The Board of Directors may establish councils upon the recommendation of the commission appropriate to the area of interest. |
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| Section 3. Composition |
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Each member of NCNA may affiliate with one or more councils upon meeting each council's eligibility requirements.
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| Section 4. Terms of Office |
| Appointments and election of council officers and committee chairs shall be for a two-year term or until successors have been appointed or elected. No member shall serve more than four consecutive years in the same capacity. |
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| Section 5. Responsibilities |
| Each Council shall: |
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a. Provide a community of peers and a principal source of expertise in areas of interest and serve as a forum for discussion of relevant issues and concerns.
b. Develop positions and policies for recommendation to the commissions.
c. Assure that its policies and positions are in accordance with those of ANA and NCNA.
d. Develop and recommend to the Board of Directors criteria for membership in the council. |
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| Section 6. Executive Committees |
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a. Each council shall have an executive committee composed of chairman, vice chairman, secretary, and two members at large, one of whom shall serve as representative of its parent commission.
b. The executive committee of each council shall be responsible for the business of the council. |
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| Section 7. Dissolution |
| By a two-thirds vote, the Board of Directors may dissolve a Council: |
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a. If the Board of Directors and the respective council mutually agree that there is no reason for the council's continuance, or
b. If the Board of Directors finds that the council has failed to carry out its responsibilities or conform to the policies and positions of NCNA. |
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ARTICLE XII. FISCAL YEAR
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| The fiscal year of the association shall be the calendar year. |
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ARTICLE XIII. OFFICIAL ORGAN
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| The Tar Heel Nurse shall be the official organ of this association. |
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ARTICLE XIV. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
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| The rules contained in the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order shall govern meetings of this association in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws. |
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ARTICLE XV. AMENDMENTS
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| Section 1. Amendments with Notice |
| These bylaws may be amended at any meeting of the House of Delegates by a two thirds vote of the accredited delegates present and voting. All proposed amendments shall be referred to the Committee on Bylaws for study and recommendation. All proposed amendments approved by the Committee and reported to the Board of Directors shall be in possession of the secretary of this association at least 60 days before the date of the meeting of the House of Delegates and shall be appended to the call for the meeting. |
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| Section 2. Amendments without Notice |
| These bylaws may be amended without previous notice at any meeting of the House of Delegates by ninety nine percent of those present and voting. |
