Bylaws of the Arizona Society for Respiratory Care, Inc.

A chartered affiliate of the
American Association for Respiratory Care

ARTICLE I
NAME

This organization shall be known as the Arizona Society for Respiratory Care (AzSRC), a state society chartered affiliate of the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC), which is incorporated under General Not for Profit Corporation Act of the State of Illinois.

ARTICLE II
BOUNDARIES

The area included within the boundaries of the AzSRC shall be the boundaries of the State of Arizona.

ARTICLE III
OBJECTIVES

Section 1. Purpose

1. To encourage, develop and provide educational programs for those interested in the field of respiratory care.
   
   
2. To advance the science, technology, ethics and art of respiratory care through institutes, meetings, lectures and the preparation and distribution of a newsletter and other materials.
   
   
3. To facilitate cooperation between respiratory care personnel and the medical professions, hospitals, industry, service companies, governmental agencies and other agencies interested in respiratory care.
   
   
4. To provide education of the general public in pulmonary health promotion and disease management.
   
   

Section 2. Intent

1. No part of the monies of the AzSRC shall inure to the benefit of any private member or individual, nor shall the AzSRC perform particular services for individual members thereof.
   
   
2. Distribution of the funds, income, and property of the AzSRC may be made to charitable, educational, scientific, or religious corporations or other kindred institutions maintained and created for one or more of the foregoing purposes if at the time of distribution the payees or distributees are exempt from income taxation, and if gifts or transfers to the payee or distributees are then exempt from taxation under the provisions of section 501, 2055, and 2522 of the Internal Revenue Code, or any later or other sections of the Internal Revenue Code which amend or supersede the said section.
   
   
3. In the event of the dissolution of the AzSRC, whether voluntary or involuntary, all of it's remaining assets shall be distributed in such manner as the Board of Directors of the AzSRC shall by majority vote determine to be best calculated to carry out the objectives and purposes for which the AzSRC was formed. The distribution of the funds, income, and property of the AzSRC upon dissolution may be made available to any similar charitable, educational, scientific or religious corporations, community chests, foundations, or other kindred institutions maintained and created for one or more of the foregoing purposes if at the time of distribution the payee or distributee are then exempt from income taxation, and if gifts or transfers to the payee or distributee are then exempt from taxation under the provisions of sections 501, 2055, and 2522 of the Internal Revenue Code or changes which amend or supersede the said sections.
   
   
4. The AzSRC shall not commit any act which shall constitute unauthorized practice of medicine under the laws of the state of Arizona or any other state.
   
   
5. The AzSRC shall, to the maximum extent permitted by law, indemnify each of its present or former directors, officers, employees, or other agents against expense, judgments, fines, settlements, and other amounts actually and reasonable incurred in connection with any proceeding arising by reason of the fact that any such person is or was an agent of the AzSRC.

ARTICLE IV
MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Classifications

The membership of the AzSRC shall include three (3) classifications: active member, associate member and special member as per the Bylaws of the AARC.

Section 2. Qualification

An individual is qualified for membership in the AzSRC if he is a member of the AARC as specified in the AARC Bylaws, Article III - Membership, provided his/her place of employment is within the defined boundaries the AzSRC.

ARTICLE V
FISCAL YEAR

The fiscal year of the AzSRC shall be from January 1 through December 31.

ARTICLE VI
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

Section 1. Officers

The officers of the AzSRC shall be: President, President-Elect (who automatically succeeds to the presidency when the president's term expires), Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Immediate Past-President and Delegates. The officers shall be elected by popular vote of the Active members and be recognized as the Executive Committee.

Section 2. Directors

There shall be four (4) Directors. The Directors shall be elected from the Active membership by popular vote.

Section 3. Term of Office for Officers and Directors

1. The term of office for AzSRC President-elect shall be for one (1) year, elected every other year corresponding to the second year of the President’s term.  The President-elect shall complete immediate successive full terms for the offices of President-elect, President, and Immediate Past President before being eligible to serve a successive term in any elected office.
   
   
2. The term of office for Board of Directors shall be for two (2) years and shall begin January 1 of each year. Two (2) representatives shall be elected each year.
   
   
3. The term of office for the President, Secretary and Treasurer shall be two (2) years. The term of office for the Immediate Past-President shall be one (1) year.
   
   
4. The term of office of the Delegates shall be four (4) years.
   
   

Section 4. Vacancies in Office

1. Any vacancy that occurs on the Executive Committee, with the exception to the President, Immediate Past-President and Delegate shall be filled by qualified members appointed by the Board of Directors. Individuals so elected shall serve until the next election.
   
   
2. In the event of a vacancy in the Office of President, the President-Elect shall become acting President to serve the unexpired term and then shall serve his successive term as President.
   
   
3. In the event of a vacancy in the Office of President-Elect, the Vice- President shall assume the duties but not the office of the President-Elect, as well as his own duties until a special election is held to fill the office.
   
   
4. In the event of a vacancy in the office of Vice-President, Secretary or Treasurer or Director, the Board of Directors shall appoint a qualified AzSRC member to fill the vacancy.
   
   
5. An elected President-Elect shall serve until the next election and then automatically accede to the presidency.
   
   
6. If there is a delegate vacancy, a special election will be held.
   
   
7. If there is a vacancy in the office of Immediate Past-President, the most recent Immediate Past-President will assume the office.
   
   

Section 5. Duties of Officers

1. President
   The President shall be the chief executive officer of the AzSRC: He shall preside at the annual business meeting and all meetings of the Board of Directors; prepare an agenda for the annual business meeting and submit it to the membership not fewer than thirty (30) days prior to such a meeting in accordance with ARTICLE XIII of these Bylaws; prepare an agenda for each meeting of the Board of Directors and submit it to the members of the Board not fewer than fifteen (15) days prior to such a meeting; appoint standing and special committees subject to approval of the Board of Directors; be an ex-officio member of all committees except the Elections and Nominations Committees; present to the Board of Directors and membership an annual report of the AzSRC's activities and inform the President-Elect and Vice-President of all the AzSRC's activities. He shall, with the Treasurer, be responsible for disbursement of all the AzSRC funds.
   
   
2. President-Elect
   The President-Elect shall accede to the office of President when the President's term ends. The President-Elect shall become acting President and shall assume the duties of the President, in the event of the President's absence, resignation or disability. He shall perform such other duties as dictated by the Board of Directors and shall perform such other duties as shall be dictated by the Board of Directors.
   
   
3. Vice-President
   The Vice-President shall assume the duties but not the office of the President-Elect in the event of the President-Elect's absence, resignation or disability and shall perform such other duties as assigned by the President or Board of Directors. The Vice-President shall be a member of the Bylaws Committee.
   
   
4. Treasurer
   The Treasurer shall : have charge of all funds and securities of the AzSRC endorsing checks, notes or other orders for the payment of bills; disbursing funds as authorized by the Board of Directors and/or in accordance with the adopted budget; and depositing funds as the Board of Directors may designate. He shall see that full and accurate accounts are kept and make a written financial report at every regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors. At the expense of the AzSRC, he shall be bonded in an amount determined by the Board of Directors and with the President; he shall be responsible for disbursement of all the AzSRC funds.
   
   
5. Secretary
   The Secretary shall: have charge of keeping the minutes of the Board of Directors meetings, regular business meetings, and the annual business meeting, submitting a copy of the minutes of every meeting of the governing body and other business of the AzSRC to the Executive Office of the AARC within the thirty (30) days following the meeting; executing the general correspondence; affixing the corporate seal on documents so requiring; and in general, performing all duties as assigned by the President or the Board of Directors.
   
   
6. Immediate Past-President
   The Immediate Past-President shall perform such duties as assigned by the President or the Board of Directors.
   
   

Section 6. Voting

Each position of the Board of Directors shall have one (1) vote (except President, who votes only in case of a tie). Proxies will be accepted on specific issues submitted to the Secretary at the beginning of the meeting and approved by the Board.

ARTICLE VIII
ANNUAL MEETING

Section 1. Date and Place

1. The AzSRC shall hold an annual business meeting in each calendar year.
   
   
2. The date and location of the annual meeting and additional business.
   
   
3. Meetings shall be decided in advance by the Board of Directors. In the event of a major emergency, the President shall cancel the scheduled meeting, set a new date and location if feasible, or conduct the business of the meeting electronically or by mail.
   
   

Section 2. Purpose

The annual meeting shall be for the purpose of receiving reports of officers and committees, receiving the results of the election, and for other business brought about by the President.

Section 3. Notification

Written notice of the time and location of the annual meeting shall appear in the AzSRC newsletter or web page.

ARTICLE IX
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1.  Composition and Powers of the Board of Directors

1. The executive government of the AzSRC shall be vested in a Board consisting of the members of the Executive Committee and the Directors.
   
   
2. The President shall be the Chairman and Presiding officer of the Board of Directors. The President shall invite such individuals to the meeting of the Board as deemed necessary who shall have the privilege of voice, but not vote.
   
   
3. The Board of Directors shall have the power to declare an office vacant by two-thirds (2/3) vote, upon refusal or neglect of any member of the Board to perform the duties of that office, or any conduct deemed prejudicial to the AzSRC. Written notice shall be given to the member that the office has been declared vacant.
   
   
4. The Board of Directors has the power to conduct a phone or electronic vote via the President of the members of the Board. Results of a phone vote shall be tallied by the President and ratified by the Board of Directors at the next regular meeting.
   
   
5. The Executive Committee shall also function as the Budget and Audit Committee.
   
   

Section 2. Executive Committee

1. The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, President-Elect, Vice-President, Immediate Past-President, Secretary, Treasurer and Delegates. They shall have the power to act for the Board of Directors between meetings of the Board of Directors and such action shall be subject to ratification by the Board at its next meeting.
   
   
2. The President shall be chairman and presiding officer of the Executive Committee.
   
   

Section 3. Duties

1. Supervise all business and activities of the AzSRC within the limitations of these Bylaws.
   
   
2. Adopt and rescind standing rules of the AzSRC.
   
   
3. Notify the Medical Advisor of all such meetings and actions as are deemed pertinent.
   
   
4. Perform such other duties as may be necessary or appropriate for the management of the AzSRC.
   
   

Section 4. Meetings

1. The Board of Directors shall hold not less than one (1) meeting quarterly during the calendar year.
   
   
2. Special meetings of the Board of Directors shall be called by the President at such times as the business of the AzSRC shall require, or upon written request of the majority of the members of the Board of Directors filed with the President and Secretary of the AzSRC.
   
   
3. A majority of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of the AzSRC.
   
   

Section 5. Mail Vote/Electronic Vote

Whenever, in the judgment of the Board of Directors, it is necessary to present any business to the membership prior to the next regular or annual meeting, the Board of Directors may, unless otherwise required by these bylaws, conduct a vote of the membership by mail or electronically. The question thus presented shall be determined according to the majority of valid votes received electronically or by mail within thirty (30) days after the date of such submission, except in the case of constitutional amendment or change in the bylaws amendments when a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the valid votes is required. Any and all action approved by the members in accordance with the requirements of this article shall be binding upon each member thereof. Any amendment to the bylaws of this state AzSRC shall be presented to the membership at least sixty (60) days prior to mail or electronically vote, as provided in Article XIX of these bylaws concerning amendments.

ARTICLE X
AZSRC DELEGATES TO THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES

Section 1. Election

Delegates of the AzSRC to the House of Delegates of the AARC shall be elected as specified by the AARC Bylaws.

Section 2. The Duties of the Delegates

The duties of the Delegates shall be specified by the Bylaws of the AARC . Except for the office of Immediate Past-President, the members of the delegation may not hold concurrent office on the Board of Directors.

Section 3. Succession

No person may serve more than two (2) consecutive terms in the House of Delegates. The delegates shall be elected for the term of four (4) years - one delegate shall be elected every two years.

ARTICLE XI
AZSRC MEDICAL ADVISOR

The AzSRC shall have at least one (1) Medical Advisor who shall conform to Article VIII, Section 3 of the AARC Bylaws.

ARTICLE XII
NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS

Section 1. Nominations Committee

The Nominations Committee will be chaired by the President or President-Elect (or their designee) and will present a slate of nominees to the Board of Directors at least sixty (60) days prior to the annual meeting.

Section 2. Nominations

1. The Nominations Committee shall place in nomination for each of the officers to be elected, the names of two (2) or more persons.
   
   
2. Only active members in good standing shall be eligible for nomination.
   
   
3. All nominees will sign a form listing the duties required of any nominated position.  Their signature indicates their willingness to serve in a position and perform those duties.
   
   
4. The Nominations Committee shall provide a pertinent biographical sketch of each nominee's professional activities and services to the organization, all of which will be part of the ballot.
   
   
5. On written petition of at least twenty-five (25) active voting members for any office of the AzSRC, not less than ninety (90) days prior to the annual meeting, any other member or members may be nominated; if a nominating petition is so filed, such further nominations shall be placed on the ballot.
   
   
6. The Nominee for the Delegate shall have held a previous elected position in the AzSRC Board of Directors. 
   
   

Section 3. Ballot.  

1. The Nominations Committee's slate and biographical sketches shall be mailed or electronically sent to every active AzSRC member in good standing and eligible to vote at least forty-five (45) days prior to the annual meeting.
   
   
2. The AzSRC's vote shall be sent by U.S. Postal mail or secured electronic mail and the list of nominees shall be so designed as to be a secret mail ballot with provisions for write-in votes.
   
   
3. The ballots shall be proxies which will authorize the secretary to vote at the annual meeting in accordance with the directions of the members.
   
   
4. The Board of Directors shall declare a date of record for members who will be eligible to cast a ballot in each election.
   
   

Section 4. Elections Committee

1. The President shall appoint an impartial Elections Committee which shall be chaired by the President-Elect. The committee will receive ballots and verify and tabulate ballots and report the results in writing to the elections chairman.
   
   
2. Elections shall be decided by a plurality of votes cast. The minimum number of votes cast for a valid election shall be one-tenth (1/10) of the active members of the AzSRC. A tie shall be decided by lot.

 

ARTICLE XIII
AZSRC BUSINESS MEETING

Section 1. Date and Place

1. The AzSRC shall hold an annual business meeting in the fourth quarter of each calendar year; additional business meetings may be held as required to fulfill the objectives of the AzSRC.
   
   
2. The date and place of the annual business meeting and additional business meetings shall be decided in advance by the Board of Directors. In the event of a major emergency, the Board of Directors may cancel the scheduled meetings and set a new date and place.
   
   

Section 2. Purpose

1. The annual business meeting shall be for the purpose of receiving annual reports of officers and committees, reporting the results of the election, and for other business brought by the President or Board.
   
   
2. Additional business meetings shall be for the purpose of receiving reports and for other business brought by the Board.
   
   

Section 3. Notification

Written notification by mail or electronically of the time and place of the annual business meeting shall be available to all members of the AzSRC not fewer than ninety (90) days prior to the meeting. An agenda for the annual business meeting shall be provided to all members not fewer than thirty (30) days prior to the annual business meeting.

Section 4. Quorum

A majority of the voting members of the Board shall constitute a quorum at any duly called business meeting.

ARTICLE XIV
SPECIAL VOTES

Section 1. Electronic Mail Votes For The Board Of Directors

Whenever, in the judgment of the President or the Board of Directors, it is necessary to reach a consensus among the Board members to enable the President or designees to proceed upon a plan of action between formal meetings, an electronic mail vote may be called. The conclusion of this vote is not intended to adopt an official statement or resolution. All such votes shall be preceded by a telephone call informing the Board members that an electronic mail vote has been initiated. All attempts to notify Board members shall be backed up by electronic mail, noting the issue to be decided and the date of the actual vote. A conference call may occur for the purposes of discussion only. A minimum of 24 hours shall lapse between the initial telephone call and the actual vote. A record of each notification attempt will be maintained by the Board member initiating the vote. Two-thirds (2/3) of the Board (8 members) must vote. Six of those voting must be in agreement to pass or defeat the issue. All results of electronic mail votes shall be recorded and ratified at the next Board meeting.

Section 2. Votes For General Membership

Whenever, in the judgment of the Board of Directors, it is necessary to present any business to the membership prior to the next regular or annual business meeting, the Board of Directors may, unless otherwise required by these Bylaws, instruct the Elections Committee to conduct a vote of the membership by mail or electronically. The questions thus presented shall be determined according to a majority of the valid votes received by mail or electronically within thirty (30) days after the date of such submission. Any and all action approved by the members in accordance with the requirements of this Article shall be binding upon each member thereof. Any amendment(s) to the Bylaws of this AzSRC shall be presented to the membership at least sixty (60) days prior to a mail or electronically vote, as provided in Article XIX of these bylaws concerning amendments.

ARTICLE XV
COMMITTEES

Section 1. Standing Committees

The members of the following Standing Committees shall be appointed by the President, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors, to serve for a period of one (1) year, except the Continuing Education and Program Committees shall be for two (2) years.

1.  Membership

2.  Budget and Audit

3.  Elections

4.  Nominations

5.  Program

6.  Education /Awards

7.  Bylaws

8.  Publications

9.  Public Relations

10.  Continuing Education Approval

11.  Legislative

Section 2. Special Committees and Other Appointments

Special committees may be appointed by the President.

Section 3. Committee Chairman's Duties

1. The President shall appoint the Chairman of each committee.
   
   
2. The Chairman of each committee may recommend prospective committee members to the President. When possible, the Chairman of the previous year shall serve as a member of the new committee.
   
   
3. The Chairman of each committee shall confer promptly with the members of that committee on work assignments.
   
   
4. All committee reports shall be made in writing and submitted to the President and Secretary of the AzSRC at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting at which the report is to be read.
   
   
5. Non-members or physician members may be appointed to the committees as consultants. The President shall request recommendation for physician appointments from the Medical Advisor(s).
   
   
6. Each Committee Chairman requiring operating expenses shall submit a budget for the next fiscal year to the Budget and Audit Committee.

ARTICLE XVI
DUTIES OF COMMITTEES

Section 1. Membership

This Committee shall consist of at four (4) members - one of the delegates shall serve as chair. Members shall investigate ways in which the AzSRC can serve its members.

Section 2. Budget and Audit Committee

This committee shall be composed of the Executive Committee who shall assist the Treasurer in preparation of the annual budget and shall oversee the disbursement of the AzSRC's funds.

Section 3. Elections Committee

1. This committee is chaired by the President-Elect.
   
   
2. This committee shall receive ballots for all elections held during the calendar year and verify the eligibility of each ballot and tally the votes cast.
   
   
3. This committee shall consist of three (3) Active members.
   
   

Section 4. Nominations Committee

1. This committee shall consist of the President or President-Elect (or their designee) and three (3) other Active members.
   
   
2. This committee shall prepare for approval by the Board of Directors a slate of candidates.
   
   
3. It shall be the duty of this committee to make final critical appraisal of candidates to see that the nominations are in the best interests of the AARC and the state AzSRC through consideration personal qualifications and geographical representation as applicable.
   
   

Section 5. Program Committee

1. This Committee shall consist of at least five (5) members, including a member of the Board of Directors, and be so constructed as to provide experienced members for program planning.
   
   
2. The Medical Advisor(s) or designee will be a consultant member of this committee.
   
   
3. This committee shall plan and present at least one (1) state-wide seminar annually.
   
   

Section 6. Awards Committee

1. This committee shall consist of a member of the Board of Directors and at least three (3) Active Members and be constructed and rotated so as to guarantee a core of experienced members.
   
   
2. The committee shall support the concepts of health promotion and disease prevention, and work for their inclusion in traditional curricula whenever possible.
   
   
3. This committee shall recommend recipients of all AzSRC awards and scholarships.
   
   

Section 7. Bylaws Committee

1. This committee shall consist of three (3) members, one (1) of whom shall be the Vice-President of the AzSRC, with two (2) members appointed annually.
   
   
2. This committee shall receive and prepare all amendments to the Bylaws for submission to the Board of Directors.
   
   

Section 8. Publications Committee

1. This committee shall consist of a member of the Board of Director and at least two (2) members.
   
   
2. This committee shall be responsible for the publication and distribution of a AzSRC newsletter and all other publications of the AzSRC.
   
   

Section 9. Public Relations Committee

1. This committee shall consist of at least three (3) members, one (1) of whom shall be the Vice-President.
   
   
2. This committee shall be concerned with the dissemination of information concerning respiratory care and/or the AzSRC to the public, hospitals, and other organizations.
   
   

Section 10. Continuing Education

1. This committee shall consist of no more that three (3) members appointed by the Board of Directors.
   
   
2. This Committee is concerned with the review of all applications for continuing education units and AzSRC bylaws and the approval of materials meeting the criteria adopted by the Board of Respiratory Care Examiners. This committee will also be responsible for the maintenance of records generated in the course of these duties and the provision of continuing education documents.
   
   

Section 11. Legislative

1. This committee shall be composed of at least two (2) members, including a chair whom shall be a Board of Directors member.
   
   
2. This committee shall propose an annual legislative agenda to the Board of Directors.
   
   
3. This committee shall work with legislative advisors to advance pertinent bills in the legislature and monitor other legislation which may have an impact on the practice of respiratory care in Arizona.
   
   
4. A representative from this committee shall attend quarterly meetings of the Arizona Board of Examiners for Respiratory Care and other meetings as invited.

ARTICLE XVIII
PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE

The rules contained in the latest edition of "Robert's Rules of Order Revised" shall govern whenever the rules are not in conflict with the bylaws of the AzSRC or of the AARC.

ARTICLE XIX
AMENDMENTS

These Bylaws amended at any regular or special meeting or by electronic or U.S Mail vote of the AzSRC by two-thirds (2/3) of those voting, provided that the amendment has been presented to the Bylaws Committee and the membership in writing at least sixty (60) days prior to the vote. All amendments must be approved by the AARC Chartered Affiliates Committee and shall become effective upon ratification by the AARC Board of Directors.