American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science - Arizona/Nevada Division

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Adopted May 16, 2002

The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science – Arizona/Nevada Division is incorporated with the State of Arizona Corporation Commission.

ARICLE I - Name

ARICLE II - Locations

ARICLE III - Purpose

ARICLE IV - Leadership

ARICLE V - Membership

ARICLE VI - Finances

ARICLE VII - Nominations & Elections

ARICLE VIII - Meetings

ARICLE IX - Delegates

ARICLE X - Official Publication

ARICLE XI - Code of Ethics

ARICLE XII - Fiscal Year

ARICLE XIII - Quorum

ARICLE XIV - Parliamentary Authority

ARICLE XV - Amendments

ARICLE XVI - Dissolution

ARTICLE I - Name

The name of this Society shall be American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science – Arizona/Nevada Division (hereafter designated as ASCLS – AND).

 

ARTICLE II - Locations

The locations of this Society shall be:

• Within the boundaries of the State of Arizona
• Within the boundaries of the State of Nevada
• Principle location of Nevada Chapter shall be in Las Vegas, Clark County, Nevada
• Principle location of Tucson Chapter shall be in Tucson, Pima County, Arizona
• Principle location of Valley of the Sun Chapter shall be in Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona

 

ARTICLE III - Purpose

The purpose of this organization shall be:

• To promote higher standards in clinical laboratory methods and research
• To elevate the status of those specializing in medical laboratory technique
• To create mutual understanding and cooperation between Clinical Laboratory Scientists, physicians and all others who are employed in the interest of individual or public health
• To promote the mutual aid and benefit of the Society’s members

 

ARTICLE IV - Leadership

Section 1. Board of Directors

The Board of Directors of this Society shall consist of duly elected Officers and Board Members. The officers shall be the President, Immediate Past President, President-Elect, Secretary, and Treasurer. Board members shall be the Secretary-Elect, Treasurer-Elect, Nevada Chapter Director, Tucson Chapter Director, Valley of the Sun Chapter Director, two Members at Large and the Student Forum Chapter Representative.

Section 2. Duties of the Officers:

A. The President shall:

1. Be chief executive of this Society and shall preside at all meetings of the Society and its Board of Directors.
2. Be an ex-officio member of all committees, except the Nominations and Elections Committee.
3. Appoint a chairperson for each and all committees except for the Nominations and Elections Committee.
4. Perform all other duties customary to the President’s office as defined by the parliamentary authority and as outlined by the handbook.
5. Serve on the President’s Council and the Regional Council of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (hereafter designated ASCLS).
6. The term of the President is one year, immediately followed by a one-year term as Immediate Past President.

B. The President-Elect shall:

• Become familiar with the duties of the President. These duties will become the responsibility of the President-Elect upon becoming President.
• Perform such other duties as may be directed by the Board of Directors.
• In the event of the temporary absence of the President, the President-Elect shall perform the duties and have the same authority as the President.
• In case of death, resignation, or removal of the President, the President-Elect shall perform the duties of the President.
• The term of office for President-Elect is one year, immediately followed by a one-year term as President, followed by a one-year term as Immediate Past President.

C. Immediate Past President shall:

• Advise the President and chair the Nominations and Elections Committee.
• In the case of death, resignation or removal of the President and President-Elect, the Immediate Past President shall perform the duties of the President.
• The term of office for Immediate Past President is one year.

D. Secretary shall:

• Prepare and keep a file of the minutes of all meetings, with the exception of the minutes of the annual meeting, which are prepared and distributed by the Secretary-Elect.
• Notify in writing all members of this Society of the time and place of the annual meeting and any interim meetings 30 days prior to such sessions.
• Notify all members of any special session at least 7 days before the meeting.
• Notify the Board of Directors at least 3 days prior to meetings of said Board.
• Furnish all members of the Society with a copy of the bylaws upon request.
• Send to the Executive Secretary of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (here after designated as ASCLS) the names and addresses of all officers and state committee chairpersons immediately after their election or appointment and the names and addresses of the members who are entitled to act as delegates to the National Convention.
• Perform all other duties as defined by the parliamentary authority and as outlined by the handbook.

E. The Treasurer shall:

1. Collect, receive, accurately record and have charge of all funds of the Society.
2. Deposit such funds in a bank designated by the Board of Directors.
3. Report the financial condition of the Society to the Officers or Board Members whenever requested.
4. Insure that all accounts have been reviewed by the Auditing Committee prior to the annual session before a report is presented for approval to Society members.
5. Perform all other duties customary to the Treasurer’s office and as defined by the parliamentary authority and outlined by the handbook.

The Secretary-Elect shall:

1. Become familiar with the duties of the Secretary. These duties will become the responsibility of the Secretary-Elect upon becoming Secretary.
2. Perform such other duties as may be directed by the Board of Directors.
3. In the event of the temporary absence of the Secretary, the Secretary-Elect shall perform the duties and have the same authority as the Secretary.
4. In case of death, resignation, or removal of the Secretary, the Secretary-Elect shall perform the duties of the Secretary.
5. The term of office for Secretary-Elect is one year, immediately followed by a two-year term as Secretary.
6. Prepare the minutes of the annual member meeting and present these to the BOD and the members at the next meetings.
7. This office shall be filled on a year which is opposite of the appointment of the Treasurer-Elect.

The Treasurer-Elect shall:

1. Become familiar with the duties of the Treasurer. These duties will become the responsibility of the Treasurer-Elect upon becoming Treasurer.
2. Perform such other duties as may be directed by the Board of Directors.
3. In the event of the temporary absence of the Treasurer, the Treasurer-Elect shall perform the duties and have the same authority as the Treasurer.
4. In case of death, resignation, or removal of the Treasurer, the Treasurer-Elect shall perform the duties of the Treasurer.
5. The term of office for Treasurer-Elect is one year, immediately followed by a two-year term as Treasurer.
6. Serve as a member of the Budget Committee.
7. This office shall be filled on a year which is opposite of the appointment of the Secretary-Elect.

The Chapter Directors shall:

1. Serve a term of office of three (3) years. An elected Director shall serve no more than two consecutive full terms as Director.
2. One Director shall be elected for a term of three years, annually.
3. In event of a vacancy among the elected Directors, the Board of Directors shall appoint a successor to serve until the next election meeting and give first consideration to one of the candidates from the most recent slate of nominees for Directors. At the next election meeting, the vacancy shall be filled by election to fill the unexpired term.
4. Act as a liaison between their local chapter and the BOD.
5. Call and conduct meetings of their local chapter members as needed.
6. Attend BOD meetings and vote on issues discussed and presented.

The Members at Large shall:

1. Serve a term of office of three (3) years. An elected Member at Large shall serve no more than two consecutive full terms as Member at Large.
2. One Member at Large shall be elected for a term of three years, annually.
3. In event of a vacancy among the elected Members at Large, the Board of Directors shall appoint a successor to serve until the next election meeting and give first consideration to one of the candidates from the most recent slate of nominees for Members at Large. At the next election meeting, the vacancy shall be filled by election to fill the unexpired term.
4. Act as a liaison between their local chapter and the BOD.
5. Call and conduct meetings of their local chapter members as needed.
6. Attend BOD meetings and vote on issues discussed and presented.

Section 3 . Terms of Office

• The term of office for the President of the Society shall be one year. The President shall also serve on the Board of Directors as immediate Past President for a term of one year.
• The President Elect shall serve a term of one year.
• The Secretary shall serve a term of two years.
• The Secretary Elect shall serve a term of one year. *
• The Treasurer shall serve a term of two years.
• The Treasurer Elect shall serve a term of one year. *
• Each Member at Large shall serve a term of three years. *
• Each Chapter Director shall serve a term of three years. *
• The term of each newly elected officer shall commence August 1^st, or when the successor has been named.
• No member shall hold more than one office at a time or hold more than one voting position on the Board of Directors.
• If a vacancy occurs in any office or position, with the exception of the Office of President, the BOD shall name an interim representative. A vacancy in the office of President shall be filled by the President-Elect.
• An active or emeritus member of this Society shall be eligible to hold office provided that the member has been an active or emeritus member for at least six (6) months prior to the member’s election.
• No one individual may hold more than one elected office at one time.
• *Elected to serve terms on alternating years.

Section 4 . Chapters

1. This Society shall be composed of chapters comprised of three (3) or more active members within a geographical area, functioning within the framework of this Society. Each Chapter will have representation on the BOD.
2. The Student Forum Chapter may be formed by three (3) or more student members of this Society and included in the same geographic area.
3. Each Chapter shall sustain its status with this Society by following the Constitution and Bylaws in harmony with the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of ASCLS.
4. Revocation of Charter
   1. This Society shall be empowered to revoke the charter of any Chapter upon notice and an opportunity to be heard thereon, by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board of Directors for:
      1. Following a policy contrary to the Code of Ethics as defined by American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science.
      2. For adopting rules or laws contrary to the purpose of this Society.
      3. For failure to cooperate reasonably with this Society.
   2. Any Chapter whose charter has been revoked may be reinstated by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors.

Section 5 . STANDING COMMITTEES

The following standing committees shall be established and their duties outlined in the Society Handbook:

1. A. Education (to include Education, Annual Meeting, P.A.C.E., Scientific Assemblies, HHS Laboratory Advisory Council)
2. Membership (to include Membership, Publications, Leadership Development)
3. Publicity and Professional Relations (to include Publicity and Professional Relations, Awards, Scholarships, Government Liaison)
4. Student Forum Chapter
5. Planning and Scope (to include Planning and Scope, Minutes, Finance, Credentials, Bylaws, Nominations and Elections)

Section 6

Additional committees may be authorized and duties assigned by the President and/or Board of Directors to fulfill Society needs on an annual basis.

 

ARTICLE V - Membership

Section 1 . Membership categories

Membership categories shall be those of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science.

Section 2

Application, qualifications, privileges, maintenance, transfer, and expulsion of membership shall be according to ASCLS policies.

Section 3

Individuals may be selected for honorary membership in ASCLS - AND without being members of ASCLS. Any member may nominate an individual by presenting documentation at the Board of Directors. meeting.

 

ARTICLE VI - Finances

Section 1

Changes in dues shall be determined by a membership vote at an annual meeting by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of members present. Recommendation for dues change shall be published to members at least thirty (30) days prior to said vote.

Section 2

Membership fee remittance, update of, anniversary date, and reinstatement of membership privileges shall be according to ASCLS policies.

Section 3

If dues are to be remitted to any Chapter, the amount of dues remitted shall be determined by the Board of Directors and approved by the membership at the annual meeting.

 

ARTICLE VII - Nominations and Elections

Section 1 . Nominations and Elections Committee

• The Nominations and Elections Committee shall consist of a minimum of two Professional or Emeritus members elected by the membership plus the Immediate Past-President who shall serve as chairperson. No other Officers or Board Members shall be eligible to serve on this committee during their tenure in office. Each Chapter should be represented on the Nominations Committee.
• Members of this committee shall be elected to serve for two years. Each committee member shall be elected annually for a term of two years.
• In event of a vacancy among the members of the Nominations and Elections Committee, the Board of Directors shall appoint a successor to serve the remaining term of office; and give consideration to one of the candidates from the most recent slate of nominees for members of the Nominations and Elections Committee.
• The Nominations and Elections Committee shall be responsible for compiling a slate of all the elective positions of this Society. This slate of nominees shall be sent to each Professional and Emeritus Member at least thirty (30) days prior to the election meeting.
• Any officer of this Society may be nominated for a different office, and may continue until the election to a different office is made official, whereupon a resignation from the original office must be effected.
• Consent of all nominees to run or am office shall be confirmed prior to nomination for that office.

Section 2 . Election

• The election shall be by a plurality vote. Lot shall resolve a tie.
• The method of voting shall be by mail ballot only. Professional and Emeritus Members shall return their official vote in a sealed envelope. This sealed envelope shall be enclosed in another envelope with the member's name and address thereon and shall be returned to the Secretary by mail or deposited in a ballot box at the election meeting.
• If an electronic ballot can be developed and implemented which maintains voter confidentiality, the BOD will consider approval of this system for voting.

Section 3 . Filling of Vacancies

• A vacancy occurring in any office, not filled by the directives in the following paragraphs, shall be filled by a majority vote of the Board of Directors until the next election meeting. Consideration shall be given to the most recent slate of nominees for the office in which the vacancy occurs.
• In the event of the death, resignation, or total disability of the President, the President-Elect shall become the President of the Society for the remainder of the year of the President's term of office and for the following year. The Immediate Past President shall serve as President-Elect for the remainder of the year in which the vacancy occurs. At the next annual meeting following the occurrence of the vacancy in the office of President, the Professional and Emeritus Members shall elect a new President-Elect for a term of one year.
• In the event of the simultaneous removal during their term of office of both the President and the President-Elect, the Immediate Past-President shall become the President of this Society for the remainder of the unexpired term of the President. The office of the President-Elect shall remain vacant until the next election meeting when both a President and a President-Elect shall be elected.

 

ARTICLE VIII - Meetings

Section 1 . Annual Meeting

Meetings shall be held annually. The Board of Directors shall designate time and place.

Section 2 . Special Meetings

The President and/or the Board of Directors may call special meetings. The Secretary shall notify the members of these meetings.

Section 3 . Proxy Vote

A proxy vote shall be available to Professional and Emeritus Members who are unable to attend a general meeting. Such proxy votes shall be allowed for voting only on specific issues, which have been presented to the voting membership thirty (30) days prior to the general meeting. Any one voting member shall hold not more than two proxies.

Section 4

A quorum for any annual, interim or special sessions shall be defined as the President or President Elect and the active members in good standing who are present.

Section 5 . Scientific Assemblies

• The Sections of the Scientific Assembly shall serve the academic, scientific and vocational interests of members of this Society. The activities of the Sections of the Scientific Assembly shall not be directed toward the administrative aspects of this Society.
• Sections of the Scientific Assembly may be established by the Board of Directors at the request of three (3) or more members with a common interest.
• The chairperson of each Section will serve as leader of the Section and as a member of the Education Committee.
• The duties and responsibilities of a Section may include:
• Preparation and presentation of programs, seminars and workshops at the annual convention of the Society, or at such Society sponsored meetings, and the preparation of scientific papers or abstracts for publication.
• Planning of research programs in methodology, education, or administration.

 

ARTICLE IX - Delegates

Section 1 . Representation

This Society shall be represented at the annual meeting of ASCLS by a designated number of delegates as provided in the Bylaws of ASCLS. The President, the incoming President-Elect and the Student Forum Chapter Representative shall be three of the designated number of delegates.

Section 2 . Election of Delegates

• The student delegate and an alternate shall be nominated and elected by the student members of this Society.
• The remaining number of designated delegates and the voting members of this Society with consideration that at least one (1) delegate shall elect their alternates and an alternate shall represent each of the existing Chapter Societies, excluding the Student Forum Chapter.
• Should the designated number of delegates or alternates fail to be elected or are unable to attend the ASCLS Annual Meeting, the President shall, by appointment, complete the delegation.

 

ARTICLE X - Official Publication

Section 1 . Newsletter

An official newsletter shall be published. This newsletter shall be made available to all members not in arrears of dues. Subscription may be solicited from non-members.

Section 2 . Editorial Board

The Editorial Board shall consist of the Editor and two Associate Editors. The President of this Society shall appoint the Editor. The Associate Editors shall be selected and appointed annually by the Editor with the approval of the Board of Directors.

Section 3 . Editorials

The Editor and one other member of the Editorial Board before publication shall approve all editorials.

 

ARTICLE XI - Code of Ethics

The members of this Society shall abide by the following code of ethics of ASCLS:

• Being fully cognizant of my responsibilities in the practice of Clinical Laboratory Science, I affirm my willingness to discharge my duties with accuracy, thoughtfulness and care.
• Realizing that the knowledge obtained concerning patients in the course of my work must be treated as confidential, I hold inviolate the confidence (trust) placed in me by patients and physicians.
• Recognizing that my integrity and that of my profession must be pledged to the absolute reliability of my work, I will conduct myself at all times in a manner appropriate to the dignity of my profession.

 

ARTICLE XII - Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of this Society shall be from August 1 through July 31.

 

ARTICLE XIII - Quorum

A quorum for any annual, interim or special sessions shall be the President or President Elect and the active members in good standing who are present. A quorum at a Board of Directors meeting shall be one more than one-half (½) the elected number of Board members.

 

ARTICLE XIV - Parliamentary Authority

Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised shall be the parliamentary authority for all matters of procedure not specifically covered by the Bylaws for this Society or by special rules of procedure adopted by it

 

ARTICLE XV - Amendments

Section 1 . Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, Amendments

• A. Bylaws shall be adopted by this Society which may provide restriction of the exercise of the corporate power of this Society in addition to those contained in these Articles, and in general, may provide in detail for the government of the Society and its members and include any provisions not inconsistent with the expressed provisions of these Articles. The Bylaws of this Society may be amended, adopted, or added to as prescribed therein.
• B. The Articles of Incorporation and the Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote cast by the Professional and Emeritus members at any meeting of the Society provided that all Professional and Emeritus Members shall have been notified in writing of the proposed amendment at least thirty (30) days prior to said meeting.
• C. A Professional or Emeritus Member, unable to attend the said meeting, may give his proxy to a Professional or Emeritus member of this Society on an official form provided by the Secretary of this Society. Not more than two proxies shall be held by any one Professional or Emeritus Member.

Section 2

Proposed amendments to the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of this Society may be submitted to the Bylaws Committee at least three (3) months in advance of a general meeting by a Professional or Emeritus member or by a Chapter Society.

 

ARTICLE XVI - DISSOLUTION

Section 1

This Society shall be dissolved upon a vote of two-thirds (2/3) votes cast by the Professional and Emeritus members at any meeting of the Society provided that all Professional and Emeritus Members shall have been notified in writing of the dissolution at least thirty (30) days prior to said meeting.

Section 2

In the event of the dissolution of this Society, after the discharge of its debts and the settlement of its affairs, any funds and properties of this Society remaining thereafter will be held in escrow by ASCLS for a maximum of three (3) years. If a constituent society of ASCLS is not reorganized in ASCLS – AND by the end of said three (3) years, these funds are conveyed to the ASCLS Education and Research Fund, Inc.