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MISSION STATEMENT AND GOALS

NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY

Comments

Approved by the Executive Board 

Submitted by

PNA-Tampa Bylaws Committee

Elena Garcesa. RN, MSN

Gealdina Irvine, RN, BSN, MSHSA

Rebecca Mendoza, RN, MSN

Signed by 

Guinevere Iyog, RN, BSN

PNA-TAMPA President 2006-2008

ARTICLE I

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NAME

The name of this organization shall be the PHILIPPINE NURSES ASSOCIATION OF TAMPA BAY, INC., otherwise known as PNA of Tampa Bay, and hereinafter referred to as the Association.  The official abbreviation shall be PNA-TAMPA.

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MEMBERSHIP and DUES

Section 1: Membership in the Association is a privilege and is contingent upon compliance with the requirements specified in these By-laws.

Section 2: Categories of membership in this Association are: Active, Associate and Honorary and Lifetime

1.        Active member:

a.       Any professional registered, practical or vocational nurse of Philippine or non-Philippine ethnic origin who has been granted a license to practice in any state of the United States and/or its territories, and who has paid the required membership dues to the Association as a member-at-large.

b.   Any non-practicing or inactive graduate nurse

2.        Associate member:

a.   Any professional registered, practical or vocational nurse of non-Philippine ethnic origin who has been granted a license to practice in the country of origin and/or any state/territory of the United States and who has paid the required membership dues to the Association as a member-at-large.

3.       Honorary member: 

a.   Any person to whom honorary membership is conferred by virtue of a majority vote of the Executive Board for distinguished service rendered or valuable assistance to the nursing profession and towards achieving the goals of this Association.

b.   An honorary member has to pay an annual membership fee for PNAA (Philippine Nurses Association of America) membership to obtain the national membership benefits.

                     4.      Lifetime member:

  a. Any professional registered, practical or vocational nurse of Philippine ethnic origin, who has been granted a license to practice in any state of the United States and/or its territories, and who has paid the required lifetime membership dues of $600.00 in four equal installments within two years of application to the Association as a member-at-large.

  b. The lifetime membership card will be issued upon the completion of the full payment.

Section 3: Representation/Privileges:

A.   Active members are eligible to hold elective office, serve on elected or appointed committees, and exercise delegate power.

B.   Associate members shall have all the rights and privileges of active members except that of a holding elected office, chairing a committee, or serving as delegate to the annual meeting or other special meetings.

C.  Honorary members have a voice and may serve as a resource in matters relevant to their expertise but have no vote or delegate power.

D. Lifetime members are eligible to hold elective office, serve on elected or appointed committees, and exercise delegate power.

E. Lifetime members shall be eligible for scholarship, awards, and recognition and other benefits as determined by the Executive Board.

F.   Membership status and eligibility shall be determined from information on the application form and shall be duly noted on the membership roster.

G.  Members shall be eligible for scholarship, awards, and recognition and other benefits as determined by the Executive Board.

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Section 4: Ethical Standards/Disqualification of Members

A.      By a majority vote, the Executive Board may censure or expel a member for cause provided there was a due process hearing at which the member was permitted to defend himself/herself.

B.       Any member may be removed from the membership roster for:

1.        Violation of the association’s Bylaws and rule of Conduct.

2.        Acts, errors and omissions detrimental to the goals of the association.

3.        Failure and continuous refusal to pay membership fees.

C.       Any member suspended or expelled may be reinstated by a majority vote of the Executive Board after such member has submitted an application and paid current dues and assessments.

Section 5:  Dues and Funds

A.      The Executive Board shall determine annual membership dues to the Association.

B.       Member-at-large dues: The completed membership application form with the appropriate fee shall be forwarded to the Treasurer of the Association and shall run thru Jan 1 to Dec 31.

C.       Delinquency and Reinstatement

                                1.Any member whose dues are not   received on or before expiration of   membership shall be removed

                                from the membership roster and all privileges from        the Association shall be withdrawn.

                                2.Reinstatement shall be by submission of an application and payment of current and delinquent dues.

D.      In support of its objectives, the Association may collect fees from its members, solicit and accept donations

       and may hold fundraising activities not contrary to law or public policy.

E.       As a non-profit organization, no funds, properties tangible or any part thereof, or the proceeds earned or derived there from shall inure to the benefits of anyone connected with the Association, Funds properties collected or received for or on behalf of the Association shall belong to PNA-Tampa and shall be used solely for the fulfillment of the mission and goals   of the Association.

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MEMBERS, OFFICERS AND DUTIES

Section 1: Members are encourage to:

a.        Attend all general assembly meetings.

b.       Actively participate in all activities and projects of the Association.

Section 2: The elected officers of this association shall be: President, President-elect, Vice-President, Secretary, Asst. Secretary, Treasurer, Asst. Treasurer, PRO, Asst. PRO, Auditor and Board of Directors (8).

Section 3: The appointed officer of this Association by the current President shall be: 

                a. The Chairman of the Board selected from the Board of Directors who has earned the highest number of votes during the current election year.

                b. Two advisors, one of which is the Immediate Past-President and one previous Past- President

Section 4:  The duties and powers of the Officers shall be such as implied by the inherent nature of their respective titles

                  and all such duties as specified in these Bylaws. They will execute the goals and objectives of the Association

                  within the framework and context of the Association’s constitution and by-laws.

A.      President:

1.        Is responsible to the Executive Board and have the approval of the Board for the activities of the Association.

2.        Presides at all business meetings of the Executive Board and General Assembly.

3.        Represents the Association at meetings and functions of other organizations, or designates an alternate.

4.        Appoints the Chairman of the Board, all committee chairpersons, and committee members with the approval of the Executive Board.

5.        Actively manage the affairs of the Association

6.        Countersigns checks issued by the Treasurer.

7.        Create and appoint special committees and their chairpersons as needed.

8.        Terminates non-functioning committees with the approval of the Executive Board.

9.        Performs other duties pertinent to the office.

B.       President-elect:

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

2.        Performs other such duties as may be delegated by the President or Executive Board.

C.       Vice-President:

1.        Performs the duties of the President-elect in the absence or inability of the President-elect to act.

2.        Performs such other duties as may be delegated by the president or Executive Board.

D.      Secretary:

1.        Records the proceedings of all business meetings and distributes approved minutes to the Executive Board.

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

3.        Preserves reports and records including Bylaws and standing rules of the Association in the permanent file.

4.        Keeps on file all other pertinent information regarding projects, programs and activities of the Association.

5.        Keeps on file accurate membership roster as compiled and reported by the chairperson of the Membership Committee.

6.        Notifies all members of the Executive Board of any updates in the directory as often as they occur through regular mail or e-mail or both.

E.       Assistant Secretary:

1.        Assists the Secretary in functions as delegated by the President or the Executive Board and assumes the duties of the Secretary in his/her absence or incapacity.

2.        Assists the Secretary in keeping on file all other pertinent information regarding projects, programs and activities of the Association.

3.        Assists the Secretary in keeping on file accurate membership roster as compiled and reported by the chairperson of the Membership Committee.

F.       Treasurer:

1.        Updates the financial affairs of the Association to the Executive Board and to the members-at-large.

2.        Keeps a record of all receipts and disbursements.

3.        Carries appropriate banking transactions as designed by the Executive Board.

4.        Issues checks of the Association countersigned by the President for purposes approved by the Executive Board.

5.        Assists in the direction of fund raising activities.

6.        Presents financial records for examination by the auditor.

7.        Acts as chairperson of the Budget and Finance Committee.

8.        Submits a written report of the financial standing of the Association at all meetings

G.       Assistant Treasurer:

1.         Processes membership application and keeps accurate records of receipts and membership dues.

2.         Sends out membership renewal forms to members-at-large.

3.         Keeps on file accurate membership roster.

4.         Acts as member of the Finance Committee.

5.         Assists the Treasurer in collecting monies due to the Association.

6.         Assumes other functions as delegated by the Treasurer with the approval of the Executive Board and acts in the absence or incapacity of the Treasurer.

H.      Auditor

1.        Be responsible for the annual audit of all financial records of the Association

2.        Assist the Treasurer with the preparation of the income tax form and files it with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

I.         Public Relations Officer (P.R.O.)

1.Act as liaison between the Association and the community and other organizations of mutual interest and concerns.

2.Be responsible for press releases regarding the Association’s projects and activities.

3. Prepares brochures, fliers and souvenir programs for the Association’s activities.

3.Be the Chairperson for the Publication Committee and editor-in-chief of the association’s newsletter.

J.        Assistant P.R.O.

1. Assist the P.R.O. with press releases for the association’s projects and activities, newsletter, fliers and brochures.

2. Assumes the duties of the Secretary in his/her absence or incapacity.

K.      Board of Directors

1.        Acts as chairperson of a standing committee as appointed or designated.

2.        Performs functions as designated by the Executive Board

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EXECUTIVE BOARD

Section 1: Executive Board

The governing body of this Association shall be the Executive Board, which consists of all the elected and appointed officers, including the Immediate Past-President and members of the Board of Directors. The Executive Board has the power and authority over the affairs of the Association.

Section 2. Duties of the Executive Board

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

B.       Establishes the Association’s administrative policies.

C.       Fosters growth and development of the Association.

D.      Authorizes the formulation and awarding of contracts.

E.       Reviews recommendations of the President and determines actions to be taken.

F.       Reviews committee reports and determines action to be taken on recommendation.

G.       Suspends or expels members of the Association for due cause.

H.      Fills all vacancies of the Executive Board unless otherwise specified by the Bylaws.

I.         Authorizes the representation and participation of the Association in activities other than the non-profit activities and functions of the Association.

J.        Reviews and authorizes publications proposed by any member as they may affect representation of the philosophy, prerogatives, and image of the Association.

K.      Performs such other duties and exercises authority as prescribed in these Bylaws.

Section 3: Tenure of Office: The Executive Board shall have a two-year term of office that begins from January 1 and ends

                 December 31for two consecutive years.

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NOMINATIONS & ELECTIONS

TERMS & VACANCIES

Section 1: Nominations and Elections Committee

                A. The Nominations and Elections Committee shall consist of five (5) members on active status

               B.The Executive Board Immediate Past President shall assume the chair position immediately after the

                    completion of the term as president and appoint its members.

C.Duties and responsibilities of the Nomination and Elections Committee:

1.        Initiates and coordinates the solicitation; reviews and presents candidates to the members-at large.

2.        Issues circulars and announcements to the members-at-large

3.        Prepare a list of nominees accompanied by a written consent to serve and submits this to the Executive Board for information and review prior to election.

4.        Prepares and issues the official ballot directly to designated voting members via regular mail or secured e-mail

5.        The nominating committee will tally the vote.

6.        Receives all returned ballots.

7.        Announces election results.

8.        Destroys ballots upon approval or motion by the Executive Board.

Section 2: Eligibility to Serve in an Elected Capacity

A.       To be eligible to serve for an elected office, a nominee must have active status immediately preceding election and nominee must have demonstrated active participation in activities of the Association.

B.        To be eligible for any  elected office, the a nominee may be a candidate for only one office at any given time and, if currently holding an elected office, may not be a candidate for another office, unless the current term expires at the time of the election.

D.      Any past president of this Association may run for any office in the Executive Board after two (2) years following the end of his/her term of office.

Section 3: Elections

A.      Elections shall be held biannually counted at a place designated by the Nominations and Elections Committee.

B.       Members-at-large who have paid their dues for the current year prior to Election Day are eligible to vote.

C.       Eligibility to vote shall be validated against the current list of paid members submitted to this Association  prior to Election Day

D.      Plurality elects, and in case of a tie, choice shall be by lot.

Section 4: Terms of Office and Re-election

All elected officers and members of the Executive Board shall serve a term of two (2) consecutive years.  All, except for the President and President-Elect, can be re-elected to the same office for another term.

Section 5: Vacancies

                A. A vacancy that occurs in an elected office of the Association, due to inability or ineligibility of the                 incumbent to perform duties of the office, or the incumbent’s removal from the office, shall be filled by holding a

              special election  for the vacated office and filled by the nominee with the highest votes.

                B. Any member filling any vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the term.

Section 6: Removal from Office

A.      If the officers and members of the Executive Board had 50% unexcused absences at regular meetings within the year shall be ground for termination from office after the Executive Board validates justification for absence.

B.       Officers and members of the Executive Board may be subject to reprimand, censure, suspension or termination from office by a two thirds (2/3) vote of the Executive Board for violating the By-Laws of the Association, misconduct or neglect of duty in office, 50% unexcused absences in the regular meetings and/or any behavior injurious to the Association.  NO action shall be taken against any officer or member of the Executive Board until he/she has been advised of specific charges, given reasonable time to prepare response, afforded a fair hearing process before the Executive Board.  It is also incumbent upon the Executive Board to validate justification of reason or charges for removal from office.

Section 7: Compensation

The elected  and appointed officers shall not receive, nor shall they be entitled to compensation or salary for serving on the Executive Board.

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MEETINGS – QUORUM

Section 1: Meetings

A.      Executive Board

1.        Shall meet at least a minimum of four times a year and additional meetings will be decided by the Executive Board.

2.        Notice of all meetings of the Executive Board shall be sent to each member by post, e-mail or phone calls

3.        Fifty percent of the Executive Board present will constitute a quorum.

4.        Voting: a majority of 50% plus 1 decides; for a tie vote, the presiding officer breaks the tie.

               B. General Membership Meetings

1.        Shall meet twice a year.

2.        The General Membership meeting shall be held during the summer and fall of each year. The meeting shall include a report from the Executive Board, Standing and Ad Hoc committees.

3.        The fall meeting at the end of the second year will hold the election of officers.

4.        The Executive Board shall determine the time and place of the meetings.

5.        The presence of 20% of the members constitutes a quorum in all meetings.

6.        Voting: 50% of the members present plus 1 decides a vote.

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COMMITTEES

Section 1: The standing committees of this Association shall be:

                                Bylaws

                                Education & Scholarship

                             Membership

                                Budget and Finance

                                Publication

                                Nominations and Elections

                                Awards

                             Community Service

                             Socio-Cultural

Section 2: Ad Hoc Committees may be created by the current President for any special projects and appoints its

                chairperson.

Section 3: The President, with the approval of the Executive Board, shall appoint the chairs of the standing committees.  The committee shall consist of a chairperson who is either a member of the Executive Board or an active member, and at least two (2) other members.

Section 4: Removal of Committee Chairperson

                    A committee chairperson shall be relieved of committee responsibilities in the non-performance of duties which may include but not limited to: multiple complaints that jeopardizes the reputation and positive direction of the Association is received by any member of the Executive Board, other committee chairs or committee members.

Section 4: Committee responsibilities shall be as follows:

A.      Bylaws Committee

1.        Submits  proposed amendments to the bylaws with the Committee’s recommendation for action.

2.        May initiate amendments to the Bylaws for review by the Executive Board.

3.        Presents the proposed amendments to the membership after review by the Executive Board at least thirty (30) days prior to voting.

4.        Reviews and recommends changes of Chapter-Bylaws.

5.        Endorses approval of membership of a new chapter.

6.        The current President appoints chairperson.

B.       Education and Scholarship Committee

1.        Plans, implements and evaluates educational program to meet membership needs.

2.        Continuously assesses, identifies and implements educational programs and needs of the Association.

3.        Collaborate with the Publication Committee in preparing announcements for the educational programs.

4.        Responsible for recruitment and screening of scholarship candidates.

5.        The current President appoints chairperson.

^{C.      Membership Committee .}

^{1.       Initiates programs for membership recruitment of this Association}

^{2.       Maintains and evaluates membership roster of the Association}

^{3.       The chairperson for this committee shall be the current secretary.}

D.      Budget and Finance Committee

1.        Prepares an annual budget for approval by the Executive Board prior to the annual meeting.

2.        Secures funds through reasonable means to augment the treasury.

3.        ^{The chairperson for this committee shall be the current treasurer.}

E.       Publication Committee

1.        Explores and evaluates means of promoting the interests of this Association.

2.        Submits press releases to the news media as approved by the Executive Board.

3.        Disseminates information to members-at-large regarding programs and activities undertaken by the Association.

4.        Publishes the newsletter of the Association.

5.        ^{The chairperson for this committee shall be the current PRO.}

                  F. Socio-Cultural Committee

                             1.Coordinates with  members at large and other organizations regarding any cultural

                                programs to uphold the Filipino culture/heritage.

                             2.The current President appoints chairperson

                 G.Nominations and Elections Committee

1.        Refer to Article VI, Section 1

H.Awards Committee

1.        Publishes the qualifications and criteria for awards.

2.        Reviews and analyzes the applications of the candidates.

3.        Makes the selection of awardees and recommends it to the Executive Board..

4.        Evaluates the efficacy and efficiency of Awards procedures and results.

5.        The current President appoints chairperson.

I.Community Service Committee

1. Schedules any voluntary community service approved by the Executive Board and recruit volunteers from members of the Association.

2. The current President appoints the chairperson.

Section 4: COMMITTEE REPORT

Each Committee Chairperson shall submit a written report on committee activities and accomplishments at the annual business meeting.

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ADVISORY COUNCIL

Section 1: The Advisors shall be comprised of past presidents of the Association.

Section 2: Functions of the Advisory Council

A.      Acts in an advisory capacity and participates, with a one (1) vote privilege as a group, in the deliberations and recommendations of the Executive Board.

B.       Participates in activities to further the purpose and functions of this Association.

C.       Be able to give recommendations to the President and pass for approval by the Executive Board.

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FISCAL YEAR

Section 1: The fiscal year of this Association coincides with the fiscal year, which is January 1 to December 31

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OFFICIAL PUBLICATIONS

Section 1: The official publication of the Association shall be “The Philippine Nightingale”

Section 2: The Philippine-American Nurse shall be published at least two (2) times a year.

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AMENDMENTS

Section 1: Amendments to these Bylaws shall be ratified at the General Membership meeting of the Association by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the members present and voting provided that the proposed amendments, after having been considered and recommended by the Executive Board, are presented by mail or e-mail to current members thirty (30) days prior to the General Assembly at which time such proposed  amendments shall be voted upon.

Section 2: Amendments to these Bylaws shall be submitted to the Executive Board for consideration by petition from at least ten (10) members of the Association at least ninety (90) days prior to the General Assembly.

Section 3: Amendments to these Bylaws shall take effect upon ratification by the General Assembly.

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DISSOLUTION

Section 1: In the event of dissolution of this Association, the membership shall be notified, and approval obtained by two- thirds (2/3) majority vote of members of the Executive Board, thirty (30) days prior to dissolution. Liabilities will be  resolved in the executive board meeting and funds (fixed assets) donated to non-profit organizations.

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NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY

Section 1: The Association shall not discriminate against any applicant or members on the basis of race, creed, age, sex, and sexual orientation, religion or handicap.  All such shall be judged solely on the basis of competence and performance.

Section 2: The Executive Board of the Association shall  monitor compliance with this nondiscrimination policy and shall include the statement that the Association is an equal opportunity group or employer in all its advertisements and  publications.

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PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

Robert’s Rule of Order, Newly Revised, shall govern this Association in all cases not covered by these Bylaws.

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PLACE OF BUSINESS

The principal location and mailing address of the Association shall be the current President’s designated address or as established