ARTICLE I | ARTICLE II- MISSION STATEMEN | ARTICLE III - GOALS | ARTICLE IV- MEMBERSHIP | ARTICLE V - OFFICERS AND DUTIES
ARTICLE VI- NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS | ARTICLE VII - MEETINGS | ARTICLE VIII- COMMITTEES
ARTICLE IX - BYLAWS ADOPTION
| ARTICLE X- AMENDMENTS |
ARTICLE XI-
FISCAL YEAR |
ARTICLE XII- OFFICIAL ADDRESS, PLACE OF BUSINESS AND PUBLICATION
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ARTICLE XIII- DISSOLUTION
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PHILIPPINE NURSES ASSOCIATION OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA, INC.
BYLAWS
The association shall be known as Philippine Nurses Association of Northeast Florida, Inc. The official acronym shall be PNANEF.
MISSION STATEMENT
As a national chapter of the Philippine Nurses Association of America, PNANEF will uphold the positive image and welfare of its members; promote professional excellence and contribute to significant outcomes to healthcare and society.
GOALS
The goals of the PNANEF, Inc. shall be:
1. To unite the Filipino nurses from various institutions and specialties in Northeast Florida to foster high standards of nursing practice;
2. To promote the professional development of Filipino nurses through continuing education programs, participation in research, and networking with other organizations;
3. To participate actively in community programs that foster health promotion and disease prevention.
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Membership in the association is a privilege and is contingent on compliance with the requirements as specified in the bylaws.
Section 2. Membership Qualifications
A. A resident of Northeast Florida.
B. A Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse duly licensed, of good moral and social character in the Sate of Florida.
C. A Filipino by birth or affinity.
Section 3. Membership Application
A. A Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse may apply or be invited to be a member of the association by submitting an application to the Membership committee.
B. Status and eligibility shall be determined upon verification and acceptance by the Executive Board.
Section 4. Membership Categories
A. Active Member – A professional Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse of Philippine ethnic origin licensed to practice in Northeast Florida who has fully paid the yearly current dues and has attended at least fifty percent (50%) of quarterly meetings.
B. Associate Member – A professional Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse of non-Filipino ethnic origin licensed to practice in Northeast Florida who has fully paid the yearly current dues and has attended at least fifty percent (50%) of quarterly meetings.
C. Honorary Member – A professional Registered Nurse to whom the honorary membership is conferred for valuable assistance towards the achievement of the goals and mission of the association, such as the retired nurses.
D. Student Nurses – Any nursing student of Philippine and non-Philippine ethnic origin on their clinical rotation.
E. Auxiliary – Any individual who is interested in fostering the goals and mission of the association and approved by the Executive Board.
Section 5. 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 holding an elected office, chairing a committee, or serving as a delegate to the annual meetings or other special meetings.
C. Honorary, auxiliary and student nurses have a voice and may serve as a resource in matters relevant to their expertise but have no vote or delegate power.
D. Any PNANEF member is responsible and accountable to notify the association for any changes in their personal information.
Section 6. Membership Dues
A. Each member shall pay a nonrefundable annual membership fee to be determined by the general membership for each fiscal year, which shall begin on the first of September and end on the last day of August.
B. Each member may voluntary terminate his or her membership by notifying in writing any of the incumbent officers.
C. In support of its mission and goals, the association may collect fees from members, solicit, and accept donations and my hold fundraising not contrary to law and public policy.
D. As a non-profit organization, no funds, tangible properties or any part thereof, or proceeds earned or derived there from shall benefit anyone connected with the association. Funds and properties collected or received for/or in behalf of the association shall belong to PNANEF and shall be used solely for the fulfillment of the mission and goals of the association.
Section 7. Ethical Standards/Disqualification of Members
By majority vote, the Executive Board may censure or expel a member for cause provided there was a due process hearing at which member was permitted to defend himself/herself. Any member maybe removed from the roster for:
A. Violation of the association’s bylaws and rule of conduct.
B. Act, errors and omission detrimental to the goal of the association.
C. Failure and continuous refusal to pay membership fees.
D. Any member suspended and expelled may be reinstated by majority vote of the Executive Board after such member has submitted an application and paid current dues and assessments.
OFFICERS AND DUTIES
Section 1. A. The officers of the Philippine Nurses Association of Northeast Florida, Inc. shall be elected by the general membership and shall consist of the President, the President-elect, the Vice-President, two (2) Secretaries, two (2) Treasurers, an Auditor, eight (8) elected Board Members and the Advisor who shall form the Executive Board.
B. The Executive Board shall direct the business and activities of the association.
C. The Executive Board shall serve for a term of two (2) years starting September 1st through August 31st of the second year.
Section 2. Duties of the Officers
A. The President
1. Presides all meetings of the association.
2. Reports matters that affect the welfare of the association as a whole, and such matters that promote the interest, mission and goals of the association.
3. Appoints an interim replacement for the vacated office subject to confirmation by the Executive Board in the event of vacancies or when elected officers resign before the end of the term. Such appointment shall end when the successor is duly elected.
4. Appoints all committee officers and shall be en ex-officio member of every committee.
5. Terminates non-functioning committees with the approval of the Executive Board.
6. Serves as a Liaison Officer between the national and regional chapters.
7. Represents the association at meetings and functions of other organizations, or designates an alternate.
B. Vice-President
1. Performs the duties of the President in the absence or inability of the President to act.
2. Performs such other duties as may be delegated by the President or the Executive Board.
3. Sits on the Executive Board.
C. President-elect
1. Assists the President in the performance of the duties of the office.
2. Performs such duties as may be delegated by the President or the Executive Board.
3. Assumes the post of the President after the term of the incumbent President expires.
4. Sits on the Executive Board.
D. Secretaries
1. Keep the record books of the association including its Articles of Incorporation and the bylaws. Such record shall keep a current list of all members: voting and non-voting. Such directories shall be available upon request.
2. Produce, collect, archive and store all records of the association and to make an official handover of all records to the succeeding officers.
3. Inform each member as to the time and place of each meeting.
4. Keep the attendance record and minutes of each meeting.
5. Post the official minutes of the meeting at the website.
6. Serve as a member of the Executive Board.
7. Shall be the chair of the Membership Committee.
E. Treasurers
1. Collect, receive and account for all finances and properties that belong to the association.
2. Disburse funds with approval of the President. The two (2) Treasurers and the President shall sign checks withdrawn for disbursement.
3. Report all transactions during the General Meeting.
4. Serve as members of the Executive Board.
5. Coordinate with the Certified Public Accountant in preparing and filing of the income tax.
6. Make bank deposits in a timely manner and act as liaison with the financial institution.
F. Auditor
1. Ascertains that all financial records of the association are audited annually by a professional Auditor or Certified Public Accountant.
2. Works with the Treasurers in preparing the income tax forms and filing it with the United States Internal Revenue Service.
G. Advisor
1. Be the past president.
2. Serves as a resource person to the President for two (2) years.
3. Serves as Chairman of designated committees as needed.
H. Executive Board Members
1. Establish major administrative policies governing PNANEF, Inc.
2. Provide for the expenditure, investment and/or surveillance of PNANEF funds.
3. Create and dissolve councils and committees in accordance with these bylaws.
4. Consider for approval all fund raising projects prior to implementation.
5. Approve appointments made by the President.
Section 3. Removal from Office
A. Officers and members of the Executive Board and the committees may be subject to reprimand, censure, suspension or termination from office. Specific charges against an officer will be given after a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Executive Board for violating the bylaws of the association, misconduct or neglect of duty in office, absence in fifty percent (50%) of 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 in question until he/she has been advised of specific charges, given reasonable time to prepare a response and afforded a fair hearing process before the Executive Board. It is also the Executive Board’s responsibility to validate justification of reason/s or charges for removal from office.
B. The absence of officers and members of the Executive Board in fifty percent (50%) of the regular meeting shall be grounds for termination from office. The officer in question must sufficiently justify absences and validated by the Executive Board.
C. An officer may be removed from office due to poor performance and unsatisfactory evaluation.
Section 4. Resignation
A. Resignation by an officer shall be in writing to the President and shall be acted upon by the Executive Board within thirty (30) days.
NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Section 1. The nomination of the candidates for officers shall be held in May of the second year of the incumbent officer’s term. It is open to active members.
Section 2. The Nominating Committee shall be responsible for accepting nominations for each elective position, and identifying members who should receive ballots; proclaiming the winners of the election and mediating disputes arising from the election process (i.e. recount if necessary). Members of this committee are prohibited from actively campaigning for any particular candidate.
Section 3. To be qualified for nomination, each nominee must be a member in good standing, has paid full membership dues, and has been a member for at least one year at the time of ballot counting.
Section 4. Nominations shall close thirty (30) days before election ballots are mailed out. Nomination form will include an acceptance statement from the candidate for the stated position.
Section 5. Candidates shall win by majority vote and shall be announced by the Presiding Officer of the election.
Section 6. Voting shall be done by ballot only. Active members shall receive one ballot. Votes shall be tallied by the Nominating Committee during a general membership meeting in July of said election year.
MEETINGS
Section 1. Executive Board Meeting
A. Meeting of the Executive Board shall begin with a quorum. A quorum will consist of fifty percent (50%) of the Executive Board plus one. If the number of officers does not present a quorum, the President may decide to adjourn the meeting. Alternatively, the President may convene the meeting unofficially. Any resolution approved at an unofficial meeting shall be in effect from the time of approval until amended or repealed on the next meeting.
B. The meeting of the Executive Board shall be once in a quarter.
C. The following shall be the order of the meeting:
1. Call to order and the stating of the purpose of the meeting.
2. Reading the minutes of previous meeting.
3. Report of the committees.
4. Discussion of unfinished business.
5. Discussion of new business.
6. Adjournment.
Section 2. General Membership Meeting
A. A general membership meeting shall be held quarterly.
B. The time, place, and composition of the General Assembly Meeting shall be determined by the Executive Board.
C. The voting body of the General Assembly Meeting shall be as follows:
1. The Executive Board
2. All active members registered at the meeting.
D. Each qualified voter is entitled to one vote.
E. A general membership meeting shall begin with a quorum. The quorum will consist of ten percent (10%) of active members defined in Article 4, Section 4, paragraph A.
Section 3. Emergency Meeting
The President or President-elect and the Vice-President may call an emergency meeting of the Executive Board for any purpose relating to the association deemed of such importance that its discussion can not be delayed until the next general membership meeting.
Section 4. Parliamentary Authority
The most recent edition of Robert’s Rule of Order shall govern the procedure meetings, and other aspects of the association’s activities in cases not covered by these bylaws.
COMMITTEES
Section 1. A. The association may establish tentative committees to assist in conducting its business and management to expedite an outcome soon enough to prevent delay.
B. The President shall appoint all chairpersons of each committee.
C. The chairperson shall appoint its own members subject to the confirmation of the President.
D. Any Executive Board Member shall be the chair of the standing committees.
Section 2. The standing committees of the association shall be:
A. Education and Research
B. Community Health Affairs
C. Scholarship
D. Nominating, Elections, Legislation and Bylaws
E. Membership
F. Care Line
G. Ad Hoc
H. Auxiliary
Section 3. Committee responsibilities shall be as follows:
A. Education and Research
1. Plans and implements educational programs to meet the identified needs of the members such as in-services focusing on new developments in nursing and clinical practice and also workshop-seminars on current issues and challenges in nursing.
2. Acts as a resource in matters relevant to nursing education, research and practice.
3. Obtain Continuing Education (CE) credits for members.
4. Applies for appropriate grants to fund educational and research projects.
B. Community Health Affairs
1. Participates in community health services such as health fairs and We Care Clinics.
2. Collaborates with other organizations and/or agencies in addressing and supporting community health issues.
3. Disseminates information regarding current community health issues.
C. Scholarship
1. Formulates qualification and criteria for scholarship.
2. Reviews and analyzes the application of candidates.
3. Selects candidates and recommends to the Executive Board.
4. The Executive Board will approve and announce the awardees.
D. Nominating, Elections, Legislation and Bylaws
1. Disseminates information regarding current issues and legislation proposal directly or indirectly affecting the members of the profession.
2. Collaborates with nursing organizations and agencies in addressing and supporting legislation that affects the nursing profession and the health care system.
3. Advises the President or presiding officer at all meetings in matters related to bylaws and parliamentary procedures.
4. Recommends revision of bylaws.
5. Prepares a list of the nominees supplemented by a written consent to serve and submits to the Executive Board for information and review.
6. Prepares and issues the official ballots.
7. Announces the election results and destroys the ballot upon approval or motion of the General Assembly.
E. Membership
1. Initiates and coordinates membership recruitment and retention.
2. Receives and collects membership dues in a timely manner.
3. Maintains membership database of the association.
4. Develops and implements programs to improve the membership.
F. Care Line
1. Acts as a General Membership Resource during crisis and conflicts.
2. Facilitates in the transition stage of the foreign-recruit nurses.
3. Plans and implements follow-up programs to the members in coping to their crisis.
G. Ad Hoc
1. Is created by the President and Executive Board to accomplish specific projects and is abolished when such projects are completed.
H. Auxiliary
1. Offers any general assistance to any committee projects to accomplish its goals.
2. Acts as a resource person/group to other activities of the association as assigned by the Executive Board.
BYLAWS ADOPTION
Section 1. A majority of the vote by the Executive Board shall accept and approve these bylaws before they shall be considered adopted and effective.
Section 2. For purposes of approval of the bylaws, a majority vote is defined as two-thirds (2/3) of the Executive Board members.
AMENDMENTS
The Articles of Incorporation and bylaws of the association may be amended at any quarterly meeting or special meeting duly called for such purpose by a majority vote of the voting members present at such meeting. The members should be notified not less than ten (10) days about such meeting. A written proposed amendment signed by at least three (3) voting members may be submitted to the Executive Board who shall present the proposed changes to the membership at the next meeting.
The bylaws shall become effective as soon as approved by the members.
FISCAL YEAR
Section 1. The fiscal year of the association shall run from the first day of September to the last day of the following August.
OFFICIAL ADDRESS, PLACE OF BUSINESS AND PUBLICATION
Section 1. The official address and principal location of business will be the current President’s designated address or as established by the Executive Board.
Section 2. The official website of the association is PNANEF.com.
Section 3. The official publication of the association is PNANEF Insiders.
DISSOLUTION
Section 1. If for any reason, this association is to be dissolved or ceases to exist, membership shall be notified, and approval obtained by two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of members present and voting in a General Assembly, thirty (30) days prior to dissolution.
Section 2. Its assets shall be distributed in accordance with the provision of Section 501c(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code or corresponding section of any future federal, state, or local government for public purpose.
Section 3. Any assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by a court of competent jurisdiction of the county in which the principal office of the organization is then located, exclusive for such purpose.
Revised: October 20, 2007
Adopted and Effective: April 19, 2008