BYLAWS

Of

THE COLUMBIA CHAPTER

SOUTH CAROLINA

HEALTHCARE MANAGERS ASSOCIATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revised February 2006

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

Article I.         Name....................................................................................................... 5

Article II.        Objectives............................................................................................... 5

Article III.      Organizational Policy.............................................................................. 5

                        Section 1................................................................................................... 5

                        Section 2................................................................................................... 5

                        Section 3................................................................................................... 5

                        Section 4................................................................................................... 5

Article IV.       Membership............................................................................................ 6

                        Section 1................................................................................................... 6

                        Section 2................................................................................................... 6

                        Section 3................................................................................................... 7

Article V.        Dues........................................................................................................ 7

                        Section 1................................................................................................... 7

                        Section 2................................................................................................... 7

                        Section 3................................................................................................... 7

                        Section 4................................................................................................... 7

                        Section 5................................................................................................... 8

Article VI.       Voting...................................................................................................... 8

Article VII.     Officers.................................................................................................... 8

                        Section 1................................................................................................... 8

                        Section 2................................................................................................... 8

                        Section 3................................................................................................... 8

                        Section 4................................................................................................... 8

                        Section 5................................................................................................. .9

                        Section 6................................................................................................. .9

                        Section 7................................................................................................. .9

            Section 8................................................................................................. 11

Article VIII.    Executive Director................................................................................ 11

Article IX.       Executive Committee…………………………………………………11

                        Section 1................................................................................................. 11

                        Section 2................................................................................................. 11

Article X.        Board of Directors................................................................................ 12

                        Section 1................................................................................................. 12

                        Section 2................................................................................................. 12

                        Section 3................................................................................................. 12

                        Section 4................................................................................................. 12

                        Section 5................................................................................................. 12

                        Section 6................................................................................................. 13

Article XI.       Committees........................................................................................... 13

                        Section 1................................................................................................. 13

                        Section 2................................................................................................. 13

                        Section 3................................................................................................. 13

                        Section 4................................................................................................. 13

                        Section 5................................................................................................. 16

                        Section 6................................................................................................. 16

                        Section 7................................................................................................. 17

                        Section 8................................................................................................. 17

                        Section 9……………………………………………………………….17

Article XII.     Nominations and Elections................................................................... 17

                        Section 1................................................................................................. 17

                        Section 2................................................................................................. 17   

Article XIII.    Meetings and Quorums........................................................................ 17

                        Section 1................................................................................................. 18

                        Section 2................................................................................................. 18

                        Section 3................................................................................................. 18

Article XIV.    State Board Representation………………………………………….18

                        Section 1……………………………………………………………….18

                        Section 2……………………………………………………………….18

Article XV.     Contracts and Financial Matters......................................................... 18

                        Section 1................................................................................................. 18

Article XVI.    Authority................................................................................................ 18

                        Section 1................................................................................................. 18

Article XVII.  Amendments.......................................................................................... 19

                        Section 1................................................................................................. 19

                        Section 2................................................................................................. 19

Article XVIII.Dissolution............................................................................................. 19

                        Section 1................................................................................................. 19

                        Section 2……………………………………………………………….19

                        Section 3……………………………………………………………….19

                       


BYLAWS

Columbia Chapter

South Carolina Healthcare Managers Association

 

The following areas are mandatory in order to be in compliance with the South Carolina Healthcare Managers Association, and, therefore must be present in all component chapter bylaws.

 

1.                  Chapter name and affiliation statement

2.                  Purpose

3.                  Organizational policy

4.                  Membership requirements

5.                  Dues

6.                  Reciprocity of membership

7.                  Dissolution

8.                  Forward a copy of all approved membership applications to state membership chair

 

These areas of mandatory compliance are editorial changes for the chapter organization and do not require prior approval by the chapter’s legislative body.

 

No chapter may make rules of membership eligibility which are more stringent or more lenient than the state organization.


Article I:         Name

 

The name of this organization shall be Columbia Chapter, South Carolina Healthcare Managers Association hereinafter referred to as SCHMA.

 

Article II:        Objectives

 

The objectives of this organization shall be to:

 

1)                  Enhance the quality of medical care in South Carolina through the professional administration of healthcare practices,

 

2)                  Encourage the effective and efficient management of healthcare delivery systems through professional development and the exchange of ideas within its membership,

 

3)                  Promote excellence in healthcare management by its commitment to training, continuing education, and the recognition of achievement and leadership of healthcare managers.

 

Article III:      Organizational Policy

 

This association shall be a chapter organization of the SCHMA, and shall be governed by the Columbia Chapter, SCHMA Board of Directors..  Membership in a local chapter, or as a member-at-large shall automatically become a member of SCHMA.

 

Section 1.         This association is affiliated with the South Carolina Medical Association (SCMA) for State Board administrative support and to enhance the mutual efforts and communication between SCMA physician members and SCHMA healthcare managers.

 

Section 2.         This organization shall maintain its status as a non-profit corporation and

shall comply with the laws of South Carolina and the requirements of the

Office of the Secretary of State.

 

Section 3.         This organization shall never become a trade union or collective

bargaining agency.  No person otherwise qualified for membership in this organization shall be denied membership because of race, religion, sex, national origin, or political affiliation.  No person who participates in the activities of organizations whose purpose is to overthrow the government of the United States shall be a member of South Carolina Healthcare Managers Association.

 

Section 4.         Fiscal Year.  The fiscal year of this organization shall be January 1 – December 31.


Article IV.       Membership

 

Dues-paying members at the local level will automatically constitute membership at the state level.

 

Section 1.   There shall be five classes of membership in this organization at the chapter level:  Active, Inactive, Corporate/Individual, Honorary and Affiliate categories shall be members of individual chapters.  Corporate and Members-at-Large shall be members of the state organization. 

 

A.                 Active Members.  Active membership shall be limited to those individuals who are affiliated with a healthcare organization that provides patient care and work in a management/supervisory capacity.

 

B.                 Inactive Members.  Inactive membership shall be limited to any active member who is not currently in compliance with active membership requirements but who wishes to remain a member of this organization for the remainder of the year.  Inactive members shall have the same rights and privileges as active members.

 

C.                 Corporate/Individual Members.  Individuals employed by the company maintaining the corporate membership may join one or more local chapter(s) of choice, at the corporate/individual rate per member, per chapter if they desire to participate at the chapter level.

 

D.                 Affiliate Members.  Affiliate membership shall be those individuals that provide products or services to healthcare organizations and who have not joined as a corporate member.

 

E.                  Honorary Members.  Honorary membership shall be limited to those members elected by SCHMA in recognition of outstanding service to the medical profession or to the organization.  Chapters may submit recommendations for honorary members to the state organization for review and approval.  Any honorary member meeting the qualifications of active member will have the same rights and privileges as active members, but must pay dues to be eligible to vote.

 

Section 2.         Application for Membership.

                        All applicants for membership shall complete an application form as

established by the State Board of SCHMA.  These forms shall be submitted to the component chapter(s) of choice, with the exception of corporate and member-at-large applicants, for review and approval.  Corporate and members-at-large applicants shall submit applications to the state Board of Governors for review and approval. 

 

 

Section 3.         Reciprocity.

All members automatically hold membership in the state organization SCHMA.  This organization shall offer reciprocity to any member who wishes to attend a chapter meeting, provided the member makes a reservation and submits the established fee to cover cost of meal and/or any other additional meeting expense for the specific meeting attended.  

 

Article V.        Dues

 

Section 1.         Annual Membership Dues

                        The dues of the organization shall be set by the State Board of Governors

and shall be payable annually in advance.  Members who have not paid their dues by December 31 of the calendar year shall not be eligible to hold office or vote until such dues are paid.  Twenty-five percent (25%) of all dues received by the chapter (excluding corporate/individual dues which shall remain with the chapter) shall go to the South Carolina Healthcare Managers Association, and shall be forwarded to the State Board treasurer.  100% of the corporate contribution shall be deposited with the treasurer of the State Board.  Dues are not prorated and are non-refundable.

 

Dues for a new member joining after September 1 shall be credited to the following year.  This new member may attend the conference at the member rate.  Corporate sponsor dues must be paid prior to the annual conference.

 

Section 2.         Non-payment of Dues.

Members not renewing their membership by March 31 (first quarter) of the new year will be placed on the list of prior members.

 

Section 3.         Termination of Membership

                        The Board of Directors by affirmative vote from two-thirds of the

members of the Board may suspend or expel an Association member for cause.  In the event the Board considers such action, the member shall be given two (2) weeks notice by certified mail to the address on file of the impending consideration and the member shall be given a reasonable opportunity to be heard.

 

The Board may, without such hearing, suspend or expel any member who

is in arrearage of payment of dues or fees.

 

Section 4.         Reinstatement of Membership.

                        Upon written application signed by a suspended or expelled member, the

Board of Directors may reinstate the membership upon such terms as the Board may deem appropriate.  This shall require an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Board members.

 

Section 5.         Ownership of Membership.

The member or company paying the membership dues owns the membership.

 

Following written approval from the owner, the membership may be transferred to another individual within the same organization, provided the individual meets eligibility requirements.

 

Article VI.       Voting

 

Only Active, dues-paying Honorary Members, and Inactive Members shall be entitled to voting privileges, with only one vote per member.  Members may vote in person at any official meeting of the organization.  Those members present shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of voting by the membership. 

 

Article VII.     Officers

 

Section 1.         Elected Officers

Officers shall be elected as follows: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.  The Immediate Past President shall also serve

as an officer.  Officers shall serve without compensation.

 

Section 2.         Appointed Officers

                        The President shall have the option to appoint the following officers:

                        Corresponding Secretary, Parliamentarian, and Chaplain.

 

Section 3.         Qualifications and Eligibility

1.                  A candidate for any elected office shall be a member in good

standing and with dues postmarked by December 31.

 

2.                  A nomination consent form must be submitted by candidate along with the nomination form.

 

3.                  A candidate for any elected office shall have served at least one term on the Board of Directors.

 

Section 4.         Term and Vacancy in Office:

                        The term of office shall be from January 1 through December 31. 

 

A.                 The President and Vice President shall serve for only one term.  A retiring  President may be re-elected to the office of President or Vice President after a lapse of one year.

 

B.                 All officers with the exception of the President and Vice President shall serve no more than two (2) consecutive terms.

 

C.                 The term of office for all elected and appointed officers shall be for one year or until their successors are elected and/or appointed and have assumed office.

 

D.                 A vacancy in the office of President shall be filled by the Vice President. 

 

E.                  In the event of a vacancy in the office of Vice President, the office shall remain vacant until the next term when a new slate of officers are elected.

 

F.                  When a Vice President assumes the office of President under the conditions of a vacancy, any restrictions on consecutive terms is lifted and she/he may serve as President for the ensuing year.

 

G.                 A vacancy in an elected office shall be filled following a recommendation from the Board of Directors.

 

Section 5.         Removal from Office

An officer who fails to perform the required duties or gives just cause for removal from office shall be removed from office by the Board of Directors.  Removal from office shall require an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Board of Directors.

 

Section 6.         Resignation from Office

An officer who for any reason is unable to perform the duties of office for a period of 90 days shall submit a resignation to the Board of Directors. 

 

Section 7.         Duties of Officers

 

A.                 Officers shall perform such duties as are implied by their respective offices consistent with standard parliamentary procedures and/or as required by law.

 

B.                 The President shall:

1.                  Preside at meetings of the Chapter and the Board of Directors.

2.                  Serve as chairman of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee.

3.                  Serve as ex-officio member without vote of all committees except the Nominating Committee.

4.                  Appoint, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors, committee chairmen and members to fill vacancies occurring during the year.

5.                  Have the option to appoint a corresponding secretary, parliamentarian, and chaplain.

6.                  Be empowered to co-sign checks and be bonded, premiums on such bond to be paid by the chapter.

7.                  Appoint special committees subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.

8.                  Serve as a voting member of the SCHMA Board of Governors.

9.                  Shall attend state board meetings.

 

C.                 The Vice President shall:

1.                  Assist the President throughout the year.

2.                  Assume the duties of President in the latter’s absence.

3.                  Serve as Chair of the Continuing Education Committee.

4.                  May attend state board meetings in the absence of the President.

5.                  Succeed to the office of President in the event of a vacancy in that office.

6.                  Be actively involved with the SCHMA annual conference.

7.                  Oversee chapter special events to include, but not limited to, the annual holiday reception, medical manager week celebration, and work closely in conjunction with other chairpersons involved in these activities.

8.                  Assist Education Committee when special educational workshops are scheduled.

 

D.                 The Secretary shall:

1.                  Record, transcribe and keep the minutes of all regular and special meetings of the Board of Directors and the general membership. 

2.                  Distribute copies of minutes for all Chapter and Board of Directors meetings, as appropriate.

3.                  Maintain a current list of officers, committees and members.

4.                  Serve as custodian of important documents and records except financial records.

 

E.                  The Treasurer shall:

1.                  Be custodian of all funds.

2.                  Maintain a detailed account of receipts and disbursements and provide a financial report to the Board of Directors and membership on a monthly basis.

3.                  Serve as chairman of the Budget and Finance Committee.

4.                  Submit a proposed fiscal year budget to the Board of Directors at the annual board retreat.

5.                  Be bonded in an amount established by the Board of Directors, the premium of such bond shall be paid by the Chapter.

6.                  Submit books for audit following close of the fiscal year.

7.                  Be responsible for providing appropriate documents to the Association’s accountant for the purpose of filing an annual tax return if required.

8.                  Submit on at least a quarterly basis, 25% of collected dues to the state board (excluding the corporate/individual portion).

 

F.                  The Immediate Past President shall:

1.                  Serve in advisory capacity.

2.                  Assist the executive committee and Board of Directors in making an orderly transition of administration.

 

Section 8.         Transfer of Files.

                       

A.                 Immediately following the close of the fiscal year, retiring officer shall transfer files and records to his/her successor or to the Archives Chair.

 

B.                 An officer vacating an office before the expiration of a term shall immediately transfer to the successor or Archives Chair the records of that office.

 

Article VIII.    Executive Director

 

            The Executive Director is responsible for coordinating the operations of the association in support of the membership.  The Executive Director shall keep the Board of Directors informed of strategic objectives and shall receive guidance from the Board of Directors in accomplishing these goals.

 

Article IX.       Executive Committee

 

Section 1.         There shall be an Executive Committee composed of the President,

Vice President, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, the Immediate Past

President, and Parliamentarian.  The President shall serve as chairman.  The Parliamentarian shall serve as ex-officio member without vote.

 

Section 2.         Duties

                        The duties of this Committee shall be to:

                       

A.                 Transact necessary business between meetings of the Board of

Directors and to report any action to the Board.

 

B.         Appoint a member to serve the unexpired term of any vacancy in any office not provided for elsewhere in these bylaws, provided the appointee meets any prescribed qualifications.

 

Article X.        Board of Directors

 

Section 1.         The Board of Directors shall consist of: President, Vice President,

Recording Secretary, Treasurer, Immediate Past President, Member-at-Large (Affiliate Representative), and Committee Chairs.  The President shall serve as Chairman of the Board and shall preside at all meetings, including the annual board retreat.  The Parliamentarian shall be ex-officio member without vote.

 

Section 2.         The Board of Directors shall have authority to transact the business of

this chapter between membership meetings, but shall take no action

contrary to any policy which has been adopted by the membership which

is still in effect.

 

Section 3.         A quorum shall consist of a majority of the Board members present.

 

Section 4.         A majority vote of the quorum shall be required for action on an order of

business, except where a two-thirds vote is required.

 

Section 5.         The Board of Directors shall:

 

A.                 Have charge of the property and financial affairs of the Chapter.

 

B.                 Conduct the business of the Chapter between meetings.

 

C.                 Appoint committees essential to the proper functioning of the Chapter. 

 

D.                 Fill vacancies in office according to these bylaws.

 

E.                  Approve the standing and special committee appointments prior to the annual board retreat..

 

F.                  Approve a fiscal year budget.

 

G.                 Research, evaluate, and provide the planning framework for all activities of this chapter, provide educational programs to the membership, and develop, assess, and implement strategic planning in collaboration with the efforts of the SCHMA.

 

H.                 Submit a report of activities to the membership.

 

I.                    Contract with individuals and/or organizations as deemed necessary to conduct the business of the Chapter.

 

J.                   Insure that the Chapter organization complies with the rules and regulations of the SCHMA.

 

Section 6.         The Board of Directors shall hold an annual board retreat, after election

of officers, for the purpose of strategic planning.  The Board shall meet at such other times as determined by the President, but at least monthly, or by the written request of five active members.

 

Article XI.       Committees

 

Section. 1.        Committees have no authority to contract, commit, or otherwise

financially obligate the Chapter or the State Board of the SCHMA in any

manner whatsoever.  All fundraising activities, all financial obligations

incurred, and all expenditures by or through a committee shall be

consistent with the purposes and provisions of these bylaws.

 

Section 2.         There shall be the following chairs and/or committees: standing, special,

special appointments, and subcommittees.

 

Section 3.         Standing chairs shall be:

 

A.                 Archives Committee