District 40

Florida Nurses Association

Bylaws

Article I - title.  Purposes and Functions

(b)               To promote adherence to the code of ethical conduct for nurses established by the American Nurses Association hereinafter referred to as A.N.A.

(c)                To act and speak for the nursing profession in regard to legislation and governmental programs.

(d)               To promote and protect the economic and general welfare of nurses.

(e)                To provide for the continuing professional development of nurses.

(f)                 To represent nurses and serve as their spokesperson with allied professional, community, and governmental groups and with the public.

(g)                To provide for representation in the FNA House of Delegates and at special meetings of the voting membership of FNA.

(h)                To promote relationships with the Nursing Students Association.

(i)                  To actively recruit students for nursing.

(j)                 To assume an active role as a consumer advocate.

(k)               To preserve documents and other materials which have contributed and continue to contribute to the historical and cultural development of nursing.

(l)         To support the functions of FNA.

Article II - Membership and Dues

(a)                A member is one:

1)                 who has been granted a license to practice as a registered professional nurse in one state, territory, possession, or District of Columbia of the United States and who does not have a license under suspension or revocation in any of the aforementioned, or

2)                 who has completed a nursing education program that qualifies the applicant to take the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) for registered nurse licensure as a first time writer, and

3)                 whose application for membership has been made in writing on the appropriate form furnished by FNA and has been accepted in accordance with DNA 40 procedures and policies and

4)                 whose dues are not delinquent and

5)                 whose membership is not under suspension or revocation for violation of the ANA Code for Nurses, the DNA and/or the FNA Bylaws.

(b)               Renewal of membership shall be contingent upon having been granted a license to practice as a registered professional nurse.

(a)                Members hereinbefore described shall have membership privileges as follows:

1)                 Participating in the election of DNA members as delegates to FNA conventions and special meetings, voting for DNA and FNA officers, members of Boards of Directors, and for Chairperson and Secretary of a Council with which they are affiliated, and participating in the election of FNA delegates and delegates at large to the ANA conventions and special meetings of the ANA House of Delegates.

2)                 Serving as delegates or in elected and appointed positions in DNA and FNA if so qualified, elected, and/or appointed.

3)                 Attending FNA convention and special meetings and other unrestricted functions of the association.

4)                 Receiving regular DNA, FNA and official ANA communications and publications.

(a)                Members shall be subject to reprimand, censure, suspension or permanent expulsion from membership by a 2/3 vote of the Board of Directors for violations of the ANA Code for Nurses, the DNA 40 and/or FNA Bylaws. No such action shall be taken against a member until such member shall have been served with specific charges, given a reasonable time to prepare a defense and offered an opportunity for full and fair hearing before the Board of Directors.

(b)               Disciplinary action shall be taken only by a 2/3 vote of the Board of Directors, such Board Members having been given ten (10) days previous notice of the meeting at which such action is to be considered.

(c)                Members expelled under provisions of this section may be subsequently reinstated by a 2/3 vote by the Board of Directors, such Board Members having been given five days previous notice of the meeting at which such action is to be considered. Expelled members shall be eligible for reinstatement upon petition to the Board of Directors after 30 days.

(d)               Members reinstated shall be automatically reinstated by FNA.

(a)                Annual DNA and FNA dues shall be paid to FNA. If these dues become delinquent, the member shall forfeit all rights accorded members. Reimbursement of the appropriate amount of dues with the names of members shall be made by FNA to this association.

1)                 The annual dues for a member of DNA 40 shall be set by a quorum of members at the annual meeting. The annual membership dues adopted by the FNA House of Delegates shall hereafter be automatically adopted by DNA 40 membership upon notification to the membership.

2)                 Members utilizing the DCO (Dues Check Off) plan shall pay directly to DNA 40 the amount of DNA 40 dues in excess of the uniform amount collected by FNA under the contractual agreement with the employer. Such amount in excess of this uniform amount collected by FNA shall be paid in full to DNA 40 by check or money order at the beginning of the membership year.

(a)                Members who qualify for one of the following categories may elect to pay 50% of the annual dues:

1)                 Registered nurse students in full time study. Nurse shall furnish documentation of full time student status from the school registrar.

2)                 Graduates of basic nursing programs for a first year of membership if initiated within six months following graduation.

3)                 Members sixty-two years of age or older who are not earning more than social security allows without loss of social security payments.

(b)               Members sixty-two years of age or older who are not employed may elect to pay 25% of FNA and DNA dues.

(a)                A member who has completed full payment of dues may transfer to another DNA within the state without further payment of dues for the remainder of the membership year. Application for transfer shall be made to FNA Headquarters, Orlando, Florida by the District Secretary.

(b)               A member of another SNA who moves to this state may transfer to DNA 40 without further payment of dues for the remainder of the membership year. The request for this transfer shall be signed by the Secretary of the SNA issuing the transfer.

(c)                A member who has completed full payment of dues and has moved out of state may apply to the Secretary of FNA for a transfer to another SNA.

(a)                The membership year for members shall be a period of twelve consecutive months from the time of application for or renewal of membership status.

(b)               Flexible membership year is available to new applicants. A new member shall be defined as any applicant who has not been a member previously or in the preceding three months. Thereafter the application date shall be the anniversary date of that member.

ARTICLE III - BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1.
There shall be a Board of Directors composed of seven (7) officers and directors elected by the general membership as follows:

  The officers shall be a President, Vice President, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer, (b) Six (two) elected Directors.

Section 3.
All members of the Board of Directors shall be members of DNA 40 and FNA.

(a)                The seven (5) officers and six (two) directors shall be elected in accordance with the provisions set forth in these Bylaws and shall serve terms of two years each or until their successors are elected.

(b)               Any member of the Board of Directors who has served more than half a term shall be deemed to have served a full term.

(a)                At least six regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held and more often if necessary, with the proviso that the date, time and place may be changed when deemed necessary by the President by a 2/3 vote of the board members present and voting.

(b)               Special meetings may be called by the President with notification to each member personally or by a designee with no less than three days prior notice. Notice may be written (mail), telegram, telephone, or publication in DNA 40 official publication.

(c)                Special meetings shall be called by the President in like manner upon written request of at least four members of the Board of Directors.

(d)               Special meetings shall be at such place, time and date as are specified in the call to the meeting.

(e)                In the intervals between regular meetings of the Board of Directors the President may, when deemed appropriate, refer and submit to the members of the Board of Directors definite questions related to the affairs of the association, which require immediate action.  This telephone referral and the results of such referendum (polled vote) shall control the action of the association and the vote ratified by verification at the next regular meeting of the Board of Directors and recorded in the minutes of the meeting.

(a)                Any member of the Board of Directors may have two absences from regular meetings of the Board of Directors in a twelve-month period and shall thereupon be notified by the secretary of the number of absences.

(b)               Absence from more than two regular board meetings in a twelve month period without board approval by a two-thirds vote of the members present, eligible to vote, and voting by secret ballot, shall constitute a resignation and the secretary shall notify the member of board action. 1) The member whose absence is being considered shall not be eligible to vote.

(c)                Any vacancy occurring in the office of President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer or Directors shall be filled in accordance with the provisions set forth in these Bylaws.

(d)               It shall be the responsibility of the President to cause the provisions set forth in this a section to be implemented.

(a)                Any member of the Board of Directors elected by the general membership may be removed from office and membership on the Board of Directors for misfeasance, malfeasance, nonfeasance and/or conduct unbecoming such members by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors members present, eligible to vote and voting by secret ballot. The office of such members shall be declared vacant by the Board of Directors, the membership null and void and the vacancy filled in accordance with the provisions in the Bylaws.

(b)               All members of the Board of Directors shall be given five days prior notice of the meeting at which the written charges against the member in question are to be heard and the time, date, and place of such meetings shall be specified in the notice thereof.

(c)                Any member against whom the aforementioned action is brought shall be served with specific written charges, given thirty days to prepare a defense and offered a full and fair hearing before the Board of Directors. No such action shall be initiated against any board member without legal counsel and all such action shall be confidential privileged information to the members of the Board of Directors and/or the Executive Committee.

(d)               The disciplinary removal of any member from the Board of Directors shall then constitute a resignation.

(a)                Vacancies occurring in the office of

1)      President and Vice-President shall be filled by succession in office.

2)      All remaining officers and directors shall be appointed by the Board.

(b)               Vacancies in office may be the result of the following circumstances and shall be declared by the Board of Directors for:

1)      Dues of a member which are not current.

2)      Absence of a member from more than two meetings of the board in accordance with provision in these Bylaws.

3)      Removal of a member for disciplinary reasons and voluntary resignation.

4)      Voluntary resignation.

(a)                There shall be an Executive Committee of the Board composed of the officers, which shall act as counsel to the President.

(b)               This committee may meet and shall take action only in an emergency and when lack of a quorum has been duly established for a proposed special meeting. When definite questions to the board members in a telephone referendum poll are deemed unsatisfactory, inadequate or inappropriate by the President.

ARTICLE IV - DUTIES OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS

(a)                Transact the general business of this association in the interim between meetings and such other business as designated by the membership.

(b)               Regularly report appropriate board action by the publication of "board briefs" in the association official publication and/or at regular meetings.

(c)                Establish and record major administrative policies of this association.

(d)               Select a place(s) for the deposit of all funds, provide for their expenditure, investment, and surveillance, and for the bonding of appropriate officers and/or staff personnel, and for the annual audit of all books of account.

(e)                Provide for the meeting places.

(f)                 Employ legal and all other necessary counsel. Define the duties and fix the compensation for such necessary counsel.

(g)                Declare and report all vacancies occurring on the Board of Directors and make appointments in the office of Secretary, Treasurer, and Directors in accordance with the provisions set forth in the Bylaws.

(h)                Appoint members of standing committees and fill vacancies on committees in accordance with provisions in the Bylaws.

(i)                  Approve the appointment of chairpersons of all committees prior to their notification, except for Nominating Committee.

(j)                Provide for the work of officers and committees deemed expedient for the care, retention of necessary records, papers, books, publications and equipment, including their maintenance.

(k)               Consider all committee recommendations and proposed plans. Affirmative action and approval by the Board of Directors shall be mandatory prior to implementation of such recommendations and plans to include position statements.

(l)                Determine place, date and time of DNA 40 meetings in accordance with Bylaws provisions and Standing Rules.

(m)               Provide for the creation and dissolution of Councils in accordance with the provisions in these Bylaws.

(n)                Provide for refunding of necessary expenditures incurred by officers and committees providing such expenditures were previously approved by the Board of Directors.

(o)                 Have the authority to appoint delegates to fill a vacancy when the alternate list has been depleted in accordance with provisions set forty in Article IX, Representation, Section 3(c), 1), -2).

(p)                Assume such other duties as may be provided elsewhere in these Bylaws and by the membership.

(q)                Approve the budget and recommend for adoption by the membership no later than the first regular meeting following the new calendar year.

(r)                  Annually allocate the allotted number of delegates equitably in accordance with provisions in Article IX, Representation, Section 2(a).

(s)        Establish such fees as may be required for specified activities.

ARTICLE V - OFFICERS AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section 1.
The officers of this association shall be a President, a Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
Vacancies in these offices shall be filled as herein provided in these Bylaws.

Section 2.
All officers shall assume the duties usually performed by such officers, the duties defined in these Bylaws and those duties designated from time to time by the Board of Directors

Section 3.
The President of this association shall be the Chairperson of the Board of Directors and shall:

(a)                Preside at meetings of the Board, Executive Committee and the meetings of the general membership, conducting them by a formal order of business.

(b)               Be an ex-officio member of all committees with the exception of the Nominating Committee.

(c)                Appoint chairs of standing committees with the approval of the Board. Special Committees are appointed by the President.

(d)               Be elected as a delegate-at-large to the FNA Convention and special meetings of FNA serving as Chair of the DNA 40 delegation and a DNA representative at the FNA Advisory Council meetings.

(e)                Call meetings in accordance with provisions set forth in Article VII, Section 1 and Section 2 of these Bylaws.

(f)                 Serve as a liaison representative of the DNA 40 membership with professional and allied health organizations and with the public.

(g)                Assume such other duties as may be provided elsewhere in these Bylaws.

(h)                Notify the Secretary of SNA of election results of delegates and alternates to the FNA Convention.

(a)                The  Vice-President shall act as an assistant to the President. In the absence of the President, the Vice-President assumes all the duties of the office serving as ex-officio member of all committees and as representative to Regional and FNA meetings.

(b)               In the event of a vacancy occurring in the office of President, the Vice-President shall succeed to the office of the President for the unexpired term, this person shall continue in the office of President for the following year in accordance with Article V, Section 5(d) and (e).

(c)                The Vice-President shall serve as Delegate-at-Large to the FNA Convention.

(a)                The Vice-President shall serve as Membership Chair.

(b)               The Vice-President shall serve as alternate Delegate-at-Large.

(c)                In the event of a vacancy in the office of  the Vice-President Elect, the Secretary shall succeed to the office of  Vice-President for the unexpired term or until a successor is elected. The office of Secretary shall remain vacant until appointed at the next board meeting or until a successor is elected.

(d)               In the event of a vacancy in the office of the President, the Vice-President shall succeed to the office of President and the office of Vice-President shall remain vacant until filled by appointment at the next board meeting or until a successor is elected.

Section 6.
The Secretary shall keep the minutes of all meetings of the association and the Board of Directors.

The Secretary shall:

(a)                conduct the general correspondence of the association and the Board of Directors.

(b)               send notices of the time and place of meetings

(c)                notify all officers, including directors and committees of their election or appointment.

(d)               preserve all papers, letters and transactions of this association.

(e)                keep an accurate record of the names and addresses of all members and associate members of this association and shall serve as alternate delegate-at-large to the recording secretary.

The Treasurer shall:

(a)                receive dues and all other funds of this association, deposit such funds in a bank designated by the Board of Directors, and pay only such bills as have been approved by the President.

(b)               Keep an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements, and give a written report at all regular meetings of the Board of Directors and of the association.

(c)                Submit all books of account for audit as specified by the Board of Directors, and give bond subject to the approval of the Board for this faithful performance of duties.

(d)               Serve as chair of the Finance Committee.

(e)                The retiring Treasurer shall deliver to the new Treasurer all money, vouchers, books, and papers of the association held in custody by the September meeting.

(f)                 Serve as alternate Delegate-at-Large to the 2^nd Vice-President.

(g)                Annually (prior to May 15^th) the Treasurer shall submit IRS report to IRS and send copy to FNA, if income appropriate.

(h)                The annual report to the Treasurer should include September 1-August 31 and should be presented at the September Board meeting.

(a)                All officers, except the Secretary and the Treasurer, upon termination of office shall surrender to the newly elected President all property belonging to this association and pertaining to their office.

(b)               the Secretary and Treasurer shall surrender to their respective officers all property belonging to this association and pertaining to their office within two weeks following their retirement.

ARTICLE VI - STANDING COMMITTEES

(a)    Standing committees shall assume such duties as are specified in these Bylaws and such other duties as may be assigned by the Board of Directors. All members shall be eligible for appointment to standing/ ad hoc committees convened by the President, if necessary.

(b)   Members of the Student Nurses Association of Florida will be eligible to attend committee meetings of this association as observers.

The following standing committees with the exception of the five members of the Committee of Nominations, who shall be elected as hereinafter provided, shall be appointed at/or immediately after each annual meeting to serve until the next annual meeting or until their respective successors are appointed:

                                    Bylaws

Legislation

Finance

Membership Promotion

Program

Scholarship and Continuing Education

Ways and Means

Newsletter

Sunshine

Public Relations

Committee chairs shall submit a written report of activities to the President by June 1^st.

The Committee on Bylaws shall consist of no fewer than three persons. This Committee shall:

(a)                Suggest and receive all proposed amendments to the Bylaws of this association. Upon approval of such amendment by the Board of Directors, amendments shall be submitted for action to the voting body of the association, in accordance with the provisions for the amendments in these Bylaws.

(b)               Send a copy of all Bylaws and all amendments by the association to the secretary of the FNA.

(c)                Assume such other duties as shall be assigned to it by the Board of Directors.

The Committee on Legislation shall consist of no fewer than three members. This committee shall:

(a)                Study proposed federal, state and local legislation for its implications for nurses, nursing and health.

(b)               Study needs for legislative action.

(c)                Assist in promoting the state legislation program.

(d)               Advise the Board of Directors on legislative matters.

The Committee on Finance shall consist of no fewer than three members including the Treasurer of this association who shall serve as Chair. This committee shall:

(a)                Prepare the annual budget.

The Committee on Membership Promotion shall consist of no fewer than three members, including the Vice-President of this association who shall serve as Chair. This committee shall:

(a)    Study and evaluate matters pertaining to membership promotion.

(b)   Develop and implement plans for retaining and increasing membership.

(c)    Plan and conduct a continuing program of membership promotion.

The Committee on Nominations shall consist of three members who shall be representative of various geographic areas of the district.

(a)                The Committee on Nominations shall prepare a slate consisting of at least two nominees for each office to be filled and delegates to be elected. This ticket shall include members selected from the various areas of nursing practice.

(b)               The slate shall be presented to the Board of Directors and to the District membership of this association prior to the mailing of the ballot.

(c)                No name shall be presented at an annual meeting, either by the Committee on Nominations or from the floor, unless accompanied by a statement of qualifications and the consent of the nominee to serve if elected.

The Committee on Program shall consist of no fewer than three members, including the Vice-President of this association who shall serve as Chair. This committee shall:

(a)                Develop plans for the general program meetings to be held throughout the year.

(b)               Develop the focus and plans for the annual meeting.

(c)                Assist the SNA with arrangements when the state convention is held in the district.

(d)               Plan for continuing education programs for DNA #40.

Section 10.

The Sunshine Committee shall consist of at least three members. The duties of the Sunshine Committee shall consist of sending cards to members when ill, and sympathy cards to members in case of death of immediate family. Flowers are to be sent at death of District member.

Section 11.

The Committee on Newsletter shall consist of at least two members and shall:

(a)                Prepare the monthly newsletter.

(b)               Provide for suitable distribution of Newsletter.

(c)                Solicit advertising when applicable.

Section 12.

The Committee on Ways and Means shall be composed of at least three members. They shall:

(a)                Devise ways and means of raising money for the DNA.

Section 13.

The Scholar ship and Continuing Education committee shall be composed of not less than three members and shall:

(a)                Circulate information concerning the DNA scholarship.

(b)               Provide information to the Directors of Nursing Programs receiving the scholarship monies, allowing them to choose the student recipient.

1)                 This information is to include the DNA requirement that the recipient be a member of SNA and expect to join FNA on graduation.

Section 14.

The Committee of Public Relations shall consist of at least three members and shall:

(a)                Notify appropriate new media of newsworthy events.

(b)               Cooperate with the membership and program drive promotions to publicize the need for DNA membership.

(c)                Submit news items form the DNA 40 regularly to the Florida Nurse for publication.

ARTICLE VII - MEETINGS

(a)    Regular meetings of this association, shall be no less than six meetings per calendar year.

(b)   The June meeting shall be the annual meeting at which time the officers and other members of the Board of Directors shall be installed. The date, time and place shall be decided by the Board of Directors.

Section 2.

Special Meetings.

(a)                Special meetings shall be called by the President as follows:

1)                 When deemed necessary by the President;

2)                 When requested by the Board of Directors upon a majority vote of the members present, eligible to vote and voting;

3)                 Upon the request to the President by no less than ten members of the association.

Section 3.

The order of business at regular meetings of this association shall be:

(a)                Call to order

(b)               Declaration of quorum

(c)                Approval of minutes

(d)               Report of President

(e)                Report of Treasurer

(f)                 Report of Board of Directors

(g)                Reports of Standing Committees

(h)                Reports of Special Committees

(i)                  Unfinished business

(j)                 New Business

(k)               Adjournment

Section 4.

The order of business at the annual meeting shall include:

(a)                Call to order

(b)               Address of President

(c)                Annual report of Treasurer

(d)               Unfinished business

(e)                New business

(f)                 Installation of officers and directors

(g)                Adjournment

ARTICLE VIII - REPRESENTATION

Section 1.                    

(a)                The voting body at any meeting of this association shall consist of the members who are in attendance. No member shall be permitted to cast more than one vote in any election or on any matter.

Section 2.

(a)                Delegates to the conventions or special meetings of FNA shall be elected by this association on the basis of President, Vice-President and the delegate with highest number of votes to be the delegates-at-large and the remainder of the delegates will be those having the highest number of votes and will be published in March. FNA will notify the DNA 40 of the number of delegates to which the DNA is entitled. All delegates shall be elected by secret ballot and voted on in April.

(b)        If all the accredited delegates of this association are not in attendance at the convention or special meeting of the FNA, alternates shall fill the vacancies. Alternates shall become delegates in the order of votes received in the election, beginning with the alternates who received the highest number of votes.

ARTICLE IX - ELECTIONS

Section 1.

The President, Secretary, and one Director shall be declared elected every other year. The Vice-President, Treasurer and one Director shall be declared elected during alternate years.

(a)                Officers and delegates to convention must attend at least 3 functions during the preceding year.

Section 2.

Delegates or alternates of this association to conventions and special meetings of the FNA shall have attended at least four meetings during the twelve months preceding their election and shall be elected by secret ballot.

(a)                Convention reimbursement. Board of Directors will decide amount of reimbursement prior to each convention.

Section 3.

Section 4.

Section 5.

Section 6.

Section 7.

ARTICLE X - QUORUM

Section 1.

Section 2.

A majority of the Board of Directors, including the President or Vice-President, shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of the Board of Directors.

Section 3.

ARTICLE XI - FISCAL YEAR

ARTICLE XII - OFFICIAL PUBLICATIONS

ARTICLE XIII - PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

ARTICLE XIV - LABOR AND WAGE

Section 1.

The DNA has no interest in labor and wage disputes except on an educational or/and informational basis only. District 40 will take no active part in mediation or arbitration of labor or wage disputes. This work is to be done on a State level only.