Bylaws

BYLAWS

THE GREAT PLAINS CHAPTER

OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CARDIOLOGY

ARTICLE I

NAME AND PURPOSE

Section 1.  Name and Purpose.  This organization, a not-for-profit corporation, shall be known as the Great Plains Chapter of the American College of Cardiology (hereinafter referred to as the “Chapter”), and shall serve the purposes set forth in its Articles of Incorporation.

ARTICLE II

MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Eligibility.  All members of the American College of Cardiology residing or working in Great Plains shall be eligible for membership in the Chapter. Geographic scope of the Great Plains Chapter: North Dakota and South Dakota.

Section 2. Classes of Members:   The Chapter shall have eleven classes of membership.  The qualifications for membership in the respective classes are:

1. Cardiovascular Team – Shall be available to professionals in the cardiovascular work setting. A Cardiovascular Team member shall have recognized education, training, and licensure/certification, and/or formal appointment relevant and customary for the professional type. A Cardiovascular Administrator may also be a member of the College. This is a non-voting category of membership that can be appointed to committees, task forces, and working groups.

2. Associate of the American College of Cardiology (AACC) – (a) Shall be a nurse, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, clinical pharmacist, physician assistant, or cardiovascular technologist who (a) is nationally board certified by a credentialing body recognized by the American College of Cardiology; (b) has been a member of the ACC for at least two years; and (c) has at least five years of experience in a clinical area of expertise within cardiology.

3. Fellow-in-Training – United States, U.S. Territories and Canada – Shall be currently engaged in a formal cardiovascular related training program in fulfillment of requirements for admission to an examination by a subspecialty board which holds membership in the American Board of Medical Specialties or the Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists of the American Osteopathic Association. Fellow-in-Training members will transition to the Affiliate category upon successful completing of the training program.

Bylaws ACC 501(c)(6)

Fellow-in-Training – Residing Outside the United States, U.S. Territories and Canada – Shall be currently engaged in a formal cardiovascular-related training program. Fellow-in-Training members will transition to the International Associate category upon successfully completing the training program.

4. Affiliate – (a) Shall have satisfactorily completed a formal cardiovascular related training program in fulfillment of requirements for admission to an examination by a subspecialty board which holds membership in the American Board of Medical Specialties or the Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists of the American Osteopathic Association. (b) Lacking board certification, candidates are expected to provide evidence from the local community of having attained peer recognition as practicing cardiovascular specialists.

5. Associate Fellow – United States, U.S. Territories and Canada – (a) Shall have board certification by a primary specialty board which holds membership in the American Board of Medical Specialties or the Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists of the American Osteopathic Association, plus evidence of formal cardiovascular training and other evidence from his/her community of having attained peer recognition as a consultant. (b) In lieu of the above, a candidate shall have made important scientific contributions and shall have devoted the major share of his/her efforts over a period of years to the cardiovascular field.

6. Fellow – United States, U.S. Territories and Canada – (a) Shall have certification by both a primary specialty board and an applicable subspecialty board which holds membership in the American Board of Medical Specialties or the Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists of the American Osteopathic Association. (b) Lacking Board certification, candidates are expected to have made important scientific contributions over a period of years to a cardiovascular field. (c) The candidate shall provide evidence from his/her community that he/she is recognized by peers as a specialist or as a scientist.

Fellow – Residing outside United States, U.S. Territories and Canada – Those candidates applying for Fellowship should be recognized as clearly outstanding in their own country by (a) holding a leadership role cardiology; or Professor or Associate Professor or; (b) usually having achieved an international reputation with a sizeable number of publications in cardiovascular related peer-reviewed indexed journals. Candidates may have certification by both a primary and subspecialty board which holds membership in either the American Board of Medical Specialties or the Advisory Board for Osteopathic Specialists of the American Osteopathic Association.

7. International Associate – A category of membership for other cardiovascular physician or scientist candidates. Candidates applying for International Associate will be recognized in their own country by having relevant recognized/accredited medical education, cardiovascular training, and licensure/certification OR cardiovascular-related academic or research appointment at a recognized institution.

8. Emeritus Status – A Fellow, Associate Fellow, or Affiliate of the College who is fully retired and is 65 years of age or older or who has been a member of the College for more than thirty consecutive years, is 60 years of age, and is fully retired, is eligible upon request to be named Emeritus. Such a status permits a waiver of national and applicable chapter dues and fees, but not the cost of the hard copy College journals.

Emeritus Status – A Cardiovascular Team member or Associate of the American College of Cardiology who is fully retired and is 65 years of age or older; or who has been a member of the College for more than five consecutive years, is 60 years of age, and is fully retired, is eligible upon request to be named Emeritus. Such a status permits a waiver of national and applicable chapter dues and fees but not the cost of the hard copy College journals.

9. Master – A Fellow of the College who has been active in the College for more than fifteen years may be recommended to the Board of Trustees to be designated a Master of the American College of Cardiology (MACC). Annually the Officers and Trustees of the College shall be asked individually to submit names of suggested nominees to the Awards Committee which, in turn, shall make its recommendation to the Board of Trustees. Additionally, past presidents are recognized as Masters. Election shall be by a majority vote of the Board of Trustees.

10. Distinguished Fellow – A Fellow of the College who has performed outstanding service in the interest of the College may be recommended to the Board of Trustees to be elected Distinguished Fellow. Annually the membership shall be asked to submit names of suggested nominees to the Awards Committee which, in turn, shall make its recommendation to the Board of Trustees. Election shall be by a majority vote of the Board of Trustees.

11. Honorary Fellow – Any qualified scientist or physician is eligible to become an Honorary Fellow. Annually the membership shall be asked to submit names of suggested nominees to the Awards Committee which, in turn, shall make its recommendation to the Board of Trustees. Election shall be by a majority vote of the Board of Trustees.

Section 3. Voting and Office Holding Rights.   Only Active members of the Chapter in good standing shall be eligible to vote and to hold office in the Chapter.  Other classes of Chapter membership shall be eligible to serve on committees and task forces of the Chapter.

Section 4. Termination of Membership.   Membership in the Chapter shall terminate when the member ceases to hold membership in the American College of Cardiology or fails to pay Chapter dues as specified in Article VIII.

ARTICLE III

OFFICERS

Section 1. Officers: The Officers of the Great Plains Chapter will consist of the current ACC Governor of North Dakota and the current ACC Governor of South Dakota during their 3- year terms, Each Governor will serve as Chapter President for 1.5 years and as Chapter Secretary/Treasurer the other 1.5 years of their three -year term. The two Governors will work out the details. The Governor-elects of each state will serve as Council members during their one -year terms.

Section 2.  Election and Term of Office.  Governors and Governors-Elect of the College are elected through a process as set forth in   Article XI, Section 2 of the Bylaws of the American College of Cardiology.  The term of office for American College of Cardiology Governors is three (3) years. The term of office for American College of Cardiology Governors-Elect is one (1) year. Elections will be carried out as per Article XI, Section 2 of the ACC Bylaws. The CVT Liaisons for North and South Dakota shall be elected by their peers and serve three-year terms.

Section 3.  Vacancies.  If a vacancy for the office of President and/or President-Elect occurs for any cause it shall be filled, after consultation with the Chapter, in accordance with Article XI, Section 2 of the Bylaws of the American College of Cardiology.  If the offices of Immediate Past President or Secretary-Treasurer become vacant, these offices shall be filled by action of the members of the Council at any appropriately constitutedmeeting of the Council.

ARTICLE IV

DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section 1.  President  The President of the Chapter, who concurrently is the American College of Cardiology Governor for the state of North Dakota or South Dakota shall be the chief elected officer of the Chapter and shall in general supervise and direct the business and affairs of the Chapter, in consultation with the Council.  The President shall serve as Chairman at all meetings of the membership and of the Council.  The President, in consultation with the Council and committee chairmen, shall appoint the members of all standing and special committees and task forces of the Chapter.

Section 2.  President-Elect and Immediate Past President.  The President-Elect and Immediate Past President shall assist the President in the discharge of the duties of the President as the President may direct and shall perform such duties as from time to time may be assigned by the President.  In the absence of the President, the Governor of North or South Dakota who is serving as Secretary/Treasurer shall perform the duties of the President.

Section 3.  Secretary-Treasurer.  The Secretary-Treasurer shall ensure that the general duties customarily incident to the offices of the Secretary and Treasurer are being discharged and will also perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned by the chapter President or Council. 

ARTICLE V

COUNCIL

Section 1.  General Powers.  The administration, property and activities of the Chapter shall be managed by its Council, which shall act as the Chapter’s Board of Directors. 

Section 2.  Composition.  The Council shall consist of the officers of the Chapter, the Immediate Past Governors for North and South Dakota, the elected CVT representatives from North Dakota and South Dakota, and duly elected councilors. The Governors-Elect for North and South Dakota shall serve as Council Members during their one-year terms.  The number of councilors shall be six to eight, nominated with sensitivity to geographical and population distribution, institution and subspecialty distribution. One standing councilor or additional councilor shall serve as liaison with the Great Plains Physicians and Surgeons.  The Chapter President shall serve as Chairman of the Council.  In addition, two (2) CV Team Liaisons (one each from North Dakota and South Dakota) shall be a member of the Council in a voting position.

Section 3.  Election and Term of Office. The term of Council Members shall be three (3) year with the exception of Governors-Elect who will have one (1) year terms.

Section 4.  Vacancies.  A vacancy on the Council for members other than the President and President-Elect may be filled by action of the members of the Council at any meeting of the Council.  The individual so appointed to fill a vacancy shall serve for the unexpired term of his/her predecessor.

Section 5.  Meetings.  Meetings of the Council may be called by the Chapter President, who also serves as Chairman of the Council, or at the request of five (5) Council members.  The President shall fix the place for holding all Council meetings unless otherwise directed by the Council.  The Council shall meet at least twice each year either in-person or by phone/video conference.

Section 6.  Notice.  A notice stating the place, day and hour of the meeting and the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called shall be emailed to each Council member not less than ten (10) days prior to the date of the meeting.

Section 7.  Quorum.  A majority of the members of the Council, when duly called and assembled, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Council.

ARTICLE VI

COMMITTEES

Section 1.  Establishment and Composition.  Committees may be established by resolution of the Council, adopted at any duly called and constituted meeting.  The size, purposes and powers of any such committee shall be as provided in such resolution.  The President of the Chapter shall, in consultation with the Council, appoint the members of each such committee.  All committees authorized to exercise the authority of the Council in the management of the Chapter shall consist of two (2) of more councilors and such other individuals as the Council may deem appropriate.  Other committees not having and exercising the authority of the Council may be designated by resolution of the Council and consist of such individuals as deemed appropriate.  All Standing Committee appointments must have the approval of the Council.  The term of service of any committee member may be terminated by the President, whenever, in the judgement of the President and the Council the best interests of the Chapter shall be served by such termination.

Section 2.  Term of Office.  The term of office for the members of all committees, with the exception of the Nominating Committee, shall be determined by the Council.

Section 3.  Chairman.  A Chairman for each committee, with the exception of the Nominating Committee, shall be appointed by the President of the Chapter.

Section 4.  Vacancies.  Vacancies in the membership of any committee shall be filled by appointments made by the Chapter President in consultation with the Committee Chairman.  Standing committee vacancy replacements require the approval of the Council.  The individual so appointed to fill a vacancy shall serve for the unexpired term of his/her predecessor.

Section 5.  Reporting.  All Chapter committees shall report to the Council.

Section 6.  Standing Committees.  Standing Committees of the Chapter shall be: 

  1. Advocacy Committee,
  2. Nominating Committee, and
  3. Third Party Payer Liaison Committee

Section 7.  Special Committees.  Upon recommendation by the Chapter President, the Council may establish additional standing, special or ad hoc committees or task forces to address special subjects of interest to the Chapter.

Section 8, Nominating Committee Composition. The Governor and Immediate Past Governor for the State of North Dakota shall serve as the Nominating Committee for North Dakota. The Governor of South Dakota and the Immediate Past Governor of South Dakota will serve as the Nominating Committee for South Dakota. The Immediate Past President shall serve on this committee.  With the Immediate Past President, the Chapter President shall select four additional Chapter members to this committee representative of the geographical and population distribution of the membership.  Each year, the chairman of the committee shall be elected by the members of the committee.  It is recommended that whenever possible, consideration be given for a balanced representation on this committee (i.e., geographical and population distribution in the State, Adult Cardiology, Pediatric Cardiology, Cardiovascular Surgery, Private Practice, Academic Practice).

Section 9, Term of Nominating Committee Membership.  Shall be three (3) years.

Section 10, Charge and Function of Nominating Committee.  The committee shall recommend to the Council at least (2) nominees for each area councilor position whose term is due to expire.  There will be a mechanism for write-in or nominations from the membership.  Nominations shall be restricted to Active members of the Chapter residing in the area where the vacancy is to occur.  The committee shall not nominate any of its members to any position on the ballot.  It shall be the obligation of the nominating committee to explain the functions of the officers and councilors and the time required to all nominees before they are asked to accept.

ARTICLE VII

MEETINGS OF THE MEMBERSHIP

Section 1.  Annual Business Meeting.  The Chapter, when feasible, shall hold an annual business meeting, open to all members and invited guests, at a time and place designated by the Council.  The Council is described in Article V of these Bylaws.  The purpose of the meeting shall be to transact any business that may come before the Chapter.

Section 2.  Special Meetings.  Special meetings of the membership may be called by the President after consultation with the Council or upon written request of not less than twenty percent (20%) of the membership.  Emergency Council meetings can be called at any time.

Section 3.  Notice of Meeting.  A notice stating the place, day and hour of the meeting shall be sent to each member of the Chapter not less than ten (10) nor more than fifty (50) days before the date of the meeting. 

Section 4.  Voting and Quorum.  Members may vote in person, by mail /email ballot, or by proxy.  Members having at least one-fifth of the votes to be shall constitute a quorum.  The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the members shall be necessary for the adoption of any matter voted upon.

ARTICLE VIII

DUES AND ASSESSMENTS

Annual dues and assessments shall be set by the Council and approved by the American College of Cardiology prior to implementation.  The American College of Cardiology shall be responsible for billing all ACC members of Great Plains for Chapter Dues.  Upon receipt of the dues payment, the American College of Cardiology shall promptly remit such payments to the Chapter Secretary-Treasurer.  Active and Cardiac Care Team members, with the exception of [Distinguished Fellows or Honorary Fellows, or both], shall be deemed as dues paying members.  Dues shall be waived for Emeritus members.

ARTICLE IX

INDEMNIFICATION

To the full extent permitted by law, the Chapter may indemnify any and all of its officers, council members and committee members for certain expenses and other amounts paid in connection with legal proceedings in which any such person becomes involved by reason of serving in any such capacity with or for the Chapter.  The Chapter may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any or all officers, council members or committee membership against any liability asserted against any such person and incurred in any such capacity such liability under the provisions of this article.

ARTICLE XII

ETHICS

Members of the Chapter are expected to exhibit high ethical and moral standards.  The bylaws of the American College of Cardiology provide a mechanism for addressing matters related to the ethical conduct of all members of the College.

ARTICLE XIII

AMENDMENTS

These Bylaws may be amended or repealed and new Bylaws may be adopted by two-thirds (2/3) approval of the Council, provided that written notice of the proposed change or changes has been emailed to each voting councilor at least thirty (30) days before the vote and that such amendments shall not be inconsistent with relevant provisions of the Bylaws of the American College of Cardiology.