Section I: NDAPA Vision Statement

NDAPA is the authoritative and definitive representative of the PA profession within North Dakota.

Section II: NDAPA Mission Statement

NDAPA’s mission is to enhance the health and well being of the people within North Dakota through the representation and advancement of the PA profession.

Section III:

Through appropriate mechanisms, strive to assure the public of an uniform entry level and continued competency of physician assistants.

Section IV:

To provide the general membership of the organization with a forum for informal assembly regarding the issues that relate to physician assistants and physician assistant students of North Dakota.

Section V:

To facilitate mutual assistance and support of physician assistants, health professionals, and health services by organizing and disseminating health care information through forums, panels, continuing education programs and other similar programs concerning the delivery and quality of health care services within North Dakota.

Section VI:

To facilitate a continuing program of public education and increase exposure to the physician assistant concept.

Section I:

Membership categories are (a) fellow, (b) sustaining, (c) student, (d) physician, (e) affiliate, (f) and honorary members. All AAPA fellow members are eligible for membership in NDAPA.

Section II:

A Fellow member is a CAHEA-or CAAHEP-accredited PA program graduate or NCCPA-certified PA, who shall be employed within, or participant of, North Dakota and is also a Fellow member in good standing of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. Fellow members shall be entitled to the privilege of the floor, to hold formal office and to vote.

Section III:

A Sustaining member is a PA eligible for fellow membership (a CAHEA-or CAAHEP-accredited PA program graduate or NCCPA-certified PA) who has chosen not to practice in the PA profession or to join the AAPA. He or she shall have the privilege of the floor but shall not be entitled to vote or hold office.

Section IV:

A Student member is a person enrolled in an CAHEA-accredited program or an unaccredited program recognized by the AAPA. Student members shall be entitled to the privilege of the floor but have no vote or hold any office except for their elected Student Representative. The Student Representative shall be elected by his or her peers and enjoys all rights and privileges including formal vote except in matters relating to AAPA.

Section V:

A Physician member is an U.S. licensed physician who wishes to associate with the organization. He or she shall have the privilege of the floor but shall not be entitles to vote or hold office.

Section VI:

An Affiliate member is a person from allied heath professions or organizations that employ PAs or a person who does not qualify for any other membership categories. Affiliate members shall be entitled to the privilege of the floor but shall not be entitled to vote or to hold office.

Section VII:

An Honorary member shall be a person who has rendered distinguished service to the physician assistant profession and/or NDAPA. Such members shall be nominated by an active academy member, approved by the Board of Directors within one year, and approved by the general membership. They shall be entitled to the privilege of the floor but shall not be entitled to vote or hold office. They shall be exempt from paying dues.

Section IX:

All applications for membership shall be in writing on application forms provided by this organization. All applications shall be approved or rejected by the organizations Board of Directors. Review and approval of all applicants shall be the responsibility of the Membership Chair.

No applicant shall be denied on the basis of gender, age, race, handicap, creed, color, national origin, or sexual preference. No fellow member of AAPA shall be denied an application of membership unless such membership has been revoked for reasons of an ethical or judicial nature. Appeals will be acted upon by the Board of Directors whose decision will be final.

Section X:

Annual dues shall be established and approved by the Board of Directors for each class of membership. The Board of Directors may offer complimentary membership for financial or personal hardship on a case-by-case and yearly basis.

Section XI:

AAPA members who belong to more than one constituent organization may vote on AAPA issues in only one constituent organization.

Section I:

The Board of Directors shall act as a judicial body of the organization.

Section II:

The Board of Directors shall create policy defining and implementing the organization’s code of ethics. As a constituent chapter of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the NDAPA, embraces the principals and ideals set forth in the Code of Ethics of the Physician Assistant Profession (AAPA policy 1301-01-01).

Section I:

The NDAPA holds its members to the AAPA’s Code of Ethics.

Section II:

Any member who is under sentence of suspension or expulsion shall not be entitled to any of the rights or benefits of the organization or be permitted to take part in any of the proceedings until he or she has been reinstated.

Section III:

Any member who has been censured, suspended, or expelled by the Board of Directors may appeal, in writing, such action within six months after notice is given, in writing, by the Board of Directors.

Section IV:

A committee chair, not part of the executive board, shall arrange for an impartial, three-person panel to hear the appeal. The panel shall consist of Fellow members who are not holding a chairmanship or board office. The committee chair shall designate a time and place for the hearing of the appeal, and after giving the appellant and representatives reasonable opportunity to be heard, shall, by a majority vote, either sustain or reverse such censure, suspension, or expulsion. The decision of the panel shall be final.

Section I:

The annual meeting shall be held at a date, time and place to be set by the Board of Directors and shall be held for the purpose of transacting such business as may properly come before said meeting. At the annual meeting reports on the affairs of the organization for the preceding year will be given by the Officers and Chairpersons of all standing committees.

Section II:

Notice of the meetings shall be in writing. A copy of the notice shall be given to each member no less than 60 days before the date of the meeting. Special meetings of the organization may be called by the President and/or by order of a majority of the Board of Directors.

Section III:

A special meeting of the organization may be requested by a majority of the fellow members.

Section IV:

Each fellow member and the Student Representative are entitled to one vote on meeting motions.

Section V:

51 percent of the voting membership in attendance shall constitute a quorum.

Section I:

The Executive Board shall consist of the President, President Elect, Vice President, Immediate Past President, Secretary, Treasurer, Director-at-Large and Student Representative.

Section II:

The Board of Directors shall consist of the President, President Elect, Vice President, Immediate Past President, Secretary, Treasurer, Director at Large and the Chairpersons of the standing committees.

Section III:

Each board officer of the organization shall be a fellow member in good standing of the AAPA for the duration or their term.

Section III:

The Board of Directors shall control and manage the affairs of the organization.

Section IV:

The Board of Directors shall hold meetings at such times and places as may be designated by the President, but in no event shall there be less than two such meeting in any calendar year. An absolute majority of the membership of the Board shall constitute a quorum for purposes of transacting business. An affirmative vote by a majority of the Board members shall constitute actions with the Board of Directors.

Section V:

Board members are required to attend three of the four meetings held annually. If the Board member is unable to full fill this obligation they will at the opinion of the remaining Board members, surrender their membership on the Board.

Section VI:

Special meetings shall be called by special request of the President or upon written request of at least 30% of the fellow members of NDAPA. The object of such special meetings shall be slated in the call and no other business shall be transacted.

Section VII:

The board officers shall have a one-year term of office with the exception of the President whose term shall be for 2 years following the one year term as President Elect. Any officer may resign at any time. Such resignations shall be in writing to the board and shall take effect at the time specified therein.

Section VIII:

The Board of Directors, at any meeting thereof, may appoint such additional officers with such title, authority, and duties as it may deem advisable. The Board will have the right to remove or replace any appointees at the Board’s discretion.

Section IX:

Any officer may be removed from office, for cause, at any time by the affirmative vote of the majority of the Board provided that the affected officer shall have been given written notice of the charges and offered an opportunity to appear and be heard on the matter before the Board of Directors takes final action.

Section X:

The officer may appeal such action, in writing, within six months after notice of removal is given and the board has taken action to remove the officer. The Board of Directors shall designate a time and place for the hearing of the appeal. After giving the officer and representatives reasonable opportunity to be heard, the Board of Directors shall, by majority vote either sustain or reverse the removal of the officer. The decision of the Board of Directors shall be final.

Section I:

The Elections Committee shall establish rules and regulations governing the elections.

Section II:

The Board of Directors shall establish all rules and regulations governing election. The offices to be filled are the Executive Board and the AAPA Delegates.

Section III:

The President Elect shall automatically succeed the preceding President as President of the organization and the outgoing President shall remain as a voting member of the Board for one year as the Immediate Past President.

Section IV:

Eligible voters include fellow members and the Student Representative.

Section V:

Any fellow member in good standing shall be eligible to hold office or be AAPA Delegates.

Section VI:

Call for nominations will be announced in the quarterly newsletter, The Review. If additional nominations are needed these will be called for at the annual meeting. The candidates for the Executive Board will be presented to the voting membership at the annual meeting. The election of officers shall be held at the annual meeting. Results of the balloting will be announced at the annual meeting.

Section VII:

The elected officers shall take office on July 1. Their term of office runs from July 1 to June 30.

Section VIII:

Each year nominations will be called for to serve as Chief Delegate, Junior Delegate and two Alternate Delegates to the AAPA’s House of Delegates. In order to serve with knowledge and forethought of the issues presented at the House of Delegates, the Junior Delegate will assume the role of Chief Delegate the following year. You must have served as an Alternate Delegate before serving as Junior Delegate. Requirements for serving as a Delegate are active membership to NDAPA and AAPA. The term of the delegates to the AAPA House of Delegates shall begin July 15 through July 14 the following year.

I. To be responsible for the establishment and management of policies concerning the philosophy, property, and business of the Academy.

II. To determine who shall be authorized to sign on behalf of the Academy: checks, releases, contracts, payments and documents.

III. To impose such charges, dues, and/or assessments as it may deem advisable for furthering the Academy's objectives.

IV. To fill all vacancies occurring between annual elections, except as otherwise stated in these by-laws.

Section I:

The President shall preside at all business meetings of the organization and of the Board of Directors. He or she shall make a full report of the year’s activities at the annual meeting of the organization. He or she shall coordinate agendas for future meetings, preside at meetings and maintain order, and set up forums for discussion. He or she shall appoint all standing committees and designate their chairs, subject to approval of the Board of Directors. The President must be present at 3/4 of all officially designated meetings or forfeits his or her position.

Section II:

The President Elect, in the absence of both the President and Vice President, shall assume the duties of the President. He or she shall perform other duties as may be delegated by the President or Board of Directors.

Section III:

The Vice President shall assume the duties of the President in his absence or vacancy. The Vice President will organize and conduct, with the assistance of the Secretary and the Election Committee Chair, all annual elections. He or she shall perform other duties as may be delegated by the President or Board of Directors.

Section IV:

The Immediate Past President shall attend Board meetings and shall perform such duties as may be delegated by the President or Board of Directors. The Immediate Past President will serve on the Corporate Sponsor Committee.

Section V:

The Secretary shall keep minutes of all meetings of the organization, be responsible for all organization communications, assist the Vice President and Election Committee Chair on elections, and notify all members of all meetings. He or she shall perform other duties as may be delegated by the President or Board of Directors.

Section VI:

The Treasurer shall maintain accurate records of the financial status of the organization and is responsible for the collection of yearly dues from all members, depositing in the organization’s account all money received by the organization and paying all bills approved by the Board of Directors, and recording all receipts of those payments. He or she shall render to the Board of Directors an account of all transactions and the financial condition of the organization as requested. The Treasurer’s record shall be audited routinely and upon leaving office. The method of audit will be determined by the Board of Directors. He or she shall perform other duties as delegated by the President or Board of Directors.

Section VII:

The Director At Large shall maintain open communication between the general membership and the Board of Directors. He or she shall insure that the Board of Directors are in compliance with parliamentary procedures and act as Sargent at Arms. He or she shall perform other duties as delegated by the President or Board of Directors.

Section VIII:

The Student Representative shall act as a liaison between the Board of Directors and all student members of the organization. He or she shall encourage student participation and involvement on all the organization’s committees and/or projects. He or she shall perform other duties as delegated by the President or Board of Directors.

Section I:

The members of each standing committee shall serve for a term of one year, commencing on July 1. All committee members shall be appointed by the President, with the majority approval of the Board of Directors, and shall be subject to removal by the President. Each committee shall be responsible to the President and the Board of Directors.

Section II:

Each standing committee shall be responsible for the performance of the duties and the functions delegated to it by the Board of Directors or the President.

Section III:

Standing committees shall hold regular meetings and shall make written reports to the Board of Directors and President at each meeting of the Board or as requested.

Section IV:

The President may appoint special (ad hoc) committees with the concurrence of the Board for such special tasks as circumstances warrant.

Section I:

The Membership Committee shall encourage and promote the increase of NDAPA membership by coordinating the recruitment, retention and development of the organization's members. The membership Committee will also be responsible for producing and distributing the Membership Directory each year.

Section II:

The Legislative and Government Affairs Committee shall monitor current legislation and policies that have an effect on NDAPA and when necessary coordinate the proactive lobbying for improved quality and standards for PA's practicing in the state of North Dakota and encourage the membership to take a role in the legislative process.

Section III:

The Elections Committee shall prepare a slate of candidates to fill positions on the Board of Directors and AAPA House of Delegates. The Committee shall establish rules and regulations governing the elections. The committee shall conduct the elections in the manner discussed in Article VIII, section VI.

Section IV:

The Continuing Medical Education Committee (CME) shall coordinate the planning of CME conferences for NDAPA. The CME Committee shall be in charge of coordinating the notification of the membership of upcoming events and of actively pursuing other fund raising avenues for holding conferences, such as encouraging local pharmaceutical companies to become sponsors and exhibitors.

Section V:

The Public Education Committee shall be responsible for promoting NDAPA and the PA profession. The Committee will be in charge of the NDAPA Display Board, the Scrapbook and other promotional items. The Committee will assist in fundraising for the NDAPA.

Section VI:

The Reimbursement Committee shall monitor current reimbursement for PA's in the state of North Dakota. The Committee will keep the general membership informed as to any changes in reimbursement issues.

Section VII:

The Newsletter Editor shall be responsible for producing the quarterly newsletter of the NDAPA, The Review.

Section VII:

The Corporate Sponsor Committee shall establish a set of guidelines to follow in the solicitation of grants and display fees and other monies, as they become available for use by NDAPA in its endeavors, such as production of a newsletter and programs of continuing education. The Committee shall maintain an up-to-date mailing list of all current or prospective pharmaceutical or soft goods companies.

Section IV:

The Scholarship Committee shall seek applicants for the Kathy Ohly Scholarship. Applicants must be residents of North Dakota and enrolled in the PA program at the University of North Dakota. Applications shall be collected by the Committee and presented to the Board of Directors prior to the annual meeting. Two $500 scholarships will be awarded yearly. Voting shall be done by the Board of Directors. The Committee shall report yearly to the Kathy Ohly family of the recipients of the scholarships.

Section I:

The amount of annual dues for all membership categories and manner of payment shall be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors.

Section II:

Annual membership dues shall be payable by March 1. New members applying after September 1 will pay one-half dues for the present year.

Section III:

Any member whose dues are unpaid at the time of any meeting shall be ineligible to vote or hold office.

Section I:

The current edition of Sturgis - Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure shall be the parliamentary authority for all matters of procedures not specifically covered in these bylaws.

Section II:

The NDAPA is part of the parent organization AAPA. As such, the organization and its members are required to meet all provisions outlined in the AAPA's constitution, bylaws, and charter policy. NDAPA will not write or pass any bylaws and/or policies in conflict with AAPA bylaws and/or policies. NDAPA will uphold the principles, purposes, and philosophy for which AAPA was founded. If NDAPA is unable to uphold the principles and purposes, or passes conflicting bylaws and/or policies, it must work through AAPA to change the philosophy by altering the organization's constitution and bylaws.

Section I:

Minor edits to these bylaws may be made by the majority vote of the organization’s Board of Directors.

Section II:

Major amendments to these bylaws may be made at any regular or special meeting of the membership by a majority vote of all voting members present or by proxy.

Section III:

Written notification shall be made to all membership at least thirty (30) days prior to the voting on any proposed amendments to the bylaws.

Section I:

In the event of dissolvement, the remaining monies will be disbursed by donating remaining funds to the AAPA PA Foundation.