Article I

Name and Legal Form

The name of the organization is 4 State Advance Practice Nurses (APN).

Article II

Purpose and Functions

Section 1 Purpose/Function

The central purpose of the 4-State APN is to promote excellence in nursing practice, education, research and to provide increased access to healthcare in the community.

Article III

Membership

Section 1: Full Members

1. Eligibility
   1. All APNs are eligible to become full members of the 4 State APN organization.
   2. Students and non-APNs will be considered for non-voting membership.
2. Rights
   1. Full members are entitled to vote in the election of officers and any issues that come before the organization.
   2. Full members may serve on committees as appointed by the president.
   3. Full members are eligible to hold elected office in the organization.

Section 2: Non-voting Members

1. Eligibility/Rights
   1. Individual student members and non-APNs may NOT vote, hold office or serve on committees. Student members will receive the quarterly newsletter and many attend meetings.

Section 3: Dues

1. Amount of dues for full membership will be $20 and for non-voting membership will be $10 per year. Dues will be collected in April of each year for the upcoming year.
2. Dues are non-refundable.
3. If dues are not paid by April 30, you will not receive the quarterly newsletter or the annual membership directory. You will be excluded from full membership activities (i.e. — voting, serving on committees, holding office or attending meetings) until dues are paid in full.

Section 4: Meetings

1. Meetings will be held four times a year in April, July, October and January. Meetings will be held the third Thursday of those months. Meeting locations will vary and be announced in the newsletter.
2. Emergency meetings may be arranged or called by the president. Officers will meet quarterly at the discretion of the president.

Section 5: Termination of Membership

1. Membership in the 4 State APN shall be terminated for the following reasons:
   1. Failure to pay required dues.
   2. Voluntary withdrawal.
   3. Unethical behavior by a State Board of Nursing. May rejoin if sanction is lifted.
2. The individual member in question would be notified in writing of termination status. An appeal may be made to the president. A vote on termination would then be taken by all voting members in attendance.

Article IV

Officers

Section 1: Officers (elected and appointed)

The 4 State APN organization board will consist of: President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary. An executive assistant will be designated to handle duties and responsibilities as delegated by the President and will attend board meetings as required.

Section 2: Nominations

The president will appoint a nominating committee to develop a slate of candidates for the January election. Nominations from voting members will also be accepted at this meeting.

Section 3: Elections

Election of officers will be held at the January meeting. Terms will run from April 1 through March 31. You must be present to vote.

Section 4: Terms of Office

All officers will serve one-year terms. Terms are unlimited. You may hold only one office per term.

Section 5: Vacancies

1. In the event of presidential vacancy, the vice-president will become president until the following April.
2. All other vacancies will be appointed by the president until the following April.

Section 6: Duties of Officers

1. President — chair all meetings, appoint committees, appoint vacancies and perform any and all duties usually associated with the office of president. Delegate duties to the executive assistant.
2. Vice President — serve as acting president in absence of president. May assist the president in the appointment of committees. Is responsible for arranging quarterly meetings (i.e. — locations/speakers). Other duties may be assigned by the president.
3. Secretary — record and keep minutes of meetings. Relay pertinent information to executive assistant. Responsible for press releases. Other duties may be assigned by the president. Relay information from quarterly meeting to the press.
4. Treasurer — collects and keeps record of dues. Responsible for the books and any incoming bills. Will report members who fail to pay dues by April to the president. Will compile an annual report to be presented to all members at the July meeting. Fiscal year will run from July 1 to June 30. Other duties may be assigned by the president.
5. Executive Assistant — will be responsible for the publication/mailing of the quarterly newsletter. Newsletter will be mailed three weeks prior to meeting. Postage and supplies will be paid for from the treasury. Other duties may be assigned by the president. A new membership directory will be published each July and given to all members.

Article V

Changes to Bylaws

Proposed amendments to the bylaws will be submitted in writing and circulated to voting members for review. Voting on changes will take place at a quarterly meeting. You must be present to vote. Emergency changes will be considered as they arise and will be proposed with or by the consent of the president.