NAMPS BYLAWS

Bylaws of The Nevada Association of Medical Products Suppliers

 

ARTICLE 1 - Introduction and Definition



These bylaws constitute the rules adopted by the Nevada Association of Medical Products Suppliers for the regulation and management of its affairs.

     
ARTICLE 2 - Purpose and Powers
     

This organization will have the purposes and powers as will be stated hereafter, and which maybe granted later by changes approved by the membership or directed by law.

  A. The association has as it's objectives and purpose, to pursue the best interests of the membership through an interchange of ideas by seminars, regular meetings of the members and dissemination of information to all members concerning medical products and supplies and all changes in the law.  

  B. To pursue an active liaison with the government concerning all matters that affect the general health and welfare of our industry and thus the welfare and health of our customer -- the sick and injured.  

  C. To further the education of members and their staff in the technical knowledge of the function of the equipment supplied by our industry so that the public health can be better maintained and served.  

     
ARTICLE 3 - Membership
     

Section 3.1 - Definition of membership

The members of this association are those individuals, sole proprietors, partnerships, and corporations or other business entities involved with or interested in the business of providing durable medical equipment and/or medical products and/or medical services to the public.

Section 3.2 - Classes of Members

The association will have three classes of members that are designated as Follows:
  • A. Regular Members
  • B. Associate Members
  • C. Private Individual Members



Section 3.3 - Definition of classes and eligibility for membership

A. Regular Members:

In order to be eligible for regular membership in the association, the applicant shall be an individual, sole proprietor, partnership, corporation, or other business entity which shall establish that it meets the qualifications defined below. A regular member shall have full voting rights. One vote is authorized per member. A regular member must:

  1. Be primarily engaged as a dealer or distributor in the stocking, servicing, renting and/ or selling of diversified lines of health equipment and supplies to the general public.

  2. If the applicant has a Medicare provider number, it must be valid and current. If the applicant was disqualified from the Medicare program, then they cannot be a member of this association (Section 3.17 E).

  3. Maintain an operational facility within the state of Nevada.

  4. Abide by the associations' code of ethics, which is similar to AAHomecare CODE.


B. Associate Members:

In order to be eligible for associate membership in the association, the applicant shall be an individual, sole proprietor, partnership, corporation, or other business entity not otherwise qualified as a regular member and who shall be involved in the manufacture, wholesale only, or non-retail type of business related to the home medical equipment industry. An associate member shall:

  1. Have the same privileges and duties as any other member unless specifically excluded or limited by these bylaws.

  2. Not be entitled to vote as a member on any action required to be taken or before any meeting of the membership. The associate members may participate in any discussion or debate by and among the regular members at any meeting.

  3. They may be appointed to serve on committees at the discretion of the board of directors. They may also serve on the Board, if elected. If elected to the Board, they will have all voting rights of a Board Member


C. Private Individual Members:

Any individual interested in participating with the Association and who the members feel could add their expertise and guidance in helping the Association accomplish our goals. An Individual Member:

  1. Will not be entitled to vote as a member on any action required to be taken or before any meeting of the membership. The private individual may participate in any discussion or debate by and among the regular members at any meeting.

  2. They may be appointed to serve on committees at the discretion of the Board of Directors. They may also serve on the Board, if elected. If elected to the Board, they will have all voting rights of a Board Member.


Section 3.4 - Branch Membership

A. For the purposes of the bylaws, a "branch' shall mean a home medical equipment supply facility which is operated as a separate division or profit center or as a wholly owned or controlled subsidiary of a parent organization.

B. If a parent organization is ineligible for membership because it does not meet the principal office requirements of section 3.3 of these bylaws, a branch that meets the requirements for membership in the organization may apply for regular membership, in which event only the branch applying for regular membership shall be entitled to all of the benefits and obligations of a regular member including voting, eligibility to hold office, and special assessments.

C. If there is more than one branch within our state boundary, all branches are eligible to join and all shall have the rights of regular membership. However, only two members of any company can serve on the Board of Directors at the same time.

Section 3.5 - Right to vote and hold office

A. All elected officers of the association and the elected members of the Board of Directors shall be held only by individuals who are actively engaged in a managerial capacity (or its'delegate) of the member companies. An Associate Member and/or a Private Individual Member as indicated in Section 3.3 B&C above may also be elected to the Board of Directors. The maximum non Regular Member Directors and Officers may not exceed two (2) at any time.

B. Except as otherwise provided by these bylaws, members should be entitled to participate in all the activities, to receive the benefits of all the services of the Association, and to one vote upon all matters, which come before the general membership of the Association. A vote of a majority of the Directors shall be required for election to membership. No member-elect shall be qualified as a member until the annual dues for the balance of the Association's fiscal year, pro-rated from the first day of the month in which such member is entering, have been paid. Then the member-elect shall become a member in good standing. In the event that the Board of Directors does not approve the application for membership, then the applicant shall be promptly notified of such action.


Section 3.6 - Change in Name

In the event of a change in name of a member which does not change ownership or otherwise alter the conditions of original election to membership, the Secretary on his/her own authority shall, upon request of the member, enter such a change on the roster and cause a notice thereof to be published.


Section 3.7 - Change in Ownership

In the event of a change in ownership of a member, said member must immediately notify the Association, in writing, of such a change. The new ownership must complete a membership application and comply with all the requirements defined in these bylaws related to election to membership.


Section 3.8 - Member Dues

The Annual dues payable to the Association by regular members and associate members will be in such amount(s) as may be determined from time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors. Annual dues will be payable in advance on the first day of each calendar year. Annual dues of new members will be pro-rated from the first day of the month in which such member is entering.


Section 3.9 - Assessments

Regular members and associate members may be subject to assessment of special dues as determined by the Board of Directors. Such action may be taken pursuant to a meeting in which a quorum is present. The amount of regular annual dues or special dues fixed by the Board of Directors will become, on and after notice, an indebtedness to the Association collectible by due course of law. The failure to pay any dues or special assessments shall render the member liable to expulsion.

Before any resolution of assessment is voted on by the Board of Directors, the Board will advise the general membership of it's intention to consider an assessment resolution by giving said membership thirty (30) days advance notice. Comments regarding the assessment resolution should be directed to the Secretary, who will compile the comments and present them to the Board of Directors.


Section 3.10 - Place of Members' Meetings

Meetings of members will be held at such places that the Board of Directors designates.


Section 3.11 - Annual Members' Meetings

The annual meeting of the members will be held at a time and place that the Board of Directors designate.


Section 3.12 - Special Members' Meeting

Special meetings of the members may be called by any of the following:

A. The majority of the Board of Directors.

B. The Chairperson.

C. Members having at least fifteen- percent (15) of the votes which all members are entitled to cast at such meetings.

D. The majority vote of the Executive Committee, as defined in Section 5.9


Section 3.13 - Notice of Members Meetings

Written notice stating the date, place, and time of the meeting shall be delivered not less than fifteen (15) days before the meeting. The notice shall be by first class mail, telegram, E-mail or Fax and be directed to each member of the association. In the case of a special member meeting, the notice shall also state the purpose(s) for which the meeting was called. If mailed, the notice will be deemed to be delivered on the date it is deposited in the U.S. or other mail service.


Section 3.14 - Voting Rights of Members

Each regular member will be entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote of members. However, the associate members and private Individual members have no voting rights.


Section 3.15 - Members Proxy Voting A member may vote either in person or by proxy executed in writing by the member. No proxy shall be recognized as valid after thirty (30) days from the date of its execution unless expressly provided otherwise in the proxy.


Section 3.16 - Quorum of members The number of members entitled to vote represented in person, or by proxy which constitutes a quorum at a meeting of members will be twenty-five percent of the votes entitled to be cast in such a manner. The vote of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the members present, or represented by proxy at a meeting at which a quorum is present is necessary for the adoption of any matter voted on by the members, unless a greater proportion is required by law, the articles of incorporation of this association, or any provision of these bylaws.


Section 3.17 - Termination of Membership Membership will terminate in this organization upon any of the following events:

A. Receipt by the board of directors of the written resignation of a member, executed by that member.

B. The failure of a member to pay dues or assessment within ninety (90) days after their due date. Notice will be sent after sixty (60) days by regular mail and the automatic termination will occur thirty (30) days thereafter if still unpaid.

C. Violations of the association code of ethics as determined by the opinions, decisions and advice of the ethics committee and as approved by the board of directors.

D. Conviction of a felony related to the business of retail, wholesale, rental or distribution of medical products, services or supplies for home use in the care and treatment of patients.

E. By majority vote of the board of directors, upon exclusion of a member from participation in the Medicare or Medicaid programs, by the department of health and human services or a comparable state agency.

After formal termination, a former member must follow the application process for new members if they want to reapply for membership in the future.


Section 3.18 - Interest in Association Funds and Property

Any person whose membership in this association shall have terminated for any reason except that of final dissolution of the association shall relinquish and forfeit all interest in any funds or other property belonging to the association.


     
ARTICLE 4 - Directors Section
     

4.1 - Definition of Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is that group of persons vested with the management of the business and affairs of this association subject to the law, The Articles of Incorporation, and these Bylaws. The directors are elected by the membership at the annual meeting based upon the recommendation of the nominating committee. Any Regular Member in good standing may make nominations from the floor. The nominees receiving the majority of votes shall be elected.


Section 4.2 - Number and Terms of Directors

A. The Board of Directors shall consist of nine (9) Members including the immediate past Chairperson. The term of each director shall be two (2) years. The First board of Directors shall determine which of its members shall serve for two (2) years and which shall serve for one year. Four members will be elected each year.

B. No company may have more than two representatives on the board of directors.

C. The term shall begin at the end of the annual meeting.

D. A director may be removed from office by the membership when such action will serve the best interest of the association. Such removal may only come after an investigation and an opportunity for the director to confront his accusers.

E. A director who misses two unexcused meetings per year may be removed as a director as determined by the Chairperson. For purposes of this section, the word "Year" is defined as that period which begins at the end of the annual meeting and concludes at the end of the succeeding annual meeting.

F. Resignation of the Directors will become effective upon acceptance by the Chairperson and vacancies may be deemed to exist as of such effective date. Any vacancy occurring on the board of directors may be filled by appointment by the Chairperson and subject to the approval of the board of directors. The appointee will serve for the unexpired term in office of the predecessor.


Section 4.3 - Time and Place of Directors Meetings

Meetings of the Board of Directors, regular or special, will be held at a time and place designated by the President or by written request of a majority of the Board or Executive Committee.


Section 4.4 - Quorum of Directors

A majority of the board of directors shall be necessary and sufficient to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at every meeting of the Board of Directors.


Section 4.5 - Notice of Meetings

Ten (10) day notice of the place, day and hour of every regular and special meeting shall be given to each Director, either by E-mail, fax or letter, delivered to the address as it appears upon the books of the corporation, according to the records of the association.


Section 4.6 - Action without a Meeting

Any action required to be taken by the Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting, but with the same force and effect as taken by a vote of the Directors at a meeting, upon ratification by the Board via E-mail, fax or written authorization.


Section 4.7 - Personal Liability or Directors

A Director engaged in carrying out duties or responsibilities for the Association shall not be personally liable for monetary damages as provided by state law or as such for any action taken, or any failure to take action, unless:

 
  A. The Director has breached or failed to perform the duties of his/her office  
 
  B. The breach or failure to perform constitutes self dealing, willful misconduct, or recklessness.  
   
The provisions of this Bylaw shall not apply to (1) the responsibility or liability of a Director pursuant to any criminal statute, or (2) the liability of a Director for the payment of taxes pursuant to local, state or federal law.


Section 4.8 - Compensation

Directors, as such, shall not receive any compensation for their services, but by resolution of the Board of Directors, a fixed sum for expenses, if any, may be allowed for attendance at any special meeting.


     
ARTICLE 5 - Executive Officers
     

Section 5.1 - Definition of Executive Officer

The Executive Officers of the Association shall be a Chairperson, a Vice-Chair, a Secretary and a Treasurer, and such other officers as the board from time to time considers necessary for the proper conduct of the business of the Association. The Executive Officers shall be elected at the annual meeting from the Board of Directors and shall hold office for the term of one year, and from thereafter until a successor is elected or until death, resignation or removal.


Section 5.2 -Chairperson

The Chairperson shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Association. The Chairperson shall preside at all meetings of the members and directors .The Chairperson shall manage and direct the business of the Association.


Section 5.3 - President

The President shall be the managing director of the Association. The President shall, preside at all meetings with the Chairperson. The President shall have general daily management of the business of the Association. The President does not have to be a member of the association and can be a volunteer or paid employee .The President shall also be covered under section 4.7of these Bylaws.


Section 5.4 - Vice-Chair

The Vice-Chair shall, in the absence of the Chairperson, perform all the duties of the Chairperson and when so, all actions shall have all the power of the Chairperson. The Vice-Chair shall have such additional powers and duties as may be assigned by the Board of Directors. Section


5.5 - Secretary

The Secretary shall keep the minutes of the meetings of members, of the Board of Directors and of the Executive Committee, in books provided for the purpose. The Secretary should see that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of the bylaws or as required by law. The Secretary shall be the custodian of the records, sign the membership cards if any of the association and shall perform such other duties as, from time to time, may be assigned to this office by the Board of Directors or by the President.


Section 5.6 - Treasurer

The Treasurer shall have charge of and be responsible for all funds, securities, receipts and disbursements of the Association, and shall deposit or cause to be deposited, in the name of the Association, all moneys or other valuable affects in such banks, trust companies, or other depositories as shall, from time to time, be selected by the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall render to the President and to the Board of Directors, whenever requested, an account of the financial condition of the Association, and, in general, shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Board of Directors or by the President.


Section 5.7 - Removal or Resignation of Officers

Any officer may be removed, either with or without cause, by a majority of the Directors, at any regular or special meeting of the Board. Any officer shall be removed should the officer cease to be qualified for the office held. Any officer may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Board of Directors or to the Chairperson or Secretary of the Corporation.


Section 5.8 - Vacancy in the Office of the President

If the office of the President shall be vacated for any reason, the Chairperson shall become acting president until a replacement is appointed.


Section 5.9 - Vacancy in Executive Offices

If a vacancy occurs in any Executive Office for which provision for filling such vacancy is not otherwise provided for in these bylaws, then any such vacancy shall be filled by the Board of Directors for the remainder of the unexpired term and until a successor has been duly elected and qualified at the next regular election.


     
ARTICLE 6 - Committees
     

Section 6.1 - Committees appointed by the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors shall create and appoint a chairman for the following committees:

  1. Legislative and Regulatory Committee

  2. Executive Committee

  3. Membership and Nomination Committee

  4. Education and Annual Meeting Committee

  5. Ethics Committee


Each Committee chairperson except for the Ethics Committee shall be a member of the Board and conduct the affairs of their committees under the supervision of the Chairperson and/or President. Each Chairperson will prepare a report of the progress of their committee for presentation at each Board meeting. The Association's President will chair the Ethics Committee.


Section 6.2 - Executive Committee

The Executive Committee will be composed of the officers of the Association. The Chairperson will chair this committee. The President will also attend these meetings.


Section 6.3 - Participatory Committee

The positions on all of the other committees shall be open to the membership at large.


     
ARTICLE 7 - Operations
     

Section 7.1 - Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of this association will be the calendar year.


Section 7.2 - Books and Records

This Association will keep an accurate complete record book of accounts, and minutes of proceedings of its members, Board of Directors, and Directorial Committees. The Association will keep a membership register giving the names, addresses, class of membership and other details for each member. Also a copy of its Bylaws including amendments to date certified by the secretary of the Association will be available. This information will be located at the office of the current President of the Association.


Section 7.3 - Inspection of Books and Records

All books and records of this Association may be inspected by any member, or his agent or attorney for any proper purpose at any reasonable time upon a verbal or written request.


Section 7.4 - Nonprofit Operations- Compensation

This Association will not have or issue shares of stock. No dividend will be paid and no part of the income of this Association will be distributed to its members, Directors, or Officers. However, the Association may pay compensation in a reasonable amount to members, Officers or Directors for services rendered which have been approved by the membership. The Association may also employ a salaried President as indicated in Section 5.3.


Section 7.5 - Loans to Management and Members

This Association will make no loans to any of its Directors, Officers, Members, or President.


Section 7.6 - Ownership of Association

  1. No member of this Association may have any vested right, interest or privilege of, in, or to the assets, functions, affairs, or franchises of the Association, or any right, interest, or privilege which may be transferable or inheritable, or which will continue if his membership ceases, or while he is not is good standing.

  2. Expelled Members shall have no property rights to the assets of the Association

  3. The Directors of this Association may authorize secured transaction or other dispositions of corporate assets without approval by the members.

  4. Upon dissolution of the Association, the Board of Directors shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all liabilities of the Association, donate any remaining assets per the circuit court of Nevada to such organizations which are organized and operated exclusively under section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue code.

  5. A two-thirds majority vote of the membership will be required to dissolve this association.



     
ARTICLE 8 - Amendments
     

Section 8.1 - Amendments of Articles of Incorporation

The power to alter, amend or repeal the Articles of Incorporation to the Association is vested in the members. Such action must be taken pursuant to a resolution approved by a majority of the members.


Section 8.2 - Modification of Bylaws

The power to alter, amend or repeal any Bylaws or adopt new Bylaws in so far as is allowed by law is vested in the board of directors and or Members.

   A. A vote by the majority of the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting at which a quorum is present.   

   B. A vote either verbal or written by the majority of the voting members of the association at a meeting duly called and the notice for the purpose of the meeting has been designated.   

     
ARTICLE 9 - Indemnification
     

Section 9.1 - Indemnification

Every Director, Officer, the President or employee of the Corporation shall be indemnified by the Association against all expenses and liabilities, including counsel fees, reasonably incurred or imposed upon any person in connection with any preceding to which the person may be made a party, or in which the person may become involved by reason of being or having been a Director, Officer, President or employee of the Association, or any settlement thereof, whether or not the person is a Director, Officer, President or Employee at the time such expenses are incurred, except in such instances wherein the Director, Officer, President or Employee is adjudged guilty of willful misfeasance or malfeasance in the performance of his/her duties. The foregoing right of Indemnification shall be in addition to and not exclusive of all other rights to which such Director, Officer, President, or Employee may be entitled.


     
ARTICLE 10 - Job Descriptions Board of Directors
     

Section 10.1 - Definition

Board of Directors, a corporate body comprised of elected members, as agent for the membership.


Section 10.2 - Description, Board of Directors

  1. The Board of Directors shall include the following Officers: Chairperson, Vice-Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer, Past Chairperson and four (4) other members of the Association.

  2. Officers and Board Members shall be elected for two-year terms as provided in the Bylaws. The Board of directors as provided for in the Bylaws shall fill vacancies.

  3. Officers shall be elected for one-year terms as provided in the Bylaws.



Section 10.3 - Functions

The Board of Directors shall fulfill the following responsibilities.

  1. Meet at least Three (3) times each year. Special meeting may be called by the Chairperson or on request of the board as provided in the Bylaws.

  2. Transact business of the Association in the interim between meetings.

  3. Establish major administration policies governing the affairs of the Association.

  4. Divvy and implement priority measures of the Associations growth and development.

  5. Develop Board goals and objectives consistent with the purposes of the Association each year.

  6. Approve standing committees and other committees not otherwise provided for.

  7. Review and approve the budget prior to the presentation to the membership.

  8. Consider and approve all major decisions concerning the organization prior to implementation.

  9. Distribute policy manuals and Bylaws to new Board members and committee chairpersons.


Attendance at Board meetings is limited to elected board members, NAMPS Members and Invited guests.


Section 10.4 - Officers and Duties

Chairperson

  1. Presides at all Meetings of the membership and of the Board of Directors.

  2. Is an Ex-officio member of all standing committees.

  3. Perform duties appropriate to this office which will be determined by the Board of Directors.

  4. Upon completion of the term in office, the Chairperson shall deliver to the new officer materials related to the office.

  5. The Chairperson can appoint standing committees with the approval of the Board of Directors.

  6. Appoint special committees as may be required.

  7. Formulate with the President an agenda for the Board of Directors and the Associations' business meetings for the membership.

  8. Answer correspondence directed to the Association or delegate it to other members.

  9. Represent the Association whenever feasible at national, state and local meetings where communication regarding HME is essential. If unable to attend, designate the President or another member as an alternate.

  10. Direct the President to initiate correspondence with new and existing HME suppliers, as well as other health related associations, services and agencies within HCFA's Region D

  11. May sign Checks on behalf of the Association and shall be bonded in an amount equal to that of the Treasurer.

  12. Direct the President to perform the required functions needed to have this Association grow and meet the stated purposes in Article 2



Vice-Chair

  1. During the absence of the Chairperson, presides at meetings.

  2. In the Absence of the Chairperson shall, perform the duties of the Chairperson.

  3. Work closely with the President on all governmental matters.

  4. Carry out other duties as determined by the Chairperson or Board of Directors.

  5. Shall assume the office of the Chairperson should a vacancy occur.



Secretary

  1. Shall share with the President the responsibility for the notification of meeting dates. The Secretary shall record the minutes of meeting of the Board of Directors and General Membership Meetings.

  2. Preserve all papers, letters and records of the Association. The President will also have copies in his possession.

  3. Maintain or cause to be maintained an updated list of members with addresses.

  4. E-mail, fax or mail the minutes of the Association meetings to the board members and general membership within thirty (30) days after the meeting.

  5. Perform all duties incidental to the office of Secretary subject to the direction of the Chairperson or Board of Directors.

  6. Upon completion of term, Deliver to the new Secretary all books, papers and reports of the Association.

  7. Conduct general correspondence for the Association and the Board of Directors as requested.

  8. Maintain a record of attendance for all Board of Directors and general membership meetings.



Treasurer

  1. Shall maintain all funds of the Association in interest bearing accounts.

  2. Record and deposit all monies received.

  3. Pay all invoices and expenses in a timely manner.

  4. Perform all duties incidental to the office of Treasurer as assigned by the Chairperson or Board of Directors.

     
REVISED: March 22, 2002
    
     

 

 

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

RICHARD J. POZESKY - PRESIDENT
(702) 294-6680

 

 

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