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AMERICAN PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSOCIATION

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Bylaws of the Minnesota Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association (PDF)

Date Chapter Founded: December 2, 1927

Date of Chapter Charter: June 17, 1949

Dates of recent bylaw revision: October 1993, April 1996, August 1997, April 1999, July 2003, August 2006

ARTICLE I. NAME

The Minnesota Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association, hereinafter referred to as the Chapter, shall be a chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association, hereinafter referred to as the Association.

The territorial boundaries of the Chapter are the territorial boundaries of the State of Minnesota.

ARTICLE II. OBJECT

The object of the Chapter shall be the object of the Association as stated in the Association Bylaws.

ARTICLE III. FUNCTIONS

The functions of the Chapter shall be the same as the functions of the Association as established in its Bylaws.

ARTICLE IV. MEMBERSHIP

Section 1.

The Chapter membership categories and qualifications for Physical Therapist, Life Physical Therapist, Physical Therapist Assistant, Life Physical Therapist Assistant, Physical Therapist- Post Professional Student, Student Physical Therapist, Student Physical Therapist Assistant, Retired Physical Therapist and Retired Physical Therapist Assistant shall be the same as those of the Association.  In addition, the Chapter shall establish a Corresponding Member category with rights and privileges as stated in Association bylaws.

Section 2. Rights and Privileges of Members

The rights and privileges of the Chapter’s members shall be identical to those established in the Association’s Bylaws.

Section 3. Admission to Membership

Admission to Chapter membership is by assignment by the Association’s Board of Directors.

Section 4. Good Standing

An individual member is in good standing within the meaning of these Bylaws if the member is in good standing in the Association.

Section 5. Disciplinary Action

  1. Any member of the Chapter who is suspended by the Association shall have his or her membership privileges suspended in the Chapter.
  2. Any member of the Chapter who is expelled from membership in the Association shall be expelled from Chapter membership.
  3. Complaints to the effect that a member has violated the ethical principles or standards of the Association shall be processed in accordance with the Association’s Procedural Document on Disciplinary Action.

Section 6.

Individuals are reinstated to Chapter membership in accordance with the Association’s Standing Rules.  The Chapter may not charge a reinstatement fee.

ARTICLE V. DISTRICT AND ASSEMBLY SUBSIDIARY GROUPS

Section 1. District

  1. A district shall operate under bylaws that are consistent with Chapter’s and Association’s Bylaws and approved by the Chapter.  A district shall not establish dues and shall not levy special assessments that carry punitive action or loss of good standing.
  2. To form a new district, a written application signed by five or more active members shall be sent to the Board of Directors of the Chapter.  The Board of Directors shall act on this application at its next meeting.  If approved, the territorial boundaries of the new district shall be determined by the Board of Directors of the Chapter and the members who signed the application for the new district.
  3. Dissolution of Districts
    1. A district which fails to comply with Chapter policy or these Bylaws may be abolished, provided it is given an opportunity to be heard in its own defense, following at least one month’s notice and at least two-thirds of the Board of Directors concur.  A district so disciplined shall have the right to appeal to the Chapter membership at its next meeting and the decision of the membership shall be final.
    2. A district may dissolve according to the provision in its bylaws.
    3. Property and records of District shall be allocated to the Chapter upon dissolution or revocation of the charter of the District.

Section 2. Special Interest Groups

  1. Purpose: Members of the Chapter having a common interest in specific areas of practice may meet, confer, and promote:
    1. Their area of interest
    2. The interests of the special interest group
  2. Formation and Dissolution: Special interest groups of the Chapter may be established and dissolved in accordance with the rules and conditions set down by the Chapter’s Board of Directors.

Section 3. Assembly Subsidiary Groups

  1. Purpose: The Chapter may authorize the establishment of an assembly subsidiary group within its territorial jurisdiction upon a request made by the assembly.  The subsidiary group shall be subject to rules and conditions set down by both the Chapter and the assembly.
  2. Formation
    1. A petition signed by 20 Assembly members who reside within the Chapter must be submitted to the Chapter Board of Directors.
    2. Bylaws should be submitted with application to the Chapter Board of Directors.

Section 4. District, Special Interest Groups and Assembly Subsidiary Groups are subject to the following limitations:

  1. Must operate under bylaws or rules of order that shall not be inconsistent with Chapter or Association Bylaws and that shall be approved by the Chapter Board of Directors.
  2. No district, special interest group or assembly subsidiary group shall profess or imply that it speaks for or represents the Chapter or members other than those currently holding membership in the district or assembly subsidiary group unless authorized to do so in writing by the Chapter's Board of Directors.

ARTICLE VI. MEETINGS

Section 1. Number of Meetings

The Chapter shall hold at least two meetings during the year including an annual meeting of the Chapter membership for the conduct of business, with attendance limited to Chapter members and invited guests approved by the Chapter officers, provided at least thirty (30) days notice is given to all members.  A quorum consists of 86 members, eligible to vote, including at least two officers.

Section 2. Special Meetings

Special meetings may be called by the Board of Directors or any ten (10) members, provided that thirty (30) days notice is given to all members.  Attendance is limited to Chapter members and invited quests approved by the Chapter officers.  A quorum shall consist of 86 members, eligible to vote, including two officers.

Section 3. Mail Vote

When a decision is needed between meetings of the Chapter, a mail vote will be taken by a majority vote required for the question.  Return of one-eighth of the ballots mailed is necessary for a legal vote.  The minimum return of ballots applies to elections as well. The mail ballot must include a deadline date for its return.

Section 4. Minutes

All meeting minutes shall be submitted to the Association within 45 days of the date of the meeting.

ARTICLE VII. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1. Composition

The Board of Directors shall consist of the four officers, (President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer), seven elected directors, one elected Physical Therapist Assistant director and Chief Delegate.

Section 2. Qualifications

Physical Therapist, Physical Therapist Assistant, Life Physical Therapist, Life Physical Therapist Assistant, Retired Physical Therapist or Retired Physical Therapist Assistant Physical Therapist members who have been Association members in good standing for no fewer than two years immediately preceding and are currently Physical Therapist, Physical Therapist Assistant, Life Physical Therapist, Life Physical Therapist Assistant, Retired Physical Therapist or Retired Physical Therapist Assistant Physical Therapist members of the Minnesota Chapter shall be eligible to serve.  Only Physical Therapist, Life Physical Therapist, and Retired Physical Therapist members may serve as President and Vice President.  Only Physical Therapist Assistant, Life Physical Therapist Assistant, and Retired Physical Therapist Assistant members may serve as the Physical Therapist Assistant director.

Section 3. Term of Office

  1. Board members are elected for a term of two years or until their successors are elected.  No Board member shall serve more than three consecutive terms and not more than two consecutive terms in the same office.
  2. The President, Vice-President, four Physical Therapist directors, and the Physical Therapist Assistant director will be elected on the even calendar years; the Secretary, Treasurer three active directors and the Chief Delegate on the uneven calendar years.
  3. Board Members are to assume their official duties on July 1.

Section 4. Officers

The officers of the Chapter shall be the President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

  1. President: The President shall serve as official head and public spokesperson of the Chapter.  The President shall preside at all meetings of the Chapter, the Board of Directors, and its Executive Committee and shall be an ex-officio member of all committees, except the Nominating Committee and Ethics Committee.  The President shall be a delegate to the House of Delegates.  The President, with the approval of the Board of Directors will appoint all standing committee and task force chairs.  With the recommendation of the appropriate committee chair, the President will appoint official representatives of the Chapter to serve on regulatory committees.
  2. Vice President: The Vice-President shall assume the duties of the President in his/her absence and shall be responsible for keeping and updating the Chapter Policies and Procedures manual. 
  3. Secretary: The Secretary shall be responsible for keeping minutes of the proceedings of the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and Chapter meetings.  The Secretary will make editorial changes to the Chapter's Bylaws without the vote of the membership.
  4. Treasurer: The Treasurer shall be responsible for all Chapter funds and be chair of the Chapter Finance Committee.  The Treasurer shall be bonded and the expense of bonding will be paid by the Chapter.  The Treasurer will prepare financial reports for the membership for each membership meeting and semi-annually to be published in the Chapter newsletter.

Section 5. Duties

  1. Duties of the Board of Directors
    1. The Board of Directors shall carry out the mandates and policies of the Chapter as determined by the membership.
    2. Subject to the provisions of these Bylaws, the Board of Directors of the Chapter has authority to transact business for the Chapter.
    3. The Board of Directors shall annually appoint an Executive Committee, consisting of the officers and one senior director.  A senior director is a director serving in the second year of his or her first term or in the first or second year of his or her second term of office.
    4. The President shall serve as chair of this committee and report directly to the Board of Directors. 
    5. The Board shall create and determine purposes and establish priorities for such committees as it deems necessary to carry out the mandates and policies of the Chapter.
    6. The Board shall inform Chapter members regarding communications from the Association for their opinion, and/or vote.
    7. The Board shall publish these Bylaws.
    8. The Board shall provide for development and maintenance of procedural documents related to these Bylaws.
    9. The Board shall review and revise existing Chapter policies, except in these Bylaws, for consistency of intent and language with new policies as may be adopted by the House of Delegates.
  2. Duties of the Executive Committee
    1. Be responsible for decisions that require immediate action and channel issues to appropriate person(s) for decision-making.  The actions of the Committee will be reviewed or approved by the Board of Directors.
    2. Direct all Chapter responsibilities of the Chapter employee(s) in keeping with their job description(s) and any contract with outside agents.
    3. Monitor outside agents; e.g. legal consultant, lobbyist, financial consultant in order that Chapter objectives may be achieved.
    4. Monitor financial activities of the Chapter.
    5. Provide for the maintenance of a headquarters of the Chapter and assume responsibility for personnel policies within the financial constraints of a prior-approved Chapter budget.
    6. Provide the bonding of all persons handling money or other property of the Chapter.

Section 6. Conduct of Business

  1. Board of Directors
    1. Board of Directors shall meet at least six times annually.  Notification of meetings will occur no less than fourteen days prior to the meeting.  Meeting dates will be listed in the Chapter's newsletter.  Two-thirds of the members shall constitute a quorum.
    2. If a decision must be made between meetings, the Board of Directors may be polled by mail or electronic communication.
    3. The President or two Board members may call a special meeting as needed.
  2. Executive Committee
    1. The Executive committee shall meet at least four times per year.   Notification of meetings will occur no less than fourteen days prior to the meeting.  Three people constitute a quorum.    
    2. If a decision must be made between meetings the Executive Committee may be polled by mail or electronic communication.
    3. The President or two Executive committee members may call a special meeting as needed.          

ARTICLE VIII. COMMITTEES

Section 1. Qualifications

Chapter Physical Therapist, Life Physical Therapist, Retired Physical Therapist and, with the exception of the Nominating Committee, Physical Therapist Assistant, Life Physical Therapist Assistant, and Retired Physical Therapist Assistant members in good standing may serve as appointed committee chairs.

Section 2. Elected Committees

  1. Nominating Committee: This committee shall consist of at least three members elected by the Chapter.  Each member will be elected to a three-year term, at least one member of the Committee to be elected each year.  The members of this committee must be Chapter members for at least two years prior to their election and have been active participants in Chapter activities.
    1. The Nominating Committee shall prepare a slate of one or more candidates for each office to be elected that year.
    2. The slate shall be presented to the membership four weeks prior to the election.
    3. When an elected position becomes vacant with more than one year of the term remaining, the Nominating Committee shall prepare a slate of one or more candidates for that office to complete the term.  The election will be held at the next meeting or by mail.
    4. The Nominating Committee and other non-elected members shall serve as tellers and report the election results to the membership.  A member shall not serve as a teller when he/she is on the ballot.

Section 3. Standing Committees

  1. All standing committees will be appointed by the Board of Directors to carry out Chapter business.
  2. Chapter members may be on no more than two standing committees at any time.  That does not pertain to ad hoc committees or task forces.  Board members may not serve as a committee chair.
  3. Required Reports:  Each committee chair will write a semi-annual report to the Senior Board Liaison of their panel for distribution in the Chapter’s newsletter.  Task Force and Ad hoc committees will report to the Board of Directors or committee chairs as required by assignment.
  4. Tenure:  The chair of all standing committees, unless otherwise provided for, shall be appointed by the President with approval of the Board of Directors on even-numbered years and shall serve for two-year terms or until successors are appointed and assume office.
  5. Ethics Committee:  The Ethics Committee shall be at least a three person committee to begin serving July 1 and shall serve for three year terms or until successors are appointed and assume office.  The committee shall elect its own chair and shall be charged with investigating any ethics complaints according to the Association’s stated procedures.
  6. Finance Committee: The Finance Committee is chaired by the Treasurer.  This committee shall advise the Board of Directors on matters pertaining to the Chapter’s financial needs, growth, and stability based on periodic review of income, expenditures, and investments.  The committee shall present an annual budget to the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE IX. DELEGATES TO THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES AND CHAPTER REPRESENTATIVE TO THE PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT CAUCUS (PTA CAUCUS)

Section 1. Selection

  1. Qualifications of Chief Delegate: The Chief Delegate must have served as a Minnesota Chapter delegate within the last three years and be a current Chapter member.
  2. Qualifications of Delegates: Physical Therapist members in good standing in any category for the two years immediately preceding who are current members of the Chapter may serve as Chapter delegates.
  3. A Chapter delegate may not in the same year, serve as section delegate.
  4. The Chapter shall notify Association headquarters of the names of Chapter Delegates as required by the Association and the standing rules of the House of Delegates.
  5. The Chapter must be represented in the House of Delegates at least every third year.
  6. Qualifications of the Chapter Representative to the PTA Caucus.
    1. The Chapter Representative must be a Physical Therapist Assistant or Life Physical Therapist Assistant member of the PTA Caucus.
    2. Members of the PTA Caucus Board of Directors may not serve as Chapter Representatives.

Section 2. Duties

  1. Chief Delegate: Chief Delegate shall serve as the chief spokesperson for the Chapter during the House of Delegates.  The Chief Delegate shall be responsible for organizing and disseminating all information to delegates and the membership pertaining to the House of Delegates.
  2. Delegates: The Delegates serve as members of the Chapter delegation to the House of Delegates and are responsible for attending all pre-House of Delegates meetings as called by the Chief Delegate.
  3. Chapter Representative to the PTA Caucus: The Chapter Representative will attend the PTA Caucus and shall be responsible for organizing and disseminating information to the Chapter Physical Therapist Assistant Special Interest Group (PTA SIG) and Chapter membership pertaining to the PTA Caucus.

Section 3. Election

  1. Chief Delegate: The Chief Delegate will be elected on uneven calendar years and serves on the Chapter Board of Directors.  Duties are assumed July 1.
  2. Delegates: The Delegates, except the President, will be elected for a two-year term with half of the delegates elected each year.  The nominees receiving the next highest number of votes after the elected Delegates shall be considered Alternate Delegates for a period of one year.  The Alternate Delegate will become a Delegate upon the inability of a Delegate to perform duties.  If the Alternate Delegate remains an Alternate, he/she is eligible to be a candidate in the following year’s election.  Duties are assumed July 1.
  3. Chapter Representative to the PTA Caucus: The Chapter Representative will be elected to a two-year term.  The nominee receiving the next highest number of votes after the elected Representative shall be considered the Alternate Representative.  The Alternate Representative will become the Chapter Representative upon the inability of the Representative to perform duties.

ARTICLE X. ELECTIONS

  1. A rule of plurality shall be effective in all elections.
  2. Election of Offices
    1. A slate of nominees shall be prepared by the Nominating Committee.  Nominations will be closed on February 15 for the Spring election.
    2. The slate shall be published by the Chapter and distributed to the members at least four weeks prior to the ballot return deadline.
      1. Spring election positions:
        1. National officers, for recommend-ation to the Chapter Delegates
        2. Chapter officers
        3. Board of Directors
        4. Chief Delegate
        5. Nominating Committee
        6. Delegates to the House of Delegates
    3. Election shall be by mail vote
    4. Members who fulfill qualifications and who have agreed to serve may be written in as write-in candidates.
  3. The Nominating Committee members shall serve as tellers except when his/her name is on the ballot.  The candidate who receives the highest number of votes for each position shall be declared elected.  In the event of a tie, a special election shall be held at the Annual Spring Business Meeting.
  4. If a vacancy occurs, and the remaining term is over one year then a special election shall be held.  If the remaining term is less than one year, then the vacancy shall be filled by Presidential appointment with Board of Directors’ approval.
  5. Voting Body:  Each Physical Therapist, Life Physical Therapist and Retired Physical Therapist member is entitled to one vote.  Each Physical Therapist Assistant, Life Physical Therapist Assistant and Retired Physical Therapist Assistant member is entitled to one-half vote.
  6. Election of the Chapter Representative to the PTA Caucus shall be the responsibility of the Chapter Physical Therapist Assistant Special Interest Group and follow their bylaws.
ARTICLE XI. FINANCES

Section 1. Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of the Chapter shall be the same as the Association, from January 1 through December 31.

Section 2.

No officer, employee or committee shall expend any money not provided in the budget as adopted, or spend any money in excess of the budget allotment, except by order of the Chapter Board of Directors or Executive Committee.  The Board of Directors shall not commit the Chapter to any financial obligation in excess of its current financial resources.

Section 3. Dues

  1. The dues for each membership category shall be:
    1. Physical Therapist members:  $140. (Physical Therapist-Post Professional Student: $10.)
    2. Physical Therapist Assistant members:  $60.
    3. Student Physical Therapist and Student Physical Therapist Assistant:  $10. (Student Physical Therapist and Student Physical Therapist Assistant member dues are for 12 months from the time of renewal or join date.  As of the last day of the graduation month, the Student Physical Therapist or Student Physical Therapist Assistant member automatically converts to the Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant member category for the remainder of the 12 months of membership.  Once the membership remainder expires, these new Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant members are eligible for one year of membership at 50% of the Association and Chapter dues rate for a Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant member.)
    4. Life Physical Therapist and Life Physical Therapist Assistant members:  $10.  Proviso: Current Physical Therapist and Life Physical Therapist Assistant members (as of June 4, 2002) may opt to continue as non-dues paying Life Physical Therapist or Life Physical Therapist Assistant members with benefits as before.
    5. Retired Physical Therapist and Retired Physical Therapist Assistant: $10.
    6. Corresponding: $50.
  2. All dues shall be for the period specified in the Association Bylaws.
  3. All dues changes approved by the Chapter membership and approved by the Association Board of Directors before the Association’s deadline will become effective on the first of the Association’s next fiscal year.

Section 4.

The Chapter shall submit its annual financial statements, tax returns, and audit reports to the Association when and as directed by the Association.

ARTICLE XII. DISSOLUTION OF CHAPTER

The Chapter may dissolve subject to a recommendation to dissolve supported by no less than two-thirds of the Chapter Board of Directors and adoption by ten percent of the Chapter members.

ARTICLE XIII. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, shall govern the Chapter in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these Bylaws and any special rules of order adopted by the Chapter.

ARTICLE XIV. AMENDMENTS

Section 1.

If the intent of an amendment is editorial or to bring the Chapter Bylaws into agreement with those of the Association, the amendment shall be made as required by the Secretary and shared with the Board of Directors.  The Secretary shall notify the Chapter membership that such amendments have been made.

Section 2.

  1. These Bylaws may be amended or revised at a Chapter meeting when a quorum is present provided that:
    1. A copy of the proposed amendment has been sent out by mail or electronic communication to the Chapter membership at least 10 days prior to the meeting.
    2. Two-thirds vote in favor during any uneven numbered year.
    3. Three-fourths vote in favor during any even numbered year.
  2. The amended Bylaws must be submitted to the Association for approval.  Amendments to the Chapter Bylaws become effective upon approval in writing by the Association Board of Directors.  (Exception; changes in Chapter dues become effective on the first of the Chapter’s next fiscal year following approval)

Section 3.

When the Association Bylaws have been amended requiring amendment of these Bylaws, the Bylaw Committee shall prepare the necessary amendments and submit them to the Chapter’s Board of Directors.  Copies of the amendments shall be sent by mail to each member of the Chapter no later than 60 days after being submitted to the Board of Directors of the Association.  They will not require a vote of the Chapter members.

ARTICLE XV. ASSOCIATION AS HIGHER AUTHORITY

In addition to these Bylaws, the Chapter is governed by the Association Bylaws and Standing Rules, and by Association policies.

Minnesota Chapter American Physical Therapy Association (MN APTA)
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Phone: 651-635-0902 | Fax: 651-635-0903 | E-mail: info@mnapta.org | Online: www.mnapta.org

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