Colorado Nurses' Association

DNA 30

Colorado Society of Advanced Practice Nurses 

Article I

Name, Purpose, and Functions

The name of this organization shall be the Colorado Society of Advanced Practice Nurses and shall also be known as DNA 30 of the Colorado Nurses' Association.

In addition to the purposes and functions of the Colorado Nurses' Association (CNA), DNA 30 will provide a forum for the sharing of interests, concerns, and activities of its members related to advanced practice nursing, and will serve as the spokesperson for its members to the public and other professional, community, and governmental groups.

Article II

Relationship to CNA

As a constituent of CNA, DNA 30 adopts the Bylaws of CNA as a basis for operation.

Article III

Definitions

An advanced practice nurse is any nurse with at least a master's degree in nursing and practicing as either a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse midwife, or certified registered nurse anesthetist.

Article IV

Membership and Dues

Membership: Members shall consist of nurses who are members of CNA and who select DNA 30 as the designated nurses' association

Dues:  Dues for DNA 30 are the standard DNA dues established by CNA.  Additional fees may be charged by DNA 30, subject to the approval by a majority of those voting.

Privileges of Membership:  Members shall have the privilege to vote for officers and delegates; serve in any DNA 30 elected or appointed position, if selected; attend meetings and activities of DNA 30 and CNA. 

Article V

Board of Directors, Officers, and Delegates

Board of Directors:  The Board of Directors shall consist of the elected officers, the immediate past president and committee chairs.  The Board may make decisions for the DNA of an emergency nature between regular DNA meetings.  

The (elected) officers shall be:  President, President-elect, Secretary, and Treasurer.

Terms of Office:  Officers shall serve for one year or until a successor is elected.  President and President-elect may not succeed themselves for at least one year.  Secretary and Treasurer may run for re-election.

Vacancies:  Should the President be unable to serve, the President-elect would become the President for the remainder of the term.  All other vacancies shall be filled by appointment of the President.

Duties of the Officers:  

President:  The President shall preside at all meetings of the DNA and shall serve as the liaison to CNA.  The President shall perform all other duties associated with the office, including appointment of committee chairs.  

President-elect:  The President-elect shall carry out the duties of the President should the President be absent.

Secretary:  The Secretary shall record the minutes of all meetings and include same in newsletter.  The secretary shall also arrange for the preparation, printing and mailing of the monthly newsletter.

Treasurer:  The Treasurer shall receive dues and all other incoming monies, disperse them to the proper fund, and deposit them in a bank or savings institution as designated by the Board of Directors.  The Treasurer shall pay all bills and requests for funds upon approval of the president.  The Treasurer shall keep an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements and shall give a report at DNA  meetings upon request of the President.  The Treasurer shall present all records for audit if so requested.  The Treasurer will also prepare an Income Tax report and annual report for CNA.

Delegates to the CNA House of Delegates:  Delegates and Alternates to the CNA House of Delegates shall be DNA members elected by DNA members by secret ballot.  Delegates shall serve for a one year term or until al successor is elected.  The Number of delegates to be elected shall be determined by CNA on an annual basis.  Vacancies in the delegation shall be filled from among the elected alternates.  The DNA President is an automatic delegate and is the leader of the delegation.

Article VI

Meetings

Regular meetings shall be held on the first Wednesday of the month.  No meeting is held in the month of July.  If it is necessary to deviate from the usual meeting schedule, members will be notified in advance.

Meetings are open to all interested nurses.  Nurses who are not members of the CNA will be charged a fee  for Continuing Education Credit. 

The Board of Directors shall meet at least quarterly.

Article VII

Committees and Chairs

Program Coordinator/ CE Committee:  The Program Coordinator will chair the CE Committee.  The Program Coordinator/ CE Committee shall arrange appropriate educational offerings for monthly meetings, maintain an on-going needs assessment method and coordinate the distribution of CE certificates.  The Program Coordinator is responsible for obtaining and maintaining CNA approval of DNA 30 as a provider of continuing education.

Membership Chair/Committee:  The Membership Chair and Committee shall maintain membership rolls and follow-up of lapsed memberships.  The Membership Chair will arrange for publication and distribution of a membership directory as needed.

Legislative Liaison Committee:  The Legislative Liaison Committee shall consist of three persons: two members and an alternate.  At least one of the three persons will regularly attend the CNA Legislative Committee (GAPP) meetings and report to DNA 30.

Nominating Committee/ Chair:  The Nominating Committee shall consist of five elected members.  The Nominating Committee member receiving the greatest number of votes on the ballot shall serve as Chair.

Scholarship Committee:  The Scholarship Committee will consist of at least three persons (including  Chair).  This Committee will publicize scholarship availability by April or May preceding the Fall semester.  The Scholarship Committee will determine the recipients.

Fund Raising Committee:  The Fund Raising Committee shall plan and implement activities for obtaining non-dues revenue for the DNA.  There shall be at least one large annual fund raiser.

Article VIII

Nominations and Elections

Nominating Committee:  The Nominating Committee shall prepare a ballot consisting of at least one nominee for each office, delegate position, and nominating committee position to be filled and shall present the ballot at the March meeting for the approval and/or additional nominations.  The Committee shall obtain written or verbal consent to serve from all nominees.  The committee shall obtain written or verbal consent to serve from all nominees.  The committee shall give the final approved ballot to the secretary for printing.

General Elections:   A ballot shall be prepared by the Nominating Committee and shall be presented to the membership at the March meeting for approval and/or additional nominations.  Voting shall be done by secret ballot.  Ballots will be mailed to members prior to the April meeting and must be returned to the Secretary by the April meeting or be delivered to the April meeting.  Ballots will be counted at the April meeting by two members, as appointed by the president.  Results will be announced at the April meeting and shall be published in the newsletter.  Newly elected officers not present at the meeting will be notified by the outgoing President.  New officers, delegates and nominating committee members will assume their duties at the May meeting.  

Special Elections:  Need for and procedure for carrying out any special elections shall be determined by the Board of Directors.

Article IX

Quorum

A quorum shall consist of a least one officer and those members present.

Article X

Amendments or Revisions

These bylaws may be amended or revised upon the approval of majority of the members voting.  Notice of proposed amendments or revisions must be provided to the membership at least one month prior to the meeting at which the vote is to be taken.  Amendments or revisions may be made without notice upon the approval of 99% of those voting.

Revised: March, 2004