Article I – Name and Affiliation
Section 1.
This organization shall be known as the New Jersey Society for Healthcare Advocacy and the Patient Experience herein referred to as NJSHAPE.
Section 2.
The President receives a complimentary membership to the Beryl Institute from the Institute. The President will maintain the relationship with the Institute and provide ongoing communication with The Beryl Institute and NJSHAPE membership.
Article II – Objectives
Section 1.
The objectives of the NJSHAPE shall be to promote the improvement and extension of adequate healthcare services for all persons and to advance the development of effective patient advocacy and the patient experience in healthcare related organizations by:
- Conducting educational programs and activities for the membership to strengthen and develop the role of healthcare advocacy with the support and educational resources provided by The Beryl Institute and other healthcare and/or educational organizations, as approved by the Executive Board;
- Providing a medium for the interchange of ideas among members, the dissemination of information to members, and the facilitation of professional development;
- Disseminating information on patient experience and patient advocacy programs to healthcare related organization/providers and the community;
- Encouraging the development of advocacy programs and increasing society membership. Section 2.
The President will maintain an ongoing relationship and communication with The Beryl Institute to allow patient advocates to maintain connection and reinforce the unique contributions this role brings to the overall patient experience movement.
Section 3.
NJSHAPE is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. It shall be so conducted that no part of its income or earnings shall be used to the benefit of any member, director, officer, or other individual. Upon dissolution, any assets of the New Jersey Chapter shall be distributed to an organization enjoying an exempt status under S501(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or successor statutory authority.
Article III – Membership
Section 1. Eligibility
Membership in NJSHAPE shall be available as:
An individual employed or who is affiliated with a healthcare provider or health related organization, who works in the State of New Jersey. Special exceptions to be determined by the Executive Committee.
If the initiation of a membership occurs after the March meeting, membership may be pro-rated Section 2. Establishment of Membership and Guest Policy
- The member must complete a formal application for membership in the NJSHAPE.
- Membership in NJSHAPE shall become effective upon approval by the membership committee
and payment of dues.
- Membership applications are posted on the website
- Guests are welcome to attend a membership meeting and/or educational program at the
customary meeting fee of $35.00.
If unable to attend a meeting, member may send a designated representative.
Article IV – Dues
Section 1.
Dues shall be as prescribed by NJSHAPE and shall be paid by January 31st. Dues must be current to attend meetings, and membership directory.
Section 2.
All dues paid to NJSHAPE shall become the property of NJSHAPE.
Section 3.
No portion of the dues shall be refundable.
Article V – Meetings
Section 1. Regular and Annual Meetings
NJSHAPE shall meet at least three times per year: March, June and November. (Subject to change as Executive Committee deems necessary.) The final meeting of the year is considered the Annual Meeting.
Section 2. Special Meetings
The Executive Committee of the NJSHAPE may call special meetings.
Section 3. Notice of Meetings
The NJSHAPE shall notify the membership by email 14 days prior to the date of the meeting to allow confirmation of attendance and to contain expenses. (Subject to change as Executive Committee deems necessary.)
Section 4. Voting
Any member in good standing shall be entitled to vote. Proxy voting shall not be permitted. Section 5. Quorum
At all NJSHAPE meetings, a quorum shall consist of not less than one third of the total eligible voting membership of NJSHAPE based on the number of eligible voting members established as of January 31st of the calendar year.
Article VI – Officers
Section 1. Officers
Officers of the NJSHAPE are defined as President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Immediate Past President.
Section 2. Eligibility
Any paid, active, member(s) in the NJSHAPE shall be eligible for elective office. Section 3. Term of Office
Officers will serve for two years. Term of office begins immediately following the Executive Board Meeting in January. Elected officers are not eligible for the same office until two years have elapsed for the completion of the preceding term unless approved by the Executive Committee.
Section 4. Election Procedure
After being nominated, officers shall be elected by a simple majority vote for a term of two years. The election shall be conducted by email. A ballot listing candidates proposed by membership shall be emailed to each eligible voting member of the chapter no less than 45 days prior to the November Meeting. All ballots will be returned to the Immediate Past President by the date designated on the ballot.
Section 5. Unexpired Terms of Office
Unexpired terms of office shall be filled by an eligible member as appointed by the Executive Committee with the exception of the Office of President. The unexpired term of the President shall be filled by a special election under the direction of the Past-President.
Section 6. President Privilege
The chapter shall sponsor the NJSHAPE President or designee as determined by the Executive Committee who shall represent the organization at the annual Beryl Institute Conference. The chapter will assume expenses including but not limited to: registration fees, airfare, housing and other cost/fee(s) as approved by the Executive Committee.
Article VII – Committees
Section 1. Executive Committee
The Executive Committee shall be comprised of, President, , Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Immediate Past President and Chairpersons of Marketing, Membership, Website, Education, and the Annual Conference.
Section 2. By-laws
The By-laws Committee shall be comprised of the members of the Executive Committee.
Section 3. Nominating
The Immediate Past President chairs the nominating process for officer positions. The current President shall appoint vacant committee chair persons as necessary.
Article IX – Amendments
Section 1.
In accordance with the prescribed voting privileges, these By-laws may be amended at any duly constituted regular meeting, or a special meeting called for the purpose, provided proposed amendments have been reviewed by the Executive Committee and submitted by e-mail to the chapter at least 10 days prior to such meeting.
Section 2. Annual Review
The By-laws Committee shall review bi-annually the By-laws and submit by mail to NJSHAPE membership at least 10 days prior to the next meeting its report which shall include recommendation for amendments as may be required in the By-laws.
Date Accepted: (prepared @ Board Meeting January 2018) – To Be Accepted by Membership March 2018
