By Laws of Organization Of Wound Care Nurses & Allied Health Professionals:
Article I : Name
The name of this organization / association shall be the Organization Of Wound Care Nurses & Allied Health Professionals ( “OWCNAHP”). A volunteer & not for profit private association / organization located in the State of Texas, U.S.A.
Article II : Purpose
The OWCNAHP shall grant “CERTIFIED” status to those licensed and non-licensed healthcare professionals who successfully pass the OWCNAHP written and hands on skills Examination. Such healthcare professionals shall be referred to as “CERTIFIED” and shall be entitled to use the title “CERTIFIED” in addition to their professional designation.
The OWCNAHP shall grant “CERTIFIED” status to those licensed and non-licensed healthcare professionals who successfully pass the OWCNAHP written and hands on skills Examination. Such healthcare professionals shall be referred to as “CERTIFIED” and shall be entitled to use the title “CERTIFIED” in addition to their professional designation.
Article III: Objectives
In addition to the purposes stated above, OWCNAHP endeavors to support the philosophy and purpose of the association through the objectives adopted by the Board of Directors as Policy from time to time.
Article IV: Membership
A member shall be a licensed, registered, practical or vocational nurse in any country, involved or interested in the wound care nursing. Membership is free and based on volunteer basis. Membership may be revoked, suspended or terminated based on any disciplinary action of the granting licensing board against the license of a member nurse.
Article V: Board of Directors
- Composition
1. The Board of Directors shall consist of the President, Secretary, and two Assistant Directors. - Authority
1. The Board of Directors shall supervise and manage the activities of the OWCNAHP in accordance with the Bylaws, Policy and directives. - Duties
1. The President shall be the principle elected officer of OWCNAHP and shall be responsible to the Board of Directors and may serve as the official representative of OWCNAHP. President shall be elected by the board of directors each year.
2. The Assistant Directors shall assume the duties of the President in the President’s absence.
3. The Secretary shall be responsible for maintenance of the records of OWCNAHP. The Secretary shall perform additional duties as delegated by the Board of Directors. The Secretary may volunteer for four year term.
4. The Assistant directors may volunteer for four year term. - Eligibility
1. Members of the Board of Directors must be licensed nurses. - Meetings
1. At least two regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held each year, Board members must be given not less than one month written or electronic notice of all meetings. Board members who are absent from two consecutive meetings without written notice shall be removed from the Board of Directors, unless otherwise excused by the Board. - Vacancy
1. Board of Director vacancies shall be filled by the President with the approval of the Board of Directors. A vacancy of the President’s office may be filled by the Assistant Directors upon the completion of the term.
Article II : Purpose
The Board of Directors may establish and dissolve Committees as needed to accomplish the purposes of OWCNAHP. Executive committee will be responsible for planning of OWCNAHP educational activities.
Article VII: Local Chapters
Local chapters shall exist for the purpose of furthering the objectives and purposes of the OWCNAHP by a local organization of members who reside within a given geographic area. Membership of local chapters shall be composed exclusively of the members of the Association as defined in these Bylaws. The Board of Directors may grant charters for local chapters of OWCNAHP upon review of the application form and Chapter Bylaws to assure they are not in conflict with National Bylaws and Policies.
Article VIII: Non-Discrimination
The OWCNAHP shall not adopt any policy, practice, or procedure which results in discrimination on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.
Article IX: Indemnification
OWCNAHP is a private, volunteer, and not for profit association not responsible against any claims by any parties arising from conduct of its members or officers under this bylaws. OWCNAHP volunteer officers and members shall volunteer in accordance with the local, state, and federal laws.
Article IX: Amendments
These Bylaws may be altered, amended, or new bylaws may be adopted, provided that the resulting Bylaws of the OWCNAHP are consistent with the applicable laws.