Bylaws

ARTICLE I

The name of this organization shall be The Coalition for Nurses in Advanced Practice.

ARTICLE II

The Purpose of this organization shall be to promote the public affairs interests of advanced nurse practitioners and health care consumers in Texas, thereby improving health care in this state. Specifically, this organization's resources shall be dedicated to participation in the political process to that purpose.

ARTICLE III

Section 1. Core group members are those organizations who represent advanced nurse practice areas in Texas. These organizations shall be listed in the standing rules Additions or deletions to the core group members shall be in accordance with the standing rules.

Section 2. Affiliated members are those groups or individuals who represent areas of importance to advanced nurse practitioners, such as nurse practitioner education, regulation, and consumer interests.

ARTICLE IV

Section 1: This organization shall have the authority to collect funds and disburse funds to fulfill its purpose. Standing rules will specify financial procedures.

Section 2: The fiscal year of this organization will be January 1 to December 31.

ARTICLE V

The officers will be as described below:

Section 1.  A Chairperson, who will serve as official spokesperson, be responsible for developing the agendas for meetings and preside over meetings. The Chairperson may make appointments as needed to fulfill the work of this organization.

a. The Chairperson, upon approval of core group members may enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Coalition, and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.

Section 2: Treasurer, who will be responsible for maintaining the organization’s bank account, all financial records, providing reports periodically (at least annually) to the Coalition.

Section 3: Secretary, who will be responsible for maintaining a record of official meetings.

ARTICLE VI

Decisions regarding legislative agenda, new core group members of the Coalition, major financial allocations will be made by way of consensus of the core groups. If a consensus is not reached, no position will be taken. Representatives from core organizations must come with authority from their membership organizations to make such decisions.

ARTICLE VII

Section 1: Any changes or additions of these bylaws shall be by an agreement of two-thirds of the core group members.

Section 2: Proposed changes or additions shall be provided in written form to members at least six weeks in advance of the vote on the items.

Section 3: The Coalition will maintain Standing Rules in order to carry on the day to day functions of the organization. These Standing Rules may be changed by consensus of those meeting at a regular meeting of the Coalition.

Section 4: Any member of the Coalition may call an emergency meeting.

Section 5: Decisions may be made by regular meeting, called meeting, or telephone conference.

Section 6: The Coalition will meet at least twice annually.

ARTICLE VIII

These Bylaws will be adopted by a consensus agreement of all organizations listed as Core Group members in the Standing Rules.