NEW YORK CHAPTER 1 OF DISTRICT II, AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS
CONSTITUTION

PREAMBLE

Children are our most enduring and vulnerable legacy.  For nations as well as for individual families, they represent the link between past and future, between experience and promise.  The nurturing of future generations is a basic, and most important, human activity.

This American Academy of Pediatrics Chapter is dedicated to the principle of a meaningful and healthy life for every child.  As an organization of physicians who care for infants, children, adolescents, and young adults, this Chapter of the Academy seeks to promote this goal by encouraging and assisting its members in their efforts to meet the overall health needs of children and youth; by providing support and counsel to others concerned with the well-being of children, their growth and development; and by serving as an advocate for children and their families within our respective communities.

This Chapter of the Academy believes in the attainment by all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults of their full potential for physical, mental, emotional and social health.  Together with those who share this purpose, this Chapter pledges its efforts and expertise to a fundamental goal - that all children and youth have the opportunity to grow up safe and strong, with faith in the future and in themselves.

 Name

Section 1. The name of this organization shall be New York Chapter 1 of District II of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Chapter 1 shall consist of the following 50 counties of New York State:

Section 2. The principal office of this organization shall be at such location within New York State as the Executive
Committee may determine from time to time. The organization may have such other offices as may be designated by the Executive Committee.

ARTICLE II

Incorporation

Section 1. New York Chapter 1, District II of the American Academy of Pediatrics is incorporated under the laws of the State of New York. It shall have the structure, powers and functions of a nonprofit corporation as delineated under New York Statutes.

Section 2. The management of New York Chapter 1, District II, of the American Academy of Pediatrics shall be vested in an Executive Committee which shall have the same duties and powers as the officers of a duly incorporated organization.

ARTICLE III

Rules

The following rules shall conclusively bind the Chapter corporate organization and all persons acting for or on behalf of it:

(a) No part of the net earnings of the Chapter corporate organization shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, officers, or other private persons, except that the Chapter corporate organization shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth herein.  No substantial part of the activities of the Chapter corporate organization shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the Chapter corporate organization shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.  Notwithstanding any other provision of these bylaws, the Chapter corporate organization shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on

(a) by a corporation exempt from Federal income tax under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 a (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law or (b) by a corporation, contributions to which are deductible under Section 170 (c) (2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).

(b) The Chapter corporate organization shall not adopt any practice, policy or procedure which would result in discrimination on the basis of race, religion, or creed.

ARTICLE IV

Goals and Purposes

The New York Chapter 1 of District II of the American Academy of Pediatrics shall pursue specific scientific, social and educational objectives, including the following:

(a) encourage and support the membership in their efforts to improve the health and welfare of infants, children, adolescents and young adults;

(b) foster measures and conduct activities directed toward establishing and maintaining the highest quality and acceptability in the delivery of health care to infants, children, adolescents and young adults;

(c ) encourage the development of high quality pediatric educational programs for students and health professionals at all levels of education and experience;

(d) conduct and encourage programs designed to maintain and increase the effectiveness of all those who provide health care to infants, children, adolescents and young adults;

(e) support and encourage programs designed to improve the health and health care of infants, children, adolescents and young adults;

(f) encourage support of basic and applied research into all aspects of health, health care, and disorders of infants, children, adolescents and young adults and foster ethical practice in all pediatric care and research;

(g) stimulate interest in the health and welfare of children and youth and in the field of pediatrics;

(h) stimulate and conduct public informational and educational programs designed to improve the health and welfare of infants, children, adolescents and young adults;

(i) function as an effective advocate for all children and youth in all matters pertaining to health and health care;

(j) establish and promote liaison and cooperation with other organizations concerned with the well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults:

(k) disseminate, promote, and integrate the policies and objective of the National American Academy of Pediatrics with the membership of Chapter 1, District II, New York State American Academy of Pediatrics;

(l) communicate in all ways possible the desires of the membership of Chapter 1, District II, New York State American Academy of Pediatrics to the Executive Board of the American Academy of Pediatrics through the District Chairman and through the Annual Chapter Forum.

ARTICLE V

Amendments

These articles may be amended and/or new articles adopted provided that such articles are consistent with the provisions of the New York State Not-for-Profit Corporation Act, in the following manner:

a) A duly proposed amendment may be initiated by a two-thirds favorable vote of the Chapter's Executive Committee or by a petition submitted to the Executive Committee containing the signatures of not less than twenty (20) Fellow Members.

(b) The Executive Board must consider and make recommendations on a duly proposed amendment within six months of its receipt by the Executive Committee.

(c) A duly proposed amendment shall be circulated to the entire voting membership of the Chapter after consideration and recommendations by the Chapter Executive Committee and shall be mailed at least thirty (30) days prior to the annual meeting of the Chapter.

(d) An affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members present and voting at the Annual Meeting shall be necessary for adoption of the amendment.

(e) The proposed amendment shall then be in effect immediately upon its adoption.

NEW YORK CHAPTER 1 OF DISTRICT II AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS

BYLAWS

ARTICLE 1

Membership

Section 1. Categories of Membership. Fellows and Members shall be elected according to the National American Academy of

Pediatrics Bylaws.  Categories shall include:

(a) Fellows of the American Academy of Pediatrics (FAAP);
(b) Specialty Fellow Members of the American Academy of Pediatrics;
(c) Resident Fellow Members
(d) Post Residency Training Fellows
(e) Candidate Fellow Members
(f) Honorary Fellow Members
(g) Emeritus Fellow Members
(h) Non-Fellow Members
(i) Inactive Fellow Members
(j) Associate Members
(k) Pediatric Nurse Practitioners
(l) Affiliate Members

Section 2. Qualifications of Membership Categories:

(a) Fellow Members: Fellows shall be members in good standing of the American Academy of Pediatrics, residing or practicing in one of the above-named counties.  They shall pay dues and assessments, may vote and hold office, and may use the designation FAAP.

(b) Specialty Fellow Members: Members who have Board Certification of other Boards qualifying for Fellowship.  They shall have all the qualifications, rights and duties of Fellow Members.

(c) Resident Fellows: Applicants for Resident Fellow Membership must be enrolled in the 1st, 2nd or 3rd year of a Pediatric Training Program that is approved for credit towards Pediatric Board Certification. Such Fellows may attend and participate at all meetings, but may not vote or hold office.  Dues and assessments are at the discretion of the Executive Committee.

(d) Post Residency Training Fellow: Applicants for Post Residency Training Fellow Membership must have completed an approved Pediatric Residency Program and be enrolled in a Pediatric Fellowship Training Program.  Such Fellows may attend and participate in all meetings, but may not vote or hold office.  Dues and assessments are at the discretion of the Executive Committee.

(e) Candidate Fellow: Such Fellows must have completed 3 years of training in an approved Pediatric Training Program and be Board certified or non-Board certified but eligible.  This category of membership is limited to the period of seven (7) years immediately following completion of the third year of pediatric residency.  Such Fellows may attend and participate at all meetings, but may not vote or hold office.  Dues and assessments are at the discretion of the Executive Committee.

(f) Honorary Fellows: Such Fellows shall be individuals within the Chapter who have rendered distinguished service to pediatrics and who have made exceptional contributions to child health.  They may participate in all clinical meetings and serve on committees, but may not vote or hold office and are excused from dues and assessments.

(g) Emeritus Fellows: Fellows who have been a member for 20 years in good standing who have reached the age of 70 years may at their personal request transfer to Emeritus status.  Such fellows may not vote or hold office and are excused from dues and assessments.

(h) Non-Fellow Members: Physicians practicing in the above named counties, with an interest in the practice of pediatrics and health care of children, who are not Fellows of the American Academy of Pediatrics.  They may attend meetings and participate in discussions but may not vote or hold office.  Dues and assessments are at the discretion of the Executive Committee.

(i) Inactive Members: Any previously active member of this Chapter who has ceased to engage in the practice of Medicine due to ill health or for any other cause considered appropriate by the Executive Committee shall be eligible to transfer to inactive membership upon approval of a written application by the Executive Committee.  Inactive Members may attend meetings and participate in discussions, but may not vote or hold office.  Dues and assessments are at the discretion of the Executive Committee.

(j) Associate Members: Applicants for Associate Members must have received a certification or degree in the specialty of Pediatric Dentistry from a program approved by the American Dental Association. Members may attend all meetings and participate in all discussions but may not vote or hold office.  Dues and assessments are at the discretion of the Executive Committee.

(k) Affiliate Members: Pediatric Nurse Practitioners/Associates, Registered Nurses, licensed to practice in the State of New York, and who are graduates of a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner/Associate Training program approved by the Executive Committee or who have equivalent educational credentials acceptable to the Executive Committee.  They must be engaged in at least half-time practice, teaching, or research as Pediatric Nurse Pracitioners/Associates.  They must have passed or be eligible for entrance to the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner/Associates examination for entry into practice given by the National Board of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners and Associates or to the Examination for Excellence in Practice given by the American Nurses' Association.  They may not vote or hold office.  Dues and assessments are at the discretion of the Executive Committee.

ARTICLE II

Officers

Section 1. The officers of the Chapter shall be:

The Chapter President
The Chapter Vice President
The Chapter Secretary
The Chapter Treasurer

These officers must be Fellows in good standing of the American Academy of Pediatrics and shall be elected by the voting membership of the Chapter by written ballot for a term consisting of two (2) years.

(a) The Chapter President shall at all times represent the views of his constituency to the National Executive Board of the American Academy of Pediatrics.  The Chapter President's duties shall include the following:

(1) To uphold the Constitution and bylaws of the Academy at the Chapter level;

(2) To promote Chapter activities and to organize and conduct appropriate meetings and committee projects:

(3) To represent the Chapter at District and National Meetings including the Annual Chapter Forum;

(4) To be responsible for good communication and liaison between the Chapter constituency and the Executive Board of the American Academy of Pediatrics;

(5) To preside at all meetings of the Chapter:

(6) To appoint all committees subject to the approval of the Chapter Executive Committee except as hereinafter provided;

(7) To submit an annual report prior to June 1st to the District Chairman and a copy to the Director of the Department of Chapters National American Academy of Pediatrics.

(8) To submit a report at each annual meeting of the Chapter.

The term of office of the Chapter President shall be two (2) years.

(b) Vice President: The Chapter Vice President shall assist the Chapter President in the performance of the above duties at all times and shall immediately assume the duties of the Chapter President in the event of the Chapter President's resignation or inability to serve due to illness or other causes.  The Vice President shall serve one (1) term of two (2) years in office and succeed to Chapter President at the conclusion of that term.

If the Chapter President resigns, the Vice President shall be eligible to serve a full elected term as Chapter President.  He shall represent the Chapter at all District and National meetings including the Annual Chapter Forum.

(c) Secretary: The Secretary shall perform the usual duties of that office, such as keeping records and sending notices and ballots to the members. The term of office will be two (2) years, and he may be elected for an additional two (2) years.

(d) Treasurer: The Treasurer shall collect all dues and assessments.  He shall hold all funds deposited with or collected by him, and pay such bills as are approved by the Chapter President.  He shall make a financial report at each meeting of the Executive Committee and at the Annual Meeting of the Chapter.  He shall serve for two (2) years, and may be elected for an additional two (2) year term.  At the discretion of the Executive Committee, he shall be bonded and employ a Certified Public Accountant.

Section 2. Newly elected members and officers shall be installed at the annual meeting of the Chapter and shall assume their duties at that time.  All officers are elected for a term of two (2) years.

Section 3. In the event that any office becomes vacant, the Chapter President, with approval of the Executive Committee, shall appoint a Fellow to serve until the next election.

ARTICLE III

Executive Committee

Section 1. The Executive Committee of this Chapter shall consist of:

(a) The Chapter Officers:
(b) The two immediate past presidents of the Chapter.
(c) Three Trustees elected by the membership for a two (2) year term; may be elected for one additional term.
(d) The three members of the Standing Nominating Committee elected by the membership for one four (4) year term.  They may serve one term only.
(e) The two members of the Standing Credentials Committee elected by the membership for one four (4) year term.  They may serve one term only.
(f) All Chapter members who are elected or appointed to National Committees.
(g) Regional representatives from communities in our Chapter including but not limited to representatives from Albany, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and the Southern Tier.
(h) Appointed Medical School Liaison members from Albany Medical College, SUNY Buffalo School of Medicine, University of Rochester, SUNY HCS at Syracuse.
(i) Standing Committee Chairmen from all active committees of the Chapter.

Section 2. The Executive Committee shall meet at its discretion, but at least twice a year, once before the annual meeting of the Academy and once in the Spring. It shall conduct  the business of New York Chapter 1 of District II of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Section 3. A quorum shall consist of twelve (12) members, one of whom must be the Chapter President or the Chapter Vice President.

Section 4. The Executive Committee shall communicate with Chapter Fellow Members at intervals by the publication of a NEWSLETTER. The Executive Committee shall represent the Chapter corporate organization between meetings.  Special meetings of the Chapter corporate organization may be called at the discretion of the Executive Committee.

ARTICLE IV

Committees

Section 1. The Chapter President shall appoint all committee chairmen, with the exception of the Nominating and Credentials Committee.  Each committee chairman shall appoint the members of his committee with the advice and consent of the Chapter President.  The Chapter Vice President shall be responsible for the charge to and duties of the various committees.

Section 2. The Nominating Committee shall be a standing committee of this society. It shall consist of three (3) Fellows.  The term of office shall be four (4) years.  A fellow can serve only one term of office.  One member shall be elected to the Nominating Committee every other year.  The senior member shall be the Chairman of the Nominating Committee.  The committee shall be responsible for presenting an appropriate slate of nominees for the offices to be filled.

Section 3. The Credential Committee shall be a standing committee of this society.  It shall consist of two (2) Fellows.   The term of office shall be four (4) years.  A fellow can serve only one term of office.  One member shall be elected to the Credentials Committee every three years.  The senior member shall be the Chairman of the Committee.  The committee shall be responsible for certifying new members. Their actions must be approved by the Executive Committee.

Section 4. Other committees may be added by action of the Executive Committee. Such committees shall in general be similar to committees of the National American Academy of Pediatrics and shall include, but not be exclusive of committees on:

 1. Adolescent Health
 2. Breast Feeding
 3. CATCH
 4. Child Abuse and Neglect
 5. Child Health Finance
 6. Children with Disabilities
 7. Communications
 8. Computers/Medical Informatics
 9. Early Childhood Adoption and Dependent Care
10. Emergency Medicine
11. Fetus and Newborn
12. Injury and Poison Prevention
13. Legislative
14. Membership
15. Pediatric Work Force
16. Practice and Ambulatory Medicine
17. PROS
18. Psychosocial Aspects of Health
19. School Health
20. Substance Abuse
21. Violence Prevention

ARTICLE V

Meetings

Section 1. There shall be an Annual Meeting of the Chapter which shall be held at a time and place designated by the Executive Committee.

Section 2. Other meetings may be held at the call of the Chapter President, the Executive Committee, or by a written request signed by twenty (20 Fellows ) elected officers excepted.

Section 3. The time and place of all meetings shall be determined by the Chapter President. Notice of meetings shall be mailed to all Fellows, at least three (3) weeks in advance thereof, by the Secretary.

Section 4. The quorum shall consist of five percent (5%) of the voting Fellows of the Chapter.

Section 5. All matters of common interest pertaining to the Chapter shall be brought to the Executive Committee for consideration.

Section 6. Parliamentary Authority - all business meetings of the Chapter and all other activities of the Chapter shall be conducted in accordance with Robert's Rule of Order, Revised.

ARTICLE VI

Elections

Section 1. All elections of the chapter shall be decided by a majority vote.

Section 2. The voting membership shall consist of:

Fellow Members
Specialty Fellow Members

Section 3. Ballots shall be mailed by the Nominating Committee to all voting members in April.  They must be returned to the Chairman of the Nominating Committee within thirty (30) days.

Section 4. The Nominating Committee will certify the successful candidates, who will assume office at the end of the next annual meeting and so notify the National Office of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

ARTICLE VII

Dues and Assessments

Section 1. Dues shall be billed on July 1 by the central American Academy of Pediatrics office and shall be payable by September 1 in the same year.

Section 2. Dues shall be set by the Chapter Executive Committee and are subject to modification or waiver for good cause by the Chapter Executive Committee.

Section 3. A member shall become delinquent after failure to pay dues for two (2) years.  If he continues to be delinquent for thirty (30 ) days after notification by the Treasurer, his name shall be dropped from the Chapter rolls and all of his rights and privileges as a Fellow of the Chapter shall thereafter terminate.  Fellows so dropped may be reinstated by the Executive Committee upon payment of all dues and assessments in arrears.

Section 4. Assessments may be levied on the recommendation of the Chapter Executive Committee, with the approval of a majority of the voting Fellows present at any annual meeting of the Chapter.

Section 5. The Executive Committee of the Chapter is empowered to defray all the expenses of the officers and committee members of the Chapter for the performances of Chapter business.

ARTICLE VIII

Indemnification of Officers and Members

Section 1. It is expressly provided that any and every person made a party to any action, suit, or proceeding by or in the right of the organization to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that he, his testator or intestate, is or was a member or officer of this organization or of any organization which he served at such at the request of this organization, may be indemnified by the organization to the full extend permitted by law, against any and all reasonable expenses, including attorneys' fees, actually and necessarily incurred by him in connection with the defense of such action or in connection with any appeal therein, except in relation to matters as to which it shall be adjudged in such action, suit or proceeding that such person has breached his duty to the organization.

Section 2. It is further expressly provided that any and every person make a party to any action, suit or proceeding other than one by or in the right of the organization to procure a judgment in its favor, whether civil or criminal, including an action by or in the right of any other organization of any type or kind, domestic or foreign, which any member or officer of the organization served in any capacity at the request of the organization, by reason of the fact that he, his testator or intestate, was a member or an officer of the organization, or served such other organization in any capacity, may be indemnified by the organization, to the full extend permitted by law, against judgments, fines, amounts paid in settlement, and reasonable expenses, including attorneys fees; actually and necessarily incurred as a result of such action, suit or proceeding, or any appeal therein, if such person acted in good faith for a purpose which he reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the organization and, in criminal actions or proceedings, in addition, had no reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.

ARTICLE IX

Termination

Section 1. Suspension or expulsion. The Executive Committee shall have power to suspend or expel any member of this Chapter for any cause which in their judgment shall be deemed sufficient. Such member may be suspended or expelled only after he has had notice in writing of the charges preferred against him and an opportunity for an impartial hearing before the Executive Committee of the Chapter.

Section 2. Resignation.  Resignations shall be submitted in writing to the Chapter Secretary who shall then submit them for action to the Chapter Executive Committee.  All rights and privileges of a member shall terminate upon the acceptance by the Executive Committee of the resignation, but a Fellow's resignation shall not relieve the Fellow of any dues or special assessments owed at the time of the Fellow's resignation.

ARTICLE X

Non-Profit Nature

Section 1. This Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics is not organized for profit, and neither it nor its members shall have authority to issue capital stock.  No member of this Chapter shall, as such, receive or derive any profit from the operation of the Chapter and no part of the net income of this Chapter shall now or hereafter inure to the benefit of any member, as such.

Section 2. Upon the dissolution of the Chapter, the officers and its Executive Committee shall, after paying or making provisions for the payment of all the liabilities of the Chapter, dispose of all the liabilities of the Chapter, exclusively for the purposes of the Chapter in such manner, or to such organization or educational, religious or scientific purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under sec. 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law) as the officers and Executive Committee shall determine.  Any of such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by a court of competent jurisdiction of the county or city in which the principal office of the Chapter is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.

ARTICLE XI

Wherever used in this document, and the context so requires, the masculine shall include the feminine and the singular shall include the plural, and vice versa.

ARTICLE XII

Amendments

These Bylaws may be amended in the following manner.  The proposed amendment, signed by twenty (20) Fellow members, must be submitted in writing to the Chapter President ninety (90) days prior to the annual meeting of the Chapter.  A copy of the amendment must be sent to each member at least thirty (30) days prior to the annual meeting of the Chapter.  A vote of two-thrds of the members present and voting at the Annual Meeting of the Chapter is necessary for adoption of the amendment.  The amendment shall be effective immediately upon its adoption.

AAP District II - NEW YORK

The State of New York is divided into three chapters each made up of the following counties:

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

Kings        Queens
Nassau     Suffolk

CHAPTER 3

Bronx        Putnam
Dutchess  Richmond
New York  Rockland
Orange      Westchester