WSRT Bylaws

As Amended 4/22/05

Article 1:  NAME

The name of this (organization) shall be the Washington Society of Radiologic Technologists, hereinafter referred to as the WSRT.

Article 2: PURPOSE

The purpose of the WSRT shall be to advance the professions of radiation and imaging disciplines and specialties; to maintain high standards of education; to enhance the quality of patient care; and to further the welfare and socioeconomics of radiologic technologists.

Article 3: MEMBERSHIP

Section 1 Policy

The WSRT shall be nonsectarian and nondiscriminatory according to race, gender, national origin, age, disability, religious persuasion, creed, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, or political belief.  The name of the WSRT or any member of its [Affiliates], Board of Directors or its staff, in their official capacities, shall not be used in connection with a corporate company for other than the regular functions of the WSRT.  (No commercial enterprise nor any candidate for public office shall be endorsed by it.)

Section 2 Qualifications

A.     The members of the WSRT shall be those persons practicing in the radiologic sciences.  The term radiographer, nuclear medicine technologist, radiation therapist and sonographer shall be used to describe the areas of certification or licensure of such members.  Additional terms of description may be adopted by the WSRT that identify new areas of certification or licensure.

B.     Membership in the WSRT shall be open to those individuals associated with the practice, education or administration of radiation and imaging disciplines and specialties.

C.     A candidate for membership shall submit an application for membership along with the required fee to the WSRT Executive Office and be issued a certificate of membership.

Section 3. Categories

A.     Voting members or active members, hereinafter designated as members, shall be those who are registered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists or its equivalent or hold an unrestricted license or certificate with the State of Washington.  They shall have all rights, privileges and obligations of membership including the right to vote, debate and hold office.

B.     Associate members are those who are or have been employed in the technical, educational, managerial or corporate aspects of the radiologic sciences and do not qualify or are not eligible for active or student membership. They have the obligations and privileges of active members, except to vote and hold office.

C.     Student members are those who are enrolled in radiologic science programs.  They have the obligations and privileges of active members except to hold office. Eligibility for student membership shall terminate 6 months following certification or discontinuation of such education.

D.     Emeritus members are those who have reached the age of 65, maintained membership in good standing in WSRT for a minimum of 10 (ten) years immediately preceding application for this status. They are voting members but may not hold office.  They do not pay dues.

E.      Life members are active members who have rendered unusual service to WSRT.  They shall be selected by a majority vote at a regular meeting, upon unanimous recommendation of the Board of Directors. They shall pay no dues and have all the obligations and privileges of active members.

F.      Honorary members are those who have evidenced interest in the activities and aims of WSRT and WSRT wishes to honor. Honorary members shall be chosen by a majority vote at a regular meeting of WSRT.  They shall pay no dues and not have the privilege of voting or holding office.

G.     Retired members shall be those who meet ARRT and /or equivalent retirement status and do not apply for emeritus status. They shall receive WSRT publications only.  They shall not vote or hold office.  The fee for this category shall be one-half (½) the active member dues.

Section 4 Dues

The annual dues for voting, associate and student members shall be established by the Board of Directors and subject to majority vote of the membership.  Intent to change dues structure shall be communicated in the state publication or on the official WSRT website a minimum of 60 days before the annual meeting. Further notification shall be via an announcement included with the annual meeting flyer.

A.     There shall be no annual dues for emeritus, honorary and life members of WSRT.

B.     The retired members of WSRT shall pay one half (½) of the active member dues fee annually.

C.     Dues for all members, established by the Board of Directors, requires adoption by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members at the Annual Meeting.

D.     Intent to change dues structures shall be communicated in the state publication to all members a minimum of (60) sixty days before the Annual Meeting.

E.      Dues shall be paid within ninety (90) days of the expiration date.

1.      On the expiration date, member rights, privileges and obligations will discontinue.

2.      The Executive Secretary or its agents will erase from the rolls of membership the name of any person who is in arrears for more than 90 days.

F.      No member who is in arrears for dues may vote or hold office or shall be entitled to receive reports of the transactions of WSRT.

G.     The establishment of Affiliate Area or District dues and methods of payment may be decided by the board of directors of the area or district.

Section 5 Resignation

Any member shall have the right to resign by written communication to the Executive Office, providing all dues and other indebtedness to WSRT has been paid.

Section 6 Suspension and Expulsion

Any member may be suspended or terminated for cause.  Sufficient cause for such suspension or termination of membership shall be a violation of the Bylaws or any lawful rule or practice duly adopted by the WSRT, or any other conduct prejudicial to the interests of WSRT.

A.  The Executive Board shall investigation charges submitted in writing, and they will report their findings to the Board of Directors within 60 days.

B.     If the Board of Directors deems the charges to be sufficient, the person charged shall be advised in writing of the charges.

1.      Statement of charges shall be sent certified or registered mail to the last recorded address of the member at least 20 days before final action is taken.

2.      The statement shall be accompanied by a notice of the time and place of the meting of the Board of Directors at which the charges shall be considered.

C.     The member shall have the opportunity to appear in person and be represented by counsel to present any defense to such charges before action is taken.

D.     Suspension or expulsion shall be by unanimous vote of the Board of Directors.

Section 7 Reinstatement

Any member who has resigned or has been dropped from the rolls for nonpayment of dues may be reinstated only by filing a new application.  The reinstatement fee not to exceed an amount equivalent to the annual dues.

ARTICLE 4.  Officers

The elected officers of the WSRT shall be:  president, vice president, president-elect and secretary -treasurer and such additional officers as are recommended by the Board of Directors and ratified by the membership.  All officers shall be free from any pecuniary charges on the books of WSRT.

Section 1.  Responsibilities   

A.  President

1.      The president shall preside at all meetings of WSRT and shall perform duties consistent with the office.

2.      Shall be an ex-officio member of all Board of Directors appointed committees, except the Committee on Nominations.

3.      The president will attend the Western States Caucus.

4.      The president shall appoint Committee chairmen unless otherwise provided by the bylaws

5.       In the absence or inability of the immediate past president to serve as chairman, the president shall preside at meetings of the Board of Directors.

B.  Vice President 

            1.    Shall perform all duties consistent with the office and become familiar with all the   duties of the office of president.

2.    Shall assume the duties of the president when necessary.

3.    Shall act as coordinator with Student Liaison to Board of Directors

C. President-elect 

1.      Shall perform all duties consistent with the office.

2.      Shall become familiar with all WSRT activities and be prepared to assume the office of president.

D.  Secretary-Treasurer

1.      Shall perform all duties consistent with the office.

2.      The secretary-treasurer shall perform the duties of the Executive Secretary in the absence of that position, and shall also keep accurate minutes of all WSRT meetings and submit these to the Board of Directors.

Section 2 Term   

A.  The vice president and secretary-treasurer shall serve a term of one (1) year or until their successors have been elected.

B.  The president-elect shall serve for a term of three (3) years.  One year as president-elect, one year as president and one year as senior board member, each office to be held consecutively.

C.  The term shall begin at the close of each Annual Meeting.

D.  The Chairman of the Board /Senior Board Member shall retire at the end of the Annual Meeting.

Section 3.  Eligibility    

An officer who meets eligibility requirements at the time of nomination shall be permitted to complete the term, even though employment status changes.

Section 4.  Qualifications  

A. An officer must practice in the radiologic science professions or as a   radiologic science educator.

B. The President-Elect must have been a voting member of ASRT for one year prior to their nomination and a current member of WSRT.

Section 5. Officer Nominations    

The nominating committee shall be appointed.  The committee shall satisfy itself that all candidates have the proper credentials and are willing to serve if elected.

A.     The report of the nominating committee shall be submitted in the manner approved by the membership consistent with the adopted voting procedure.

Section 6.  Elections  

The Vice-President, President-Elect, and Secretary-Treasurer shall be elected by a majority vote of members present at the WSRT Annual Meeting. Officers shall serve until their successors have been installed.

A.  WSRT shall adopt balloting by mail or by majority vote at its meetings, as best meets the needs of WSRT and are applicable to the business to be conducted.

B.  Should the membership choose another election procedure officers should be elected according to the method designated by the membership.

Section 7   Installation   

            The newly elected officers shall be installed into office under the direction of the Board of Directors.

Section 8. Vacancies   

                        A. The vice president shall fill a vacancy of the office of president.

B. A vacancy of the office of president- elect shall remain vacant until the next annual meeting when a president shall be elected in the manner provided in the bylaws.

            C. A vacancy in the Board of Directors shall be filled by presidential appointment unanimously agreed upon by the remaining members of the board of directors, to complete the un-expired term.

Section 9.  Censure, Reprimand and Removal   

Any officer may be censured, reprimanded or removed form the office for dereliction of duty or             conduct detrimental to the WSRT.  Such action may be initiated when the Board of Directors     receives formal and specific charges against an officer.

A. If the Board of Directors deems the charges to be sufficient, the person charged shall be advised in writing of the charges.

      B. A statement of the charges shall be sent by certified or registered mail to the last recorded address of the officer at least twenty (20) days before final action is taken.

            C. The statement shall be accompanied by a notice of the time and place of the meeting of the Board of Directors at which time the charges shall be considered.

D. The officer shall have the opportunity to appear in person and be represented by counsel to present any defense to such charges before action is taken.

E.  Censure, reprimand or removal shall be by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the remaining membership of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE 5: AREAS or DISTRICTS

A.   Shall apply only to those Areas which elect to organize and supervise subdivisions of WSRT within the state.

B.  All sections of the WSRT Bylaws govern the Area affiliates unless otherwise stated.

C.  The WSRT shall not be responsible for any debts, actions or statements made by, or on behalf of any affiliate.

4. The number of Area organizations and the boundaries thereof shall be determined by the Board of Directors of WSRT.

Section 1. Members:

a.  Membership in the Area shall be determined by that Area.

            b. Student members in the Area may have the privilege of voting at Area meetings and may hold the office of secretary or treasurer.

Section 2. Officers

a.  Area or District officers shall be Area Director or President, Vice President and secretary-treasurer. The offices may be divided into four separate offices. The office of president elect may be established if necessary or applicable.

b.  Officers shall be elected by the membership of each Area before the WSRT Annual Meeting.

c.                   Area officers shall serve a term of one (1) year or until their successors have been appointed or elected and assume office. They shall surrender to their successor all records and properties belonging to the Area or District.

Section 3. Board of Directors

a.       The affiliate or Area board of directors shall be composed of the area director/president, the vice president and secretary/treasurer.

Section 4.Committees

a.       The area director/president may appoint committees as are necessary to promote the activities of the Area.

Section 5. Dues

            a.   The establishment of Area dues and methods of payment of area dues may be decided by the Area board of directors

b.      The Area or District shall have control over its treasury.

c.   All Area bank statements will be sent to the offices of the Executive Secretary, where copies will be forwarded to the respective Area Treasurers or designated officer.

Section 6. Meetings

            a.  The Area or District must hold one business meeting per year.

Section 7. Censure, Reprimand and Removal

a.  An Area or district officer may be censured, reprimanded or removed form the position for dereliction of duty or conduct detrimental to the WSRT. Such action may be initiated when the board of directors receives formal and specific charges against an area or district officer.

See Article 3 Membership, Section 6 Expulsion, etc. for further details.

Section 8. Dissolution of the Area or District

            In the event of dissolution of the Area or District, all of its assets remaining after payment of its obligations, shall be kept by WSRT in a separate fund until the Area or District becomes active again.

ARTICLE 6. Board of Directors

Section 1.  Composition  

The board of directors shall consist of elected officers of the WSRT, including the immediate past president serving as chairperson, president, vice president, secretary-treasurer and the Area Directors (to be elected from each affiliate district or area in WSRT). The Executive Secretary shall attend all board of directors meetings to be current with all WSRT business.  The members of the board shall be members in good standing.

Section 2 Duties 

The board of directors shall be vested with the responsibility of the management of the business of the corporation. 

Section 3. Meetings 

a.                    The board of directors shall meet four times per term.

b.                  The president or majority of members of the board of directors upon written request of the Chairman, may call a special meeting provided a fifteen (15) day notice is given all board members.

Section 4. Voting 

A vote by mail may be taken when necessary.  Actions taken by mail shall be ratified and made a part of the minutes of the next board of directors meeting.  Proxy voting is prohibited.

Section 5. Vacancies 

A vacancy in the Board of Directors shall be filled by Presidential appointment, unanimously agreed upon by the remaining members of the board to complete the un-expired term.

Section 6.  Censure, Reprimand and Removal  

A board member may be censured, reprimanded or removed from the position for dereliction of duty or conduct detrimental to the WSRT.  Such action may be initiated when the board of directors receives formal and specific charges against a board member.

A.     If the Board of Directors deems the charges to be sufficient, the person charged shall be advised in writing of the charges.

B.     A statement of the charges shall be sent by certified or registered mail to the last recorded address of the Board member at least twenty (20) days before final action is taken.

C.     The statement shall be accompanied by a notice of the time and place of the meeting of the Board of Directors at which the charges shall be considered.

D.     The Board member shall have the opportunity to appear in person and be represented by counsel to present any defense to such charges before action is taken.

E.      Censure, reprimand or removal shall be by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the remaining membership of the Board of Directors.

Section 7.  Quorum

A majority of the Board of Directors’ members shall constitute a quorum for all meetings.

ARTICLE 7.  Committees

Section 1. Standing Committees   

The Board of Directors shall establish committees as deemed necessary to aid WSRT in carrying on its activities.  Such committees shall be responsible to the Board of Directors and may be       altered or eliminated at any time by the Board of Directors.

A. The president shall appoint the chairperson of the committees unless in conflict with other sections of the bylaws.

Section 2. Vacancies  

A committee chairperson vacancy shall be filled by presidential appointment, except the Nominating Committee.

ARTICLE 8.  Executive Secretary

The executive secretary, under the direction of the Board of Directors, shall perform all the duties           that the title of the office connotes. The executive secretary shall function in the name of the board in implementing the policies and decisions of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE 9.  WSRT Meetings

Section 1. Annual meeting: WSRT shall hold an annual meeting each year. 

A.  Policies and procedures established by the membership of WSRT shall govern the annual meeting.  They shall remain in force until rescinded or amended by a two thirds (2/3) vote of the voting members in attendance or temporarily suspended by the board of directors if found to be contrary to federal, state or local laws, WSRT bylaws or to be financially infeasible.

B.  Quorum: To establish a quorum for the annual meeting, twenty five percent (25%) of the members registered at the meeting must be present and include not less than two (2) officers.

 C.  Exhibits and Essays:  exhibits and essays submitted for competition at the meetings of WSRT shall be confined to work done by members and student members in accordance with Exhibit and Essay Competition Rules.  Commercial exhibits for educational purposed may be displayed at the discretion of the board of directors.

 Section 2.  Special meetings:  Special meetings of WSRT may be called at such time and place as may be designated by a majority vote of the board of directors.  Members shall be notified at least fifteen (15) days in advance of such meetings, together with a statement of the business to be transacted.  No essential business other than that specified shall be transacted at a special meeting.

ARTICLE 10.  Parliamentary Authority 

The rules contained in Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern WSRT in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are consistent with these bylaws.

ARTICLE 11. Amendments  

A.   Amendments to these bylaws may be proposed to the membership at any Annual Meeting.  If they receive a favorable two-thirds vote, they shall be referred to the Resolutions and Bylaws committee for ratification by mail.

 B.  Amendments to these bylaws also may be proposed to the Resolution and Bylaws committee no less than thirty (30) days prior to the annual meeting for consideration at the first business session of the Annual meeting.

ARTICLE 12. Indemnification 

Every officer, area director and/or employee of the WSRT shall be indemnified by the WSRT against all expenses and liabilities, including attorney’s fees, in connection with any threatened, pending or completed proceeding in which he is involved by reason of his being or having been an officer, area director or employee of the WSRT if he acted in good faith and within the scope of his authority and in a manner reasonably believed to be not opposed to the best interests of the WSRT. In no event shall indemnification be paid to or on behalf of any above-named individual going beyond or acting beyond the powers granted by authority of this organization or bylaw.  The foregoing right of indemnification shall be in addition to, and not exclusive of, all other rights to which such officer, area director or employee may be entitled.

ARTICLE 13.  Dissolution   

In the event of dissolution or final liquidation of the WSRT, all of its assets remaining after payment of its obligations shall have been made or provided for, shall be distributed to and among such corporations, foundations, or other organizations organized and operated exclusively for scientific and educational purposes, consistent with those of the WSRT, as designated by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE 14. 

            The WSRT is an affiliate society of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT).  Annually, on the first business day in January, the WSRT shall meet the following requirements of the ASRT By-Laws:

1.      Charter Renewal

2.      WSRT By-Laws in agreement with ASRT By-Laws

3.      WSRT Officers shall be ASRT members

4.      WSRT will maintain incorporated status

This affiliate relationship with ASRT may be terminated by majority vote of the membership of WSRT.