MINNESOTA RADIOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Transcription

1 MINNESOTA RADIOLOGICAL SOCIETY B Y L A W S Effective date of this revision: November 5, 2011 A chapter of the American College of Radiology

2 Minnesota Radiological Society Bylaws TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Preamble... 1 Definitions Article I The Corporation... 1 Article II Purposes... 1 Article III Affiliation... 2 Article IV -- Membership Section 1. Classification... 2 Section 2. Application/Termination Section 3. Code of Ethics/Disciplinary Action... 5 Article V Directors.. 9 Article VI Organization 12 Article VII Appointments.. 13 Article VIII Committees. 13 Article IX Representatives/Consultants 20 Article X Meetings.. 21 Article XI Dues and Assessments. 23 Article XII Adoption, Amendments, Rules, Resolutions.. 24 Resident and Fellow Physicians Section: Bylaws... Filed separately Resident and Fellow Physicians Section: Charter... B-1

3 MINNESOTA RADIOLOGICAL SOCIETY BYLAWS Effective date of this revision: November PREAMBLE These bylaws are adopted as provided and in accordance with the Articles of Incorporation of the Minnesota Radiological Society, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)6 corporation organized on December 31,1969 and registered in Ramsey County in the State of Minnesota. The continuing heritage of the Minnesota Radiological Society, founded in 1928, as the predecessor of this organization is herein recognized. DEFINITIONS Within these bylaws the phrase Minnesota Radiological Society shall be synonymous with MRS, Society or Chapter and the phrase American College of Radiology shall be synonymous with ACR. The term active member shall here-in-after refer to all membership classes which have been given the right to vote and serve on committees. The term radiology/radiologist in these by-laws shall be synonymous with radiation oncology/radiation oncologist unless the latter is specifically used. ARTICLE I - THE CORPORATION Section 1. Name: The name of this organization as provided in the articles of incorporation, shall be the Minnesota Radiological Society, Inc. Section 2. Offices: The registered office and the working office of the corporation shall be the office of the elected secretary of the Minnesota Radiological Society, Inc. or such office site as may be established by the Executive Committee of the Society. Section 3. Corporate Seal: The corporation shall have a seal which shall be circular in form and have inscribed thereon Minnesota Radiological Society and 1928 with the logo of the Minnesota Radiological Society, Inc. centrally positioned. ARTICLE II PURPOSES The purposes of the Minnesota Radiological Society shall embrace those of the American College of Radiology and shall include the following: 1. Advance the science of radiology 2. Improve medical imaging, Interventional and radiation oncology services MRS Bylaws 1 April 5,

4 3. Evaluate and promote favorable socio-economic changes in the practice of radiology 4. Encourage and provide continuing education for members of the Society and providing appropriate education for other medical professionals and the public 5. Establish and maintain high medical and ethical standards in the practice of radiology and promoting these standards in it s allied professional fields 6. Recognize, from time to time, a Society member for extraordinary contributions and/or service especially to the Minnesota Radiological Society by awarding the Glen W. Hartman Gold Medal (President s Award) to the deserving individual at the annual meeting. The basis for the decision to make the award shall become a part of the Society s historical archives. 7. Foster fellowship and cooperation between all members of the MRS, and a positive relationship among all medical professionals. 8. Encourage physicians in training through the Resident and Fellow Physicians Section of the MRS, and by annually granting the David F. Reese Travel Award to an appropriate physician in training, chosen in accordance with the Resident and Fellow Physicans Section Bylaws. ARTICLE III AFFILIATION The Minnesota Radiological Society, Inc. is an affiliate Chapter of the American College of Radiology and shall cooperate with that organization to achieve common goals which benefit the specialty of Radiology and its allied professions. ARTICLE IV MEMBERSHIP Section 1. Classification of members: There shall be eight member classes 1. Member 2. Associate member 3. Member in physics 4. Associate member in physics 5. Member in training 6. Emeritus (Retired) member 7. Honorary member 8. Inactive member 1. Members shall: a. Be certified in radiology or one of its recognized branches by the American Board of Radiology, the American Osteopathic Board of Radiology, the Royal MRS Bylaws 2 April 5,

5 College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada or have been a member in good standing of the MRS at the time of its incorporation. b. Be a physician licensed in Minnesota. c. Be in practice limited to the field of radiology or one of its recognized branches. d. Be eligible to hold any office, serve on committees and have the right to vote. MRS Bylaws 3 April 5,

6 2. Associate members shall: a. Be an individual who has completed an approved residency program in radiology but who does not meet all requirements for membership (i.e. may not be board certified, may not have his/her primary residence in Minnesota, etc.) but who is engaged in practice limited to the field of radiology or one of its recognized branches. b. Be eligible to serve on committees and have the right to vote. c. Be licensed as required in Minnesota or his/her state of residence. d. Not be eligible to hold elective office. 3. Members in physics shall: a. Be certified as a physicist by the American board of radiology and be engaged in the practice of medical physics. b. Be eligible to hold any office, serve on committees and have the right to vote. c. Be licensed, as required, in Minnesota. 4. Associate members in physics shall: a. Be a physicist engaged in the practice of medical physics and otherwise eligible for membership in the MRS but who has not been certified by the American board of radiology. b. Not be eligible to hold an elective office. c. Be eligible to serve on committees and have the right to vote d. Be licensed, as required, in Minnesota or his/her state of residence. 5. Members in training shall: a. Be enrolled in an approved residency, fellowship, preceptorship or graduate school in an area of study leading to member, associate member, member in physics or associate member in physics status in the Minnesota Radiological Society b. Not have the right to vote and not be eligible to hold an elective office. c. Be eligible to serve on committees d. All individuals who are enrolled in approved training programs in the State of Minnesota shall automatically become members in training of the MRS e. Following successful completion of training, those individuals who accept ACR automatic introductory membership, and who enter practice in Minnesota, will also automatically become introductory members of the MRS. 6. Emeritus (Retired) members shall: a. Because of age, illness, or other reason have completely retired from the practice of radiology or medical physics. b. Not have the right to vote and not be eligible to hold an elective office. MRS Bylaws 4 April 5,

7 c. Be eligible to serve on committees. d. Be awarded this status, upon written request, and approval by a three-fourths majority vote of the executive committee. 7. Honorary members shall: a. Be a distinguished radiologist, a distinguished member of the medical profession, or other outstanding scientist who has contributed significantly to the science of radiology and/or the Minnesota Radiological Society. b. Not be eligible to hold elective office and not have the right to vote unless MRS membership in another category confers these rights. c. Be eligible to serve on committees. d. Be awarded this status, upon nomination by three members of the MRS, by an affirmative three-fourths majority vote of the executive committee. e. Automatically include Carman lecturers and all Glen W. Hartman Gold Medal (President s Award) recipients. 8. Inactive members shall: a. Be a Chapter member in categories 1. through 4. above who requests, in writing, to be relieved of all responsibilities and dues for a period of no more an eighteen (18) months due to incapacity or absence from the State due to training, military obligations or other valid reason, as adjudged by the executive committee. b. Not have the right to vote, hold office or serve on committees during the period of inactive status. Section 2. Membership application: Process and Termination. 1. With the exception of honorary members, members in training and introductory members, application for membership shall be in writing, in a format approved by the ACR and/or the secretary of the MRS. 2. A Society member who is also a member of another affiliate Chapter of the American College of Radiology shall have the rights afforded all Associate members except he/she shall have the right to vote in only one Chapter. 3. The process for individuals applying jointly for ACR and Minnesota Radiological Society membership shall be as follows: a. The individual completes and forwards the application furnished by the ACR b. The ACR will process the application c. The application will be reviewed by the executive committee and if approved will be forwarded to the ACR bulletin for publication. d. If rejection by the executive committee occurs, the applicant shall be eligible for nomination to MRS membership by any member if such nomination is presented in writing with signatures of two additional member co-sponsors, at any meeting of the Minnesota Radiological Society and shall, by secret ballot, MRS Bylaws 5 April 5,

8 be elected to membership if approved by a three-fourths majority of those present and voting. 4. The process for individuals applying for Minnesota Radiological Society membership only shall be as follows: a. The individual completes and forwards the application furnished by the secretary with required endorsements from two MRS members. b. The application will be reviewed for approval by the executive committee. d. If dues have been paid for the current year the date of membership shall be recorded as the last day of the month following approval by the executive committee. e. If rejection by the executive committee occurs, the applicant shall be eligible for nomination for membership by any member if such nomination is presented in writing with signatures of two additional member co-sponsors at any meeting of the MRS and shall, by secret ballot, be elected to membership if approved by a three-fourths majority of those present and voting. 5. Individuals enrolled in an acceptable training program as defined in Section 5, article 4 shall be automatically accepted into the Minnesota Radiological Society as members in training upon confirmation of current training status from his/her training program and approval by the executive committee. Members in training who complete their training and become members of the ACR through its introductory automatic membership program will also automatically become members of the MRS by approval of the executive committee after receipt of appropriate documentation and dues, if required. 6. Members in good standing of other state radiological societies may transfer to a MRS membership category, if a properly completed application and documentation furnished substantiates that all the categories criteria are met, by receiving a majority vote of the executive committee. Date of membership shall be recorded as the date appropriate dues are received. 7. Any member of the MRS may resign his or her membership by submitting a letter of resignation to the secretary. Section 3. Code of ethics and disciplinary action 1. Preamble: This code, based on the code of ethics of the ACR, is intended to aid radiologists individually and collectively in maintaining a high level of ethical conduct. It is not a set of laws, but rather a framework by which radiologists may determine the propriety of conduct in their relationship with patients, with the public, with colleagues, and with members of allied medical professions. 2. Principles of Ethics form the first part of the MRS code of ethics. hey serve as goals of exemplary professional conduct for which members of the Minnesota Radiological Society should constantly strive. a. The principal objective of the medical profession is to render service to people with full respect for human dignity and in the best interest of the MRS Bylaws 6 April 5,

9 patient. Radiologists should merit the confidence of patients entrusted to their care, rendering to each a full measure of service and commitment. b. Radiologists should strive continually to improve their medical knowledge and skill and make these improvements available to their patients and colleagues. c. Radiologists should at all times be aware of their limitations and be willing to seek consultations in clinical situations where appropriate. These limitations should be appropriately disclosed to patients and referring physicians. d. The medical profession should safeguard the public and itself against physicians deficient in moral character or professional competence by reporting to the appropriate body, without hesitation, perceived illegal or unethical conduct of members of the medical profession. Radiologists should uphold all laws, uphold the dignity and honor of the medical profession and accept it's self-imposed discipline and deal honestly and fairly with patients and colleagues. e. The honored ideals of the medical profession imply that responsibilities of radiologists extend to society in general as well as their patients. These responsibilities include the interest and participation of radiologists in activities which improve the health and well being of the individual and the community. f. Radiologists may not reveal confidences entrusted to them in the course of medical attendance, or deficiencies they may observe in the character of patients, unless they are required to do so by law or unless it becomes necessary to protect the welfare of the individual or of the community. g. The decision to render a service by a radiologist is a matter of individual physician and patient choice governed by the best interest of the patient. h. The traditional bond between radiologists and between radiation oncologists, particularly in their professional relationships with each other, is a powerful aid in the service of patients and should not be used for personal advantage. 3. Rules of Ethics form the second part of the MRS code of ethics. They are mandatory and directive of specific minimal standards of professional conduct for all members of the MRS. a. It is proper for a diagnostic radiologist to provide a consultative opinion on radiographs and other images regardless of their origin. A radiologist who regularly interprets radiographs and other images, should reasonably participate in quality assurance, utilization review and other matters of policy which affect the quality of patient care. b. It is proper for a radiation oncologist to provide a consultative opinion in the management of cancer and other disorders treated with radiation. A radiation oncologist should regularly treat patients only in settings where the radiation MRS Bylaws 7 April 5,

10 oncologist reasonably participates in the quality of patient management, utilization review and matters of policy which affect the quality of patient care. c. Prior to practicing in a hospital or other health care entity, a radiologist or radiation oncologist shall apply, and be accepted, as a member of that entity's medical staff in accordance with the medical staff s bylaws and in the same manner as all other physicians. d. The practice of physicians referring patients to health care facilities in which they have a financial interest is not in the best interest of patients. Selfreferral may improperly influence the professional judgments of those physicians referring patients to such facilities. When such an arrangement exists, radiologists and radiation oncologists may be in violation of the Rules of Ethics and should make efforts to restructure the ownership of the facility. e. Radiologists and radiation oncologists shall relate to other members of the health care team with mutual respect and refrain from harassment or unfair discriminatory behavior. f. Radiologists and radiation oncologists should have the right to enter into whatever lawful contractual arrangements with health care systems they deem desirable and necessary but they should seek to ensure that the system of healthcare delivery in which they practice does not unduly influence the selection and performance of appropriate available imaging studies or therapeutic procedures. g. Radiologists and radiation oncologists should not enter into an agreement that prohibits the provision of medically necessary care or that requires care at below acceptable standards. Notwithstanding policies of a health plan, radiologists should advocate cost-effective appropriate studies or therapies that will benefit the patient, whose welfare is paramount. h. Radiologists and radiation oncologists should clearly and adequately respond to inquiries by patients regarding fees and/or any financial incentive. A radiologist should not participate in a billing arrangement which misleads patients or third party payers concerning the fees charged by the radiologist. i. In providing expert medical testimony, radiologists and radiation oncologists should exercise extreme caution to ensure that the testimony provided is nonpartisan, scientifically correct, and clinically accurate. The radiologist or radiation oncologist shall not accept compensation that is contingent upon the outcome of litigation. j. Radiological research must be performed with integrity and be honestly reported. k. Radiologists and radiation oncologists should not claim as their intellectual property that which is not theirs. Plagiarism or the use of others work without attribution is unethical. MRS Bylaws 8 April 5,

11 l. Radiologists and radiation oncologists should not publicize themselves through any medium or forum of public communication in an untruthful, misleading, or deceptive manner. 4. Disciplinary action a. The executive committee may censure, suspend, or expel any member of the MRS for violation of its bylaws, rules or resolutions in accordance with the procedures outlined below. b. Disciplinary questions related to such violations shall be initially referred, in writing, to the President of the MRS. The matter shall then be referred to the MRS judicial subcommittee, which shall investigate the merits of the charges. On the basis of the findings of this investigation, the judicial subcommittee shall recommend to the President either that disciplinary action be taken or that no such action be taken. If the judicial subcommittee decides that disciplinary action should be taken, its recommendation shall be submitted to the President in writing. c. If disciplinary action is recommended by the judicial subcommittee, the member shall be notified in writing by the President that a professional review action may be taken against him or her and the reasons for the proposed action. The member shall be informed that he or she has the right to request a hearing on the proposed action at any time within 60 calendar days from the date of the notice letter. The member shall be provided with a written summary of his or her rights during the hearing. A member who does not request a hearing within the 60-day period waives the right to such a hearing and shall be deemed to have accepted the disciplinary action recommended by the judicial subcommittee. The committee's report shall then be forwarded to the MRS executive committee for ratification. If the disciplinary action is based on professional conduct or competence that affects or could affect patient health or welfare, the final decision of the MRS executive committee shall be reported to the national practitioner data bank as herein specified. A failure to request a hearing after a complaint has been filed and found to be meritorious will also result in loss of membership in the MRS. d. If the member requests a hearing on a timely basis, the chairperson of the MRS judicial subcommittee must give him or her written notice of the time, place, and date of the hearing. The hearing shall take place no earlier than 30 nor later than 60 calendar days after the date notice has been sent. Postponements and extensions of the hearing date may be granted by the judicial subcommittee chairperson on a showing of good cause. The notice of the hearing shall include the names of witnesses expected to testify. e. The hearing shall be held before the judicial subcommittee, an arbitrator mutually acceptable to the physician and the MRS and a hearing officer appointed by the MRS president, who is not in direct economic competition with the member involved, or a panel of three active members of the MRS appointed by its executive committee who are not in direct economic competition with the member involved. The right to a hearing may be forfeited if the member fails to appear without good cause, and the member shall be deemed to have accepted the disciplinary action involved. If the right MRS Bylaws 9 April 5,

12 is forfeited without good cause, membership in the MRS may be terminated by the executive committee, and a report on the action may be forwarded to the national practitioner data bank. f. During the hearing, the member has the right to be represented by an attorney or other person of his or her choice; the right to have a record made of the proceedings, copies of which may be obtained by the physician on payment of any reasonable charges associated with its preparation; the right to call, examine, and cross-examine witnesses; the right to present evidence determined to be relevant by the arbitrator, hearing officer, or panel, regardless of its admissibility in a court of law; and the right to submit a written statement at the close of the hearing. g. Evidence at the hearing should be presented first by the MRS judicial subcommittee and then by the member. The judicial subcommittee may then introduce evidence to rebut the member's evidence but may not introduce evidence or issues not previously raised either by the committee or by the member. The complainant shall be entitled to attend the hearing and may be required to testify. Rules of evidence and procedure relating to the conduct of the hearing, the examination of witnesses, and the presentation of evidence shall not apply to a hearing conducted under the terms of these bylaws. The judicial subcommittee shall bear the burden of persuading the hearing officer or panel by a preponderance of the evidence that the disciplinary action recommended is reasonable and warranted. h. At the end of the hearing, the member has a right to receive the written recommendation of the arbitrator and hearing officer, or panel, including the basis for the recommendation. He or she also has the right to receive the written decision of the judicial subcommittee, including the basis for the decision and disciplinary action recommended. i. Ratification of disciplinary action against any member of the MRS shall require the affirmative vote of no fewer than three-fourths of the membership of the executive committee present at the meeting when the action is considered. On ratification by the executive committee, the disciplinary action shall be effective and be promptly reported to the member in writing and to the judiciary committee of the American College of Radiology by the secretary of the MRS. Members against whom disciplinary action is taken by the MRS may appeal the decision to the judiciary committee of the ACR. j. If no appeal is made within 30 days the decision shall be final. If the disciplinary action is based on professional conduct or competence that affects or could affect patient health or welfare, the final decision of the MRS shall be reported to the national practitioner data bank within 15 days after the appeal time is over. k. Before the ACR s judiciary committee hears an appeal they shall notify the member who may request an explanation of his/her rights and of procedures. If the member fails to appear or send his or her representative to the appeal hearing, then a final report of the MRS decision shall be sent to the member and forwarded to the state medical board of licensing authority within 15 days in accordance with the regulations of the national practitioner data bank. MRS Bylaws 10 April 5,

13 l. If, on appeal, a majority of the ACR s judiciary committee determines that the disciplinary action taken by the MRS against one of its members is supported by the evidence and is the result of fair procedures that are consistent with the bylaws of the ACR and of the MRS, the ACR s judiciary committee shall affirm the disciplinary action. If a majority of the ACR s judiciary committee reverses the disciplinary action, the matter may be remanded in whole or in part for further proceedings or may be completely or partially dismissed. m. The MRS executive committee and the ACR s judiciary committee shall comply with all procedures for reporting adverse professional review actions based on professional conduct or competence that affects or could affect patient health or welfare to the national practitioner data bank. ARTICLE V DIRECTORS (OFFICERS) Section 1. Authority: The business, property and affairs of the Minnesota Radiological Society shall be managed by a board of directors, also known as the executive committee. Section 2. Directors: Also called officers, shall be the President, the Past President (the President completing his term in the most recent past year), the President-elect (also called Vice-President), the secretary-treasurer, ACR Councilors, ACR Alternate Councilors, the Chair of the Resident and Fellow Physicians Section, and additional society members appointed by the President and approved by the elected directors. All MRS officers shall be members of the MRS and members of the American College of Radiology, except Members Pro tem who are appointed by the President and may be MRS members only. Section 3. Elections: Shall be by voice vote or ballot, if such is requested, at the annual meeting of the MRS, and the nominee for each office to be vacated, designated in section 2, (except the immediate past President) who shall receive a majority of votes cast, shall be declared elected. In case no candidate receives a majority, additional ballots shall be taken until one candidate receives a majority. The presiding officer shall be allowed to break a tie vote after the second ballot. Section 4. Compensation: No director shall receive any compensation for services as a director unless specifically authorized by resolution adopted by the executive committee of the Minnesota Radiological Society. Directors may be reimbursed by the executive committee for any expenses incurred or expenditures made by them for or in behalf of the MRS. Section 5. Terms of Office: Shall begin on the first day of June following the election and continue for the time period specified below. Vacancies occurring in any office MRS Bylaws 11 April 5,

14 between annual elections shall be filled by appointment by the President with approval of the executive committee and shall be effective until the next elected officer assumes the office A. President One year B. Past President One year C. President elect One year D. Secretary-treasurer Three years E. Councilors to the ACR Per ACR * F. Alternate councilors to ACR Per ACR * G. Members pro tem (if any) One year * The term of office and the right of succession for councilors and alternates is established by the ACR and these Bylaws recognize that perogative. Section 6. Duties of Officers 1. The President shall be the chief executive officer of the MRS and shall perform all of the duties which custom and parliamentary practice associate with the office of the President. He/she shall act as the chief executive officer for the Society, make all appointments, effect the necessary business of the Society, call appropriate meetings of the executive committee and cause an agenda to be furnished to all designated attendees in advance of each meeting. During his/her term the President may recommend one individual who he/she believes fulfills the criteria for the Glen W. Hartman Gold Medal (President s Award) as defined in Article II, 6. An individual, so recommended, shall be approved by the executive committee. In the absence of the President, or in his inability to act, the order of succession to his duties shall be as follows: a. President-elect b. Secretary-treasurer c. Senior Councilor d. Junior Councilors 2. The President-elect shall carry out all duties of the President upon his request or the request of the executive committee and he/she shall chair the education/manpower committee. 3. The Immediate Past President shall act as a counselor to the President of the Chapter and a resource person to the executive committee. He/she shall act in a liaison position or as a project coordinator when appointed by the President and shall report directly to the President in all matters. He/she shall chair the internal affairs committee. 4. The Member Pro tem shall receive his/her initial charge from the President and may be directed subsequently by the President to monitor specific areas of concern. He/she shall report to the executive committee, generating specific recommendations when requested and/or indicated. 5. The Secretary - Treasurer: MRS Bylaws 12 April 5,

15 a. As Secretary he/she shall record and preserve the minutes of the meetings of the executive committee and all meetings of the MRS. Minutes of all of other committees and subcommittees shall also be preserved by the secretary. He/she shall notify all members as to time and place of meetings of the society and of any special business to be brought before the MRS. He/she shall effect the processing of all applications for membership and ACR fellowship, generate necessary rosters of all MRS members and effect the appropriate preservation and archiving of documents relating to the society. b. As Treasurer he/she shall receive all moneys due the Chapter and shall disperse or invest such monies, under the direction and review of the executive committee. He/she shall make a report of the status of the funds of the MRS at each annual meeting and present a financial report to the executive committee for each calendar year by the first day in March of the subsequent year. He/she shall file all necessary documents legally required of the MRS and affect the preparation and filing of appropriate tax returns. 6. The Councilor shall serve as a representative of the MRS in the ACR council (thelegislative body) of the American College of Radiology. In the proper discharge of this function he/she shall: a. Be active in the affairs and meetings of the MRS and determine the consensus of the MRS so as to accurately represent its interests at the ACR level. b. Effect the preparation of resolutions for ACR council meetings independently or upon request of the executive committee. Resolutions to be submitted must be submitted in writing to the executive committee and approved by a three-fourths majority before they are forwarded by the Councilor to the ACR. c. Attend all ACR council meetings and participate in their deliberations reporting all significant actions and policies to the MRS membership. d. The councilor shall perform such other duties as the executive committee may delegate to him/her. e. The Councilor with the longest continuous term of office shall be the senior councilor or councilor # 1 in these bylaws. The remaining junior councilors shall be designated as #2, #3, #4, etc. based on their respective length of service. The senior councilor shall organize and assign the junior councilor(s) and alternate councilors specific duties and responsibilities related to the annual meeting of the ACR so as to provide optimal representation of the Chapter and it's interests. When necessary the junior councilors shall assume the duties of the senior councilor in the order of their seniority. 7. The Alternate Councilor shall assist the councilor in the performance of his/her duties and shall attend all meetings of the MRS and of the College. The alternate councilor shall be prepared to act for the councilor whenever necessary. He/she shall perform all other such duties as the executive committee shall delegate to him/her. MRS Bylaws 13 April 5,

16 ARTICLE VI ORGANIZATION Section 1. The society shall be organized as follows: 1. The executive committee, as defined in Article VIII Section 1., shall be the coordinating and decision making unit of the MRS acting for and under the direction of the membership. 2. There shall be six (6) standing committees with designated chairpersons who will be responsible for the committee functions. The Vice-Chairperson will assist as the chairperson directs, or assume the chair in the case of inability of the chairperson to perform his/her duties. Education/Human Resources --- Internal Affairs Political/Economic Liaison Modality Resource Body System Resource Chaired by the President-elect Vice-Chaired by Past President Chaired by the Past President Vice-Chaired by Secretary-Treasurer Chaired by Councilor Vice-Chaired by Alternate Councilor Chaired by Councilor Vice-Chaired by Alternate Councilor Chaired by Councilor Vice-Chaired by Alternate Councilor Chaired by Councilor Vice-Chaired by Alternate Councilor Each standing committee shall have several subordinate standing subcommittees and/or representative positions as defined subsequently in these bylaws. The membership of standing committees shall be composed of the chairpersons and representatives of the subordinate standing subcommittees and representative positions. They shall meet to accomplish the tasks(s) assigned by the President or the executive committee. 3. There shall be several standing subcommittees and representative positions as defined subsequently in these bylaws. Subcommittees shall have a chairperson and no less than two (2) nor more than four (4) members initially appointed by the president. Upon direction of the President up to four (4) additional members may be appointed by the subcommittee chairperson to accomplish a specific task or tasks. 4. Representatives shall be appointed as defined in Article IX and they shall report directly to the executive committee. 5. Consultants, as defined in Article IX, may be appointed when deemed necessary and appropriate by the president and they shall report directly to the executive committee. MRS Bylaws 14 April 5,

17 6. The Resident and Fellow Physicians Section of the MRS shall function in accordance with its bylaws, and with the advise and consent of the MRS executive committee. MRS Bylaws 15 April 5,

18 ARTICLE VII APPOINTMENTS Section 1. Appointments shall be the prerogative of the President but must, in all instances, be approved by the executive committee of the Society. They shall be of two general types: 1. Appointments to positions within the Society to accomplish administrative needs and goals of the organization. These appointments shall, as far as possible, utilize volunteers from the MRS membership while attempting to have all segments of the membership represented. 2. Appointments to provide consistent representation of the interests of the Minnesota Radiological Society to other groups or organizations and to provide the MRS with an appraisal as to how the interests and actions of other groups or organizations affect the Minnesota Radiological Society. 3. In the event there are insufficient Councilors and/or Alternate Councilors present at the Annual Meeting and Chapter Leadership Conference of the ACR (AMCLC) to fill all the voting positions of the MRS delegation, the President or in his/her absence the Secretary/Treasurer or their designee, may appoint an active member of the Society in good standing, present at the meeting, as a Councilor, in accordance with the rules of the ACR. The appointment will remain in effect until replaced by a duly elected Councilor/Alternate Councilor, or adjournment of the Council, whichever occurs first. Section 2. All committee chairpersons, subcommittee chairpersons and members shall be appointed by the President, unless otherwise specified in these bylaws. Cochairpersons may be appointed when special circumstances dictate a need. Section 3. A specific or collective charge to officers, committee and subcommittee chairpersons and when appropriate to the representatives shall be developed by the President and made available, usually in writing. Section 4. The term of all appointments by the President shall end coterminous with the appointing President's term except for the appointment of officers which shall follow the provisions of Article V Section 5. ARTICLE VIII COMMITTEES Section 1. The Executive Committee shall be composed of not less than twelve (12) nor more than twenty (20) voting members and shall consist of President, Presidentelect, Past President, Secretary-Treasurer, the Councilors, the Alternate Councilors, and Members Pro tem (if appointed by the President and approved by MRS Bylaws 16 April 5,

19 two-thirds of the elected members of the Executive Committee). The Chair of the Resident and Fellow Physicians Section shall be a voting member of the Executive Committee. 1. This committee shall act for the MRS between regular meetings of the MRS and shall perform the administrative and other duties as specified elsewhere in these bylaws. 2. This committee shall have authority over all other committees of the Minnesota Radiological Society with regard to their purpose and function. Any committee, subcommittee or representative may be required to report to the executive committee at any time. Section 2. Committees and Subcommittees - The President shall establish the charge to each committee and subcommittee, usually in writing, to the chairperson at the time of his/her appointment. All committee and subcommittee chairpersons shall be directly responsible to the President who may require that their actions and/or reports be presented to the executive committee verbally as well as in writing. All committee and subcommittee meetings shall have minutes transcribed and a copy of such shall be forwarded to the President within 30 days of the meeting. 1. Education/Human Resources Committee: chair is the President elect. This committee shall have the overall responsibility for the educational programs and other educational activities directed toward MRS members, medical colleagues and the public to promote and enhance the understanding of radiology in all it's aspects. The committee shall also evaluate the needs of the membership and potential members whenever the need arises and forward recommendations to the membership subcommittee. Assistance and expertise shall also be provided to the allied technological professions in their efforts to assure qualified human resources to support radiology and radiation oncology. a. Meetings Subcommittee Chair shall be the President-elect This subcommittee shall be responsible for the scientific sessions at MRS meetings. It shall provide periodic socio-economic workshops for residents and other appropriate efforts in continuing education. The chairman of this subcommittee shall be personally responsible for arrangements for special lectures, especially the Carman and Heritage series, including all arrangements for the guest lecturer(s). b. Publications Subcommittee - Chair shall be Newsletter Editor This subcommittee shall be responsible for the published communications of the Minnesota Radiological Society and most specifically the quarterly Newsletter. c. Membership Subcommittee MRS Bylaws 17 April 5,

20 This subcommittee shall be responsible for contacting and recruiting all radiologists, radiation oncologists, and radiation physicists who are known to be practicing in the State of Minnesota and who are not current members of the Society. Information as to the benefits of MRS membership shall be developed and continually updated. Cross referencing membership data with the ACR membership section is recommended to assure all potential members are contacted. Recommendations to the executive committee as to programs and/or activities which might stimulate new member interest to facilitate recruiting should be included in an annual report of this subcommittee. d. Technologist Liaison Subcommittee This subcommittee shall develop, cooperate with and monitor projects and programs undertaken to advance the technological professions which support radiology, radiation oncology and allied professions. Promoting a dialogue and enhancing the working relationship of technologists with radiologists and radiation oncologists shall be a primary goal of this committee. Presenting the position of the MRS, relating to issues which affect both parties, to the technologist community shall be accomplished as directed by the executive committee. e. Historical subcommittee This subcommittee shall be responsible for the maintenance of the Society's historical records, the collection of historical information, anecdotes and artifacts (including photos, books, journals and other material items), Documentation of historical events including audio and/or visual tapes shall also be under the auspices of this subcommittee. Coordination of record maintenance with the Secretary-Treasurer including running lists of all Carman and Heritage lecturers, recorded with their lecture topics, and copies of their lectures when possible, and assuring lists of all President s Award recipients along with a summary of their contributions are current and assuring that the Hartman Award Plaque is engraved annually shall be done. Periodic review of the Minnesota Radiology Pioneers with recommendations to the executive committee for additions when appropriate is recommended. The Reese Award Plaque must also be updated annually. The funds necessary to carry out the mandate of this subcommittee shall be requested from the executive committee on an annual basis with the purposes for estimated expenditures documented in writing at the time of the request and actual expenditures, if any, shall be reported annually each December. This subcommittee may be requested to participate in educational endeavors of the MRS including it's meetings and through it s Newsletter publications. 2. Internal Affairs Committee - chair shall be the Past President MRS Bylaws 18 April 5,

21 This committee shall coordinate nominating efforts of it s subcommittees, review complaints and/or disciplinary actions when requested to do so and evaluate the need for major organizational changes when appropriate. Monitoring the Audit/Records subcommittee activities shall be accomplished upon request of the executive committee. a. Nominating Subcommittee This committee shall present to the executive committee at a specified time prior to the annual meeting nominations for elected positions in the MRS as required and specified in these bylaws. Nominations for special situations may be requested by the President and these should be expeditiously recommended. b. Fellowship Subcommittee This subcommittee shall be composed only of fellows of the ACR. This subcommittee shall annually review the membership of the MRS for the purpose of nominating deserving members for fellowship consideration by the American College of Radiology. Nominations made following American College of Radiology guidelines shall be presented to and approved by the executive committee prior to the nominees being informed of their selection. The secretary shall coordinate the application process so that the completed forms can be forwarded to the fellowship section of the ACR as expeditiously as possible. c. Judicial Subcommittee This subcommittee shall meet at the call of the executive committee or the President of the MRS. This subcommittee shall consider disciplinary action related to charges of unethical or illegal conduct involving a member of the MRS if presented in writing to this committee by the President. It shall act in accordance with Article IV Section 3. #4. of these bylaws reporting to the executive committee of the MRS in accordance with procedures established in these bylaws. Members of the executive committee may not serve on this subcommittee. d. Bylaws subcommittee This subcommittee shall promulgate changes in the bylaws as recommended by the executive committee. A biennial review of MRS bylaws, rules and regulations should be accomplished to assure consistency of these documents with working practices, state statutes, and ACR requirements with special attention to ACR bylaws revisions which affect the MRS. e. Audit subcommittee This subcommittee shall review the financial affairs of the MRS annually and shall make it s report and recommendations, if any, to the executive MRS Bylaws 19 April 5,

22 committee. The Secretary-Treasurer shall be an ex-officio member of this committee. f. Planning subcommittee This subcommittee shall review the readiness of the MRS to meet the technological, social, political, economic and educational changes it will likely face in the period 5 to 10 years in the future and make recommendations to the executive committee as to how proceed in the near term to best prepare and organize the MRS to meet the challenges of the future. Planning activities should also encompass recommendations as to the best utilization of all volunteer members time as well as utilization recommendations for available and future technologies i.e. computers, internet, etc. 3. Political/Economic Committee - This committee shall coordinate the Society's evaluation of the political and economic activities which impact upon the practice of radiology, radiation oncology and allied professions. It shall develop appropriate responses, with the executive committee's approval, to input the Society's position into the political-economic system. a. Reimbursement Subcommittee This subcommittee shall address the area of reimbursement for radiological and radiation oncology procedures, third party payer problems, and shall review and evaluate the role of government policies as they effect the socioeconomic aspects of the practice of radiology and it's allied professions. The review of payment codes, scales and other systems as they pertain to radiological procedures shall be accomplished upon request of the President. The subcommittee shall provide timely assistance to the Insurance/Medicare Representative upon his/her request. b. Legislative Subcommittee This committee shall monitor political and legislative events which impact or might impact on the practice of radiology notifying the President or the executive committee of legislation which might impact upon a specific modality or segment of practice and report their concerns and conclusions to the executive committee in a timely fashion. An annual report summarizing proposed and/or enacted legislation which affects radiology should be made available to the membership. Committee members should make their expertise available as a resource to governmental committees and the legislature of the state of Minnesota whenever called upon to represent the interests of radiologists and their patients. c. Insurance/ Medicare Representative MRS Bylaws 20 April 5,

23 The appointee shall attend meetings of Insurance carriers when requested by the carriers or directed by the President of the Society. He/she shall attend meetings of the Medicare Carrier Advisory Committee and act as liaison to any other Medicare/ Medicaid entity which requests or requires Society participation. He/she shall provide the Minnesota Radiological Society position as directed by the President and the Executive Committee and provide the Insurance/Medicare organizations with unique expertise relating to the field of radiology. He/she shall report the activities and actions of his/her representation to the President and/or Executive Committee on a timely basis. The appointee may request assistance from the Reimbursement subcommittee whenever tasks require assistance. Alternate representative(s) may be appointed to assume the responsibilities or assist the appointee whenever circumstances dictate. The appointment shall be for a term of one (1) year 4. Liaison Committee - This committee shall be responsible for the interorganizational liaison activities between the MRS and all other medical organizations, except for ACR liaison which is the responsibility of the councilors. The membership of this committee shall consist of the appointed delegates and/or representatives specified in these bylaws and listed below with additional representatives or subcommittee members as appointed and assigned by the President. a. Radiation Oncology Subcommittee The chair of this subcommittee shall also serve as a member pro-tem of the executive committee, and shall represent any unique interests of the radiation oncologist members of the MRS. This subcommittee shall meet upon request of the President, the chairperson of the Liaison committee or its chairperson to address specific problems or to evaluate technical parameters in the area of expertise represented by the sphere of practice after which the committee is named. This subcommittee shall coordinate its educational efforts with the meetings subcommittee to develop appropriate educational programs especially for the semiannual scientific sessions of the Society. A member of this subcommittee shall be designated by the chairman to act as a resource person to the technician liaison subcommittee. b. Physics Subcommittee The chair of this subcommittee shall also serve as a member pro-tem of the executive committee. This subcommittee shall meet upon request of the President, the chairperson of the Liaison committee or its chairperson to address specific problems or to evaluate technical parameters in the area of medical physics. MRS Bylaws 21 April 5,