By-Laws (Revised 2015)

MARYLAND FLIGHT PARAMEDICS ASSOCIATION, INC.
ORGANIZATIONAL BY-LAWS

 

ARTICLE I - Name

            The name of this association is the Maryland Flight Paramedics Association, Inc (abbreviated MFPA). Its purpose and objective is to organize and operate a non-profit organization for the purpose of furthering the profession of flight medicine and related professions (to include pilots and mechanics). The goal is to foster and encourage social and education activities and to promote the concept of professionalism in the field of flight medicine. This includes, but is not limited to, education, training, injury/disability relief, promotional events and public outreach. For more information reference the Articles of Incorporation and their associated amendments.

ARTICLE II – Membership

Section 1 – Membership Qualifications

            Any individual engaged in the business of providing air medical transport for ill and/or injured patients and/or providing medical, paramedical, or rescue services to persons from aviation based facilities and equipment. Membership will be state-wide in scope and may include out of state membership at the discretion of the Executive Board. Membership in the International Association of Flight & Critical Care Paramedics is recommended but not required.

Section 2 – Membership Classifications

            There are three (3) classifications of memberships. An application and association credentials are required for verification purposes.         

  • Active Member (Voting):
    1. An active member is a credentialed physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, paramedic, EMT-I, EMT-B, hospital technician, military medic, medevac pilot, or medevac aviation mechanic engaged in the business transporting ill or injured patients by air, land, or sea and/or providing critical services to facilitate the transport of ill or injured patients. Persons accepted as active members are eligible to hold any office provided for in these by-laws, may apply for State Medevac Team License Plates (Maryland Residents Only), and have voting privileges. Active members are eligible for additional retail discounts, will receive an annual membership card, and a supporter sticker.
      1. Medical Providers – A copy of a valid military, federal, state or local certification card (FP-C, CC-P, Paramedic, EMT-I, CRT, EMT-B only) Hospital employees may submit valid hospital ID or current current pay stub with sensitive information removed (Social Security number, salary, etc)
      2. Medevac Pilots – Employee ID card and/or associated documents (i.e current pay stub with sensitive information removed)
      3. Medevac Aviation Mechanics - Employee ID card and/or associated documents (i.e current pay stub with sensitive information removed)      

(b) Associate Members (Non-Voting):

  1. Any person interested in critical care transport, advanced paramedic transport, the air-medical industry, and/or the promotion and education of flight medicine that does not meet the requirements of Active Membership.  Persons accepted as Associate Members do not have voting rights, cannot hold office, and are unable to apply for State Medevac Team license plates. Associate Members are eligible for additional retail discounts, will receive an annual membership card, and a supporter sticker.
  • Honorary Members:
    1. Any person who does not fit the above membership classifications and has been unanimously accepted by the Executive Board as an asset to the association. This membership classification is by invitation only at the discretion of the Executive Board.

Section 3 – Termination of Membership and Privileges

  • Resignation -
    1. Any member may withdraw from the MFPA after fulfilling all obligations to it, including debt, and giving written notice of such intention to the Secretary. This notice of intent will be presented to the Board of Directors no more than seven (7) days after the receipt of the letter.
  • Suspension and Expulsion
    1. Any member may be either suspended or expelled for violation of the by-laws or for conduct unbecoming of the organization. Suspension or expulsion is determined by a two-thirds majority vote of the Executive Board, provided that a statement of charges has been mailed, via registered mail to the member under charge at least fifteen (15) days before the final action is taken. The statement of charges will be accompanied by a hearing notice specifying the date, time, and place where the Executive Board will decide the final appropriate action. The member will be given an opportunity to present his/her defense at this hearing.

Section 4 – Dues

  • Annual Dues
    1. The Executive Board may determine the amount of initiation fee and annual dues payable to the Maryland Flight Paramedics Association. Current dues will be available on the website and any changes in dues will be made at the Annual General Membership Meeting.
  • Payment of Dues
    1. Dues are to be paid during the first month of the applicable membership year. (ex. 2016 dues are due between Jan 1 – Jan 31)
  • Default of Payment
    1. When any member defaults payment of dues for a period of three (3) months from the beginning of the year, his/her membership may be terminated. A letter of termination intent will be sent to the member after March 31st and the Executive Board with a two-thirds majority can vote to terminate membership to include State Medevac Team Tags. Those members called to active military service will enter a category of gratis until their return.

Article III – Meetings

Section 1 – Quorum

            The active members present at the general membership must consist of at least one fourth of the active membership to constitute a quorum.

Section 2 – General Meetings

  • General
    1. General meetings will be held at least two (2) times per calendar year, not to exceed one (1) per quarter. Issues regarding, but not limited to business and education will be addressed.
  • Notice
    1. Written notice will be emailed and made available on the website and social media by the secretary no less than fourteen (14) days prior.

Section 3 – Annual Membership Meeting

  • General
    1. The annual meeting will be held the first week of December. Elections, non-emergent by-law changes, membership updates, event planning and new-year budget approvals will occur at this meeting. Other items can be address, time permitting.
  • Call to Order
    1. The order of business shall be as follows for all meetings:
      1. Calling to Order – President
      2. Approval of minutes from the last meeting
      3. Report of Officers
        1. Secretary
        2. Treasurer
        3. Regional Representatives
      4. Reports of Committees
      5. Old Business/Follow-Up
      6. Upcoming Events
      7. New Business
      8. Adjourn
  • Rules of Order
    1. Rules of conduct will be governed by Robert’s Rules of Order.

Section 4 – Special Meetings/Emergency Meetings

            Either the Executive Board as a whole or the President may call a Special Meeting or Emergency Meeting throughout the year to handle urgent issues. This may also be accomplished by a majority vote of active members. This meeting will handle only the topic for which the meeting was called. No other business will be handled.

ARTICLE IV – Elections

Section 1 – Nominations

            The Election Committee will prepare a list of nominees for the Board of Director positions.  At least forty-five (45) days prior to the Annual Membership Meeting the Active Members will be notified of the position available for nomination. All nomination must be submitted to the Election Committee via email, Google Form, or formal written correspondence not less than twenty-one (21) days prior to the Annual Membership Meeting. The Election Committee will confirm the nominees accept their nomination prior to submitting the names to the Executive Board.

Section 2 – Voting

            Voting for the Executive Board and Regional Representative will occur via online and paper ballot to be counted by a Election Committee. Each active member is entitled to one (1) vote. Online ballots close at the midnight (EST) prior to the Annual Membership meeting. Paper ballots will be accepted and counted prior to the call to order of the meeting.

Section 3 – Counting of the Ballots

            All paper ballots are counted at the Annual Membership by the Election Committee and will be witnessed by two (2) impartial judges.

ARTICLE V -

Executive Board and Regional Representative Positions

Board of Directors

Section 1 – Board of Directors Positions

  • Executive Board
    1. The Executive Board will consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
  • Regional Representatives
    1. The Regional representatives will consist of an active member from one of the 4 regions dividing the State of Maryland. They must be employed or provide their service in this region.

Section 2 – Regions

            For the purpose of regional representatives the State of Maryland will consist of four (4) regions:

  1. Eastern Region – East of the Bay Bridge
  2. Western Region – West of Mt. Airy
  3. Southern Region – South of Rt. 50
  4. Central Region – All other areas of the state to also include out of state members.

 

In the event a Regional Board Member is transferred or relocated to a different region, they will be allowed to finish their term of office as long as they continue to fairly represent the region in which they were elected to represent.

Section 3 – Qualifications for Office

            Any voting member in good standing is eligible for nomination and election to any of the Board of Directors positions as described in the by-laws. At least two (2) members of the Executive Board and Regional Representatives combined must be IAFCCP Members in good standing.

Section 4 – Terms of Office

            The Board of Directors will be elected by majority vote of active members during the annual elections. The term of office for each position is one (1) year. Each position is eligible for re-election with no consecutive term cap.

 

Section 5- Transfer of Power and Position

            Each elected official will begin his or her term on first day of that calendar year. After the elections it is the responsibility of the newly elected individual to make contact with the off-going official to complete a pass down and transfer of duties.

Section 6 – Authority and Responsibility

            The Board of Directors will guide the direction of the association and its affairs. They will actively pursue its objectives and supervise the disbursement of funds. The Board may adopt new rules and regulations for the conduct of its business and may, in the execution of these powers, delegate its authority to appointed members.

Section 7 – Executive Board Meetings

            A regular meeting of the Board of Directors will be held at least two (2) times per year with one meeting to be held in the beginning of April to discuss default payments and tax preparation. Additional meeting of the board may be called by the President, or at the request of any three Executive Board Members. At least seventy-two (72) hours of notice must be give be the meeting is held.

Section 8 – Quorum of the Board

            At any meeting of the Board of Directors, four (4) people must be present and at least two (2) must be Executive Board Members. Business decisions will become valid providing the majority passes it.

Section 9 – Telephone and Video Contact

            For the purpose of establishing a quorum and facilitating discussions and voting, a Board Member will be regarded as present at the meeting as long as her or she can be contacted my telephone or is in continuous contact by video with other members of the board for the duration of the meeting.

Section 10- Executive Board Voting Privileges

            Voting rights of a Board Member may not be delegated.

Section 11- Unexcused Absence

            Should any member of the Board of Directors.  have two consecutive unexcused absences from regular meetings of the Board, his or her seat may be declared vacant and filled at the sole discretion of the president without warning.

Section 12 – Resignations

            Any Board Member may resign from office at any time by give written notice to the President and the Secretary. All property of the MFPA must be returned within three (3) business day of given notice and all access to accounts and projects must be turned over to the Secretary.

Section 13 – Vacancies/Removal

  • Vacancies
    1. The Board of Directors. at any Board Meeting or Special Meeting may fill vacancies in any elected office. The position may be offered to a current Regional Representative or other Active Member intimate with projects the vacancy handles.
  • Removal from Office
    1. The Board of Directors., by two-thirds majority vote may remove a Co-Board member if her or she:
      1. Has not attended two-thirds of the meetings
      2. Has not paid their dues
      3. Has two (2) or more unexcused absences
      4. And/or no longer maintains the classification to hold their elected office.

 

ARTICLE VI – Duties of the Board of Directors

Section 1 – President

            The president serves as the Chief Executive Officer. He or she serves as an ex-officio member with the right to vote on all committees, except the election committee. He or she makes all required appointments and special committees with the approval of the Board of Directors. The President will preside at all meetings of the Board and will perform all duties deemed necessary for the office.

Section 2 – Vice-President

            The vice presidents duties are delegated by the Board of Directors and will serve as a direct assistant to the President. The Vice President should be capable of performing the duties of the President in his or her absence. The Vice President will be in charge of By-Law changes and updates, Amendments to the Articles of Incorporation, and license plate requests and verifications. The Vice President will work closely with the Secretary to confirm members in good standing and issue revocation letter as necessary to the MVA. The Vice President will perform all duties deemed necessary for office and assist the other members as needed.

Section 3 – Secretary

            The Secretary is responsible for the legal, proper, and timely notification of members through email, social media, and US post. He or she will see to the proper recording of the minutes for each meeting that occurs on behalf of the association and will carry into execution all orders, votes, and resolutions not otherwise committed. The secretary will keep accurate membership records to include appropriate validation of Active Members and Associate Members and their related documentation. This record may be electronic or paper. If records are electronic, they must be kept secure and backed up regularly. The Secretary shall maintain the Membership GMAIL account and reply to questions and issues in a prompt and professional manner. All correspondences will be properly documented and the President shall be informed of issues in a timely manner. The President or Vice-President must approve any mass communications, email blasts, and/or promotions prior to distribution without exception. The upcoming years membership drive will begin at the completion of the Annual Membership Meeting in December. All related documentation should be ready for distribution no later than January 1st.  This includes, but is not limited to membership cards, applications, stickers, online payment options, and forms. The Secretary may seek assistance from other Board Members or committees to accomplish the above tasks and is encouraged to reach out for help especially during busy times (membership drive) . He or she will also perform all duties deemed necessary for the office as declared by the Board of Directors.

Section 4 – Treasurer

            The treasurer is accountable for all funds, including banking and investments pre-approved by the Board of Directors. He or she will report the current financial stands of the Association at all meetings of the Board of Directors and when requested by the President. Any change or anomaly in our financial situation will be reported to the president without delay. While in office the treasurer will dispense funds, payments and reimbursements as directed by the Board of Directors. Throughout the year the treasurer will monitor our tax liability and prepare or facilitate the preparation of our yearly taxes. This will be presented at the April Board of Directors meeting for submission to the IRS. Any and all checks will be given to the treasurer for immediate depost and the treasurer will have checks available for the disbursement of funds at the discretion of the Board of Directors. He or she will also perform all duties deemed necessary for the office as declared by the Board of Directors.

Section 5 – Regional Representative

            The four regional representatives will be responsible for gathering information from their region in an effort to have as many voices heard during meetings as possible. This includes but is not limited outreach opportunities, training requests, and safety concerns and member updates. He or she will also perform all duties deemed necessary for the office as declared by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE VII – Committees

Section 1 – Election Committee

            The President appoints an election committee. The committee will consist of at least two voting members not currently holding elected office. The Election Committee will notify all Active Members (via current communication methods) of all board positions available for nomination at least 45 days prior to the Annual Membership Meeting. The Election Committee then prepares a list of nominee and validates their qualification and willingness to accept the nomination. The nominations are report in writing to all Active Members at least 15 days prior to the Annual Membership Meeting.

Section 2 – Special Committees

            The President, with the approval of the Board of Directors may appoint committees, sub-committees, and task forces as necessary and which are in accordance with the by-laws. Each committee is to keep written minutes of their meetings, provide copies of the meeting minutes to the Secretary and report to the Board when required.

ARTICLE VIII – Volunteer Incentive Program

Section 1  - General

  • Purpose
    1. The purpose of the MFPA Volunteer Incentive Program (VIP) is to track and compensate our volunteer for their time in the form of a points system. This will allow MFPA volunteers to accumulate points and be eligible for educational opportunities and other incentives deemed appropriate by the MFPA Board of Directors. This concept will be developed further.

ARTICLE IX – Organizational License Plates

Section 1 – Eligibility

            Any individual that meets the qualifications for ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP as listed in Article II – Membership and is a Maryland Resident is eligible to apply for Organizational License Plates as issued by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration.

            In addition, the member must be in good standing with the organization, have been a member for no less than one (1) year and have all dues paid in full prior to the application. A VR-124 must be obtained from the MVA website, filled out and emailed to membership.mfpa@gmail.com. The form will be verified and signed by the MFPA President and returned to you via email. It is your responsible to pay the MVA its required fees when applying for these tags. The MFPA will change $10 annually in conjunction with membership dues for all organizational tags.

Section 2 – Revocations

            Organizational License plates may be revoked from any individuals with two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors, provided a written notice was issued to the individual at least thirty (30) days prior to the withdraw. The member must be given the opportunity to appeal the revocation within thirty (30) days of the written notification. Grounds for withdraw including but are not limited to:

  1. Failure to pay dues
  2. Failure to pay tag fees
  3. Failure to maintain Active Member qualifications
  4. Displaying Organizational Tags on a vehicle that is involved in activities that would reflect poorly on the organization.

Section 3 – Exceptions

            As of January 1st, 2016 all tag holder must comply with the above standards for maintaining their organizational plate. Any tag holder prior to January 1st, 2016 is grandfathered in as long as membership dues and related fees are paid on time.

ARTICLE X– Expenditures

          The following sums of money may be expended by those indicated without membership approval providing the expenditure is necessary and for the good of the Association. All expenditures must be reported in the monthly financial reports and relayed to the present members at the next meeting. Details of the expenditures will be detailed in the meeting minutes.            

            President/Designee                                                              $100

            Executive Board (with majority vote)                                   $2500

            Membership majority                                                             $2501+

ARTICLE XI – Amendments to the By-Laws

The by-laws may be amended by two-thirds majority vote by the Active Members at any General Membership Meeting, provided the proposed amendments have been sent (via current communication methods) to the Active Members at least seven (7) days prior.

ARTICLE XII – Dissolution

The MFPA, Inc is to use its funds only to accomplish the objectives and purposes specified in these by-laws. Should at some point, the members determine it appropriate to dissolve this organization, all remaining capital and inventory will be sold or donated at the discretion of the President and all remaining funds will be disburse to a charity decided by the remaining Board Members.