Article I --- Name and Affiliation

Section 1.
This organization shall be known as the New Jersey Society for Healthcare Consumer Advocacy herein referred to NJSHCA.

Section 2.
The President of the NJSHCA must be a member of the Society for Healthcare Consumer Advocacy of the American Hospital Association hereafter referred to as SHCA. The President will maintain the relationship and ongoing communication with SHCA at the national level.

Article II --- Objectives

Section 1.
The objectives of the NJSCHA shall be to promote the improvement and extension of adequate healthcare services for all persons and to advance the development of effective patient advocacy programs in healthcare related organizations by:

• Conducting educational programs and activities for the membership to strengthen and develop the role of advocacy with the support and educational resources provided by SHCA.
• Providing a medium for the interchange of ideas among members, the dissemination of information to members, and the facilitation of professional development;
• Disseminating information on patient programs to healthcare related organizations/providers and the community;
• Encouraging the development of advocacy programs and increasing society membership.

Section 2.
The NJSHCA was formed to provide an organized structure at the state level for its membership, to provide channels of communication between NJSHCA and SHCA to promote the objectives of membership in the NJSHCA and SHCA.

Section 3. 
NJSHCA is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes as a nonprofit association. It shall be so conducted that no part of its income or earnings shall be used to the benefit of any member, director, officer or other individual. Upon dissolution, any assets of the New Jersey Chapter shall be distributed to an organization enjoying and exempt status under S501 (3) of the Internal Revenue Code or successor statutory authority.

Article III --- Powers
 
Section 1.
NJSHCA may recommend to the Board of Directors of SHCA policies within the area of its interest. It may also recommend programs and activities to be undertaken by the SHCA and by NJSHCA. Recommendations and comments may be forwarded to the Board of Directors of SHCA by vote of the Executive Committee of the NJSHCA, or by two-thirds vote of members present and voting at an authorized meeting of NJSHCA.

Article IV --- Membership

Section 1. Eligibility 
Membership in NJSHCA shall be available as:

• An individual employed or who is affiliated with a healthcare provider or health related organization, who works in the State of New Jersey.  Special exceptions to be determined by the Executive Committee.

Section 2. Establishment of Membership and Guest Policy

• A member may send a designee to a meeting in their absence
• The member must complete a formal application for membership in the NJSHCA.
• Membership in NJSHCA shall become effective upon approval by the membership committee and payment of dues.
• Membership applications are posted on the website.
• Guests are welcome to attend a membership meeting and/or educational program at the customary meeting fee.

Section 3. Transfer of Individual Membership
A member who changes institution affiliation shall retain membership during the full term for which dues have been paid.

Section 4. Termination of Membership
Resignation – A member may at any time resign from NJSHCA by writing to the Executive Committee.

Article V --- Dues
 
Section 1.
Dues shall be as prescribed by NJSHCA and shall be paid by January 31st. Dues must be current to attend meetings, receive newsletters and membership directory.

Section 2. 
All dues paid to NJSHCA shall become the property of NJSCHA.

Section 3. 
No portion of the dues shall be refundable.

Article VI --- Meetings

Section 1. Regular and Annual Meetings 
NJSCHA shall meet at least four times per year: March, June, September and November. (Subject to change as executive committee deems necessary). The final meeting of the year is considered the Annual Meeting.

Section 2. Special Meetings
The Executive Committee of the NJSCHA may call special meetings.

Section 3. Notice of Meetings 
The NJSCHA shall notify the membership by email 14 days prior to the date of the meeting to allow confirmation of attendance and to contain expenses. (Subject to change as Executive Committee deems necessary).

Section 4. Voting 
Any member in good standing and present at the meeting shall be entitled to vote. Proxy voting shall not be permitted.

Section 5. Quorum 
At all NJSHCA meetings a quorum shall consist of not less than one third of the total eligible voting membership of NJSCHA based on the number of eligible voting members established as of January 31st of the calendar year.

Article VII --- Officers

Section 1. Officers 
Officers of the NJSHCA are defined as President, President Elect, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Immediate Past President.

Section 2. Eligibility 
Any paid, active, member(s)  in the NJSCHA shall be eligible for elective office.

Section 3. Term of Office 
Officers will serve for two years. Term of office begins immediately following the Executive Board Meeting in January.  Elected officers are not eligible for the same office until two years have elapsed for the completion of the preceding term unless approved by the Executive Committee.

Section 4. Election Procedure 
After being nominated, officers shall be elected by a simple majority vote for a term of two years. The election shall be conducted by email. A ballot listing candidates proposed by the Nominating Committees shall be emailed to each eligible voting member of the chapter no less than 45 days prior to the November Meeting. All ballots will be returned to the Nominating Committee by the date designated on the ballot.

Section 5. Unexpired Terms of Office 
Unexpired terms of office shall be filled by an eligible member as appointed by the executive committee with the exception of the Office of President Elect. The unexpired term of the President-Elect shall be filled by a special election under the direction of the past-president.

Section 6. Presidential Privilege 
The chapter shall sponsor the NJSHCA President of designee as determined by the Executive Committee who shall represent the organization at the annual National Conference. The chapter will assume expenses including but not limited to: registration fees, airfare, housing and other cost/fee(s) as approved by the Executive Committee.

Article VIII --- Committees

Section 1. Executive Committee 
The Executive Committee shall be comprised of, President, President Elect, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Immediate Past President and Chairpersons of Marketing, Membership, Newsletter, Education, and the Annual Conference.

Section 2. By-laws 
The By-laws Committee shall be comprised of the members of the Executive Committee.

Section 3. Nominating
The Immediate Past President chairs the nominating process for officer positions.  The immediate President shall appoint vacant committee chair persons as necessary.

Article IX --- Amendments

Section 1.
In accordance with the prescribed voting privileges, these By-laws may be amended at any duly constituted regular meeting, or a special meeting called for the purpose, provided proposed amendments have been reviewed by the Executive Committee and submitted by mail to the chapter at least 10 days prior to such meeting.

Section 2. Annual Review
The By-laws Committee shall review annually the By-laws and submit by mail to NJSCHA membership at least 10 days prior to the next meeting its report which shall include recommendation for amendments as may be required in the By-laws.

Date Accepted:  March 2011