Bylaws for the Pain Section

RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE AANS/CNS JOINT SECTION ON PAIN

Article I – ORGANIZATION

Section 1.1. Name

The name of the section shall be the AANS/CNS Joint Section on Pain

Section 1.2. Organizational Purposes

Section Mission Statement:

The mission of the AANS/CNS Joint Section on Pain is to maintain the role of the neurosurgeon in pain management through education, advocacy and research.

The Joint Section on Pain, also known as the Pain Section, is structured to carry on charitable, education and scientific purposes relating to the common interest of neurosurgeons, particularly women neurosurgeons. It exists, jointly, as a section of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, herein referred to as “AANS” and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, herein referred to as “CNS”. The AANS is a 501(c) (3) organization and the CNS is a 501(c) (3) organization. The function of the Section is to:

(a) Provide a forum wherein neurosurgeons can consider, discuss and share current knowledge and information in the field of pain and its neurosurgical management;
(b) Sponsor meetings, forums and education seminars addressing neurosurgical management of pain and related subjects;
(c) Sponsor the publication of written material in the field of neurosurgical management of pain and related subjects;
(d) Develop and disseminate policy statements to heighten public awareness of issues associated with the neurosurgical management of pain;
(e) Enhance public and professional recognition of pain neurosurgery;
(f) Advise the parent organizations regarding issues concerning neurosurgical management of pain and of activities related to such issues by other individuals, groups or agencies;
(g) Advise the AANS, CNS and Society of Neurological Surgeons (SNS) leadership in developing curricula for the Matrix and Maintenance of Certification (MOC) projects related to pain;
(h) Represent the parent organization, at their discretion, at meetings or conferences pertaining to matters related to the neurosurgical management of pain.
(i) Expand industry partnerships to foster excellence in clinical product development, and promote professional education in the use of existing and new clinical products

The AANS/ CNS Joint Section on Pain will abide by the bylaws and mission of its parent organizations.

ARTICLE II – Members

SECTION 2.1. Member categories

The members elected to this Society are divided into six types: (a) Active; (b) Associate; (c) Honorary; (d) International; (e) Resident; (f) Senior; (g) Student Member. AANS or CNS Medical Student members may apply for membership in the Section. Annual dues are not required. Membership will expire upon graduation from medical school. Student Members may not hold office in the Section or vote on Section business matters.
a) Active Members shall be medical doctors who are Active members of the AANS or the CNS, who have engaged in active participation in the field of pain neurosurgery in the United States, Canada or Mexico. Only active members shall be entitled to hold office in the Society.
b) Associate Member. Associate membership may be accorded to those individuals who qualify as Associate Members of the AANS or CNS and who have an interest and an expertise in the area of pain neurosurgery.
c) Honorary Member. Honorary membership may be conferred in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons.
d) International Member. International members shall be practicing neurosurgeons residing outside the United States of United States of America, Canada or the Republic of Mexico who do not qualify as Active (Foreign) members. They shall be neurological surgeons who are certified or recognized by the peer review process in their native country. They shall be proposed and chosen because of their national and international recognition, devotion and contribution to neurological science. International members may serve on committees and as consultants, but may not vote, hold office or committee chairs.
e) Resident Member. Resident membership shall be limited to members in good standing in an accredited North American neurosurgical training program. The candidate must be a resident member of either the AANS or the CNS. Upon completion of their post-graduate medical training, they will no longer be eligible for Resident Membership status. Resident Members may not hold office in the Society or vote on Society business matters.
f) Senior Members shall be Active Members in good standing with the Society, who are either Senior Members of the CNS or Lifetime Members of the AANS. Senior Members are exempt from payment of annual dues. Senior Members may attend Meetings of the Pain Section at the member registration fee. Senior members may not hold office in the Society, but may vote on Society business matters.

SECTION 2.2. Procedure for membership application

a) A candidate must meet the qualifications for membership as set forth in Article II, Section 2.1 of these Rules and Regulations.

b) A candidate for membership shall apply using the online application form available on the AANS or CNS website. A candidate for international membership who is not already a member of either the AANS or CNS shall submit the names of two references, at least one of whom shall be an AANS or CNS Active, Active (Foreign) or International Member from the applicant’s country, or an individual of international stature in that country or geographical region. The proposal shall be submitted at least 30 days prior to the meeting of the Executive Council, and must be accompanied by a curriculum vitae written in English.

c) The Secretary/Treasurer shall investigate the credentials of a candidate for membership.

d) Election to membership requires an affirmative vote of three-fourths of the Executive Council.

e) New members shall be notified in writing of their election to membership in the Pain Section.

f) Rejected candidates will be informed in writing. Rejected candidates will be reconsidered, at the candidate’s request, at the next Executive Council meeting with submission of additional supporting documentation.

SECTION 2.3. Termination of Membership

Membership shall be terminated when a member fails to pay annual dues for two years in a row, or is disqualified for membership in the American Association of Neurological Surgeons or the Congress of Neurological Surgeons.
A member wishing to resign membership in the Society should submit this intent, in writing, to the Secretary/Treasurer.

SECTION 2.4. Rights and Obligations

In addition to any other powers granted to Members pursuant to these rules and regulations, as may be amended from time to time, Active and Senior Members shall have exclusive power to perform the following:

(a) Elect members of the Executive Council
(b) Amend and repeal these Rules and Regulations

No form of membership in the Pain Section should be interpreted as endorsing the qualifications of the member to practice medicine or perform clinical procedures. Members are not permitted to promote their membership in the Pain Section as an endorsement by the Pain Section of their clinical credentials. Members who do so shall forfeit their membership.

Article III-Dues

Section 3.1. Dues
Dues for members will be set by the Executive Council of the Joint Section at the annual business meeting. Members will be notified by mail of the dues assessment.

Section 3.2. Payment of Dues

Active members will be responsible for paying dues. Associate and international members will be responsible for paying dues, at 50% of the rate for active members. Resident, senior and honorary members will not be responsible for paying dues.

Section 3.3. Special Assessments
The Executive Council shall have the power to impose special assessments when deemed necessary with the consent of three-fourths of the active members present at a regular business meeting.

Section 3.4. Power to Waive Dues

The Executive Council shall have the discretionary power to waive the payment of dues of active members in the case of hardship which, in its opinion, warrants such action.

ARTICLE IV – Executive Committee

SECTION 4.1. General Powers and Duties

Subject to the powers reserved to the Members in Article II, the property, business and affairs of the Pain Section shall be managed by its Executive Council, and the Executive Council may exercise all such powers of the Pain Section as are authorized by law or by these Rules.

SECTION 4.2. Number, Qualifications and Term of Office

a) The control of this Society is vested in an Executive Council consisting of four officers and 4 at-large members, who manage the affairs of the Society in conformity with the bylaws of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons.
b) The four officers of the Executive Council are the President, Vice-President, Secretary-Treasurer, and Past-President. The officers will serve for terms of two years.
c) The at-large members of the Executive Council must be active members of the Pain Section. These members serve for a period of four years or until their successors have been chosen. Two new at-large members will be elected every two years to replace those who are at the end of their four year term.
d) The Executive Council will meet at the Annual Meetings of the AANS and CNS to review Society business.
SECTION 4.3. Duties of the Officers of the Executive Council
a) The President presides at all meetings. He/She appoints all committees not otherwise provided for, is in charge of all committees with the right to vote, and supervises the execution of all Society rules. He/She represents the Society at relevant Executive Council and Board meetings of the AANS and CNS, or appoints another officer to do so as needed.
b) The Vice-President performs all duties of the President in the case of his/her absence, death, resignation or inability to act. He/She assists the President in such manner as necessary.
c) The Secretary-Treasurer keeps accurate minutes of the proceedings of the meetings of Executive Council and of the biennial business meeting of the Sectior. He/she will issue written notice of all meetings of the Executive Council and of the biennial business meeting of the Section. As Secretary, he/she is also responsible for providing notice to the members of the Section of other relevant Section business per the Section Bylaws. As Treasurer, he/she will arrange for the billing and deposit of annual dues and for the payment of Society expenses. He/she will be responsible for the distribution of Society awards. He/she will report on the financial condition of the Society at all meetings of the executive council. The Secretary-Treasurer will assume the responsibilities of the Vice-President in the event of his/her absence, death, resignation or inability to act.
d) The succession of presiding officers in the unexpected event of loss of both the President and Vice-President shall be: Secretary-Treasurer, then a member of the Executive Council elected by the entire Executive Council, then successive members of the Executive Council elected by the Executive Council. Vacancies will be filled at the next election cycle (occurring every 2 years).

SECTION 4.4. Nominations and Elections of Officers and Executive Council At-large Members

(a) No elected officer will serve in the same office for more than one term.
(b) At-large Members of the Executive Council may serve no more than 2 consecutive terms. They may then not stand again for election as an at-large member until at least 2 years have passed since the end of their last term.
(c) A call for nominations for at-large members of the Executive Council will be sent to all members in early May of an election year. At least 30 days will be given for nominations to be submitted. Nominations are expected to include a statement of less than 200 words as to why the nominee would be a good member of the Executive Council. Self-nominations are acceptable.
(d) The officers will serve as nominating committee for the new set of officers. This list will be voted on as a group.
(e) Starting in approximately mid-June, an email will be sent to all Active and Senior members announcing the opening of elections on the MyAANS website. The slate of candidates for President, Vice-President and Secretary/Treasurer will be voted for or against. Active and Senior members will be able to vote for the number of open positions for at-large members of the Executive Council, e.g., 2 votes if there are 2 open slots. Their nominations statements will be available on the MyAANS website.
(f) Elections will remain open for 3 weeks. A second email reminder will be sent to Active and Senior Members 2-4 days prior to the close of elections.
(g) The candidates for at-large members of the Executive Council with the greatest number of votes will be elected.
(h) If the majority of votes are against the candidates for President, Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer, the Executive Council will serve as a nominating committee for a different slate of candidates. A new round of voting with the election center being open for 3 weeks will be initiated.
(i) New officers and members at-large of the Executive Council will begin their terms after the CNS meeting of that election year.

SECTION 4.5. Meetings

(a) The date, place and time of meetings of the Executive Council shall be determined by the Executive Council. The Executive Council shall meet no less than two (2) times per year usually to correspond to the annual meetings of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons and the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. Special meetings may be called by the President or a majority of its members.
(b) Council members may participate in and act at any meeting of the Executive Council or Section committee through the use of a conference telephone or other communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can communicate with each other. Participation in such meeting shall constitute attendance and presence in person at the meeting of the person or persons so participating.

SECTION 4.6. Quorum and Manner of Acting

A two-thirds majority of Members of the Executive Council shall constitute a quorum and the act of a majority of the members present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the Executive Council, unless the act of a greater number is required by the these Bylaws, as may be amended from time to time. A proposal to merge with another organization or to sell substantially all of the assets of the Pain Section shall require the affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the Active Members.

SECTION 4.7. Compensation

No member may receive compensation for service as an Executive Council member, but shall be entitled to reimbursement of expenses reasonably incurred as a direct result of carrying out any responsibility as an officer or at-large member.

ARTICLE V – Committees and Liaison Positions

SECTION 5.1 Committees

The Executive Council, by resolution adopted by a majority of its members, may designate and create one or more committees, each of which shall consist of one or more members, which committees, to the extent provided in such resolution as amended from time to time, shall have and exercise the authority of the Executive Council in the management of the Pain Section. The designation and creation of any such committees and the delegation thereto of authority shall not operate to relieve the Executive Council, or any individual member, of any responsibility imposed upon him or her by law.

SECTION 5.2 Liaison Position

The Executive Committee, by resolution adopted by a majority of its members, may designate and create one or more liaison positions to other organizations or their committees, whose purpose is to represent the interests of the Pain Section. Each position shall consist of one or more members, which positions, to the extent provided in such resolution as amended from time to time, shall have and exercise the authority of the Executive Council. The designation and creation of any such committees and the delegation thereto of authority shall not operate to relieve the Executive Council, or any individual member or officer, of any responsibility imposed upon him or her her by law

ARTICLE VI – Fiscal Matters

SECTION 6.1. Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of the Organization shall commence on the first day of July of each year and shall end on the last day of June of each year.

SECTION 6.2. Loans and Contracts

No loan or contractual arrangement will be entered upon without the expressed approval of the parent organizations.

SECTION 6.3. Checks, Drafts, and Deposits

All deposits or checks, drafts, or other orders for the payment of money, notices or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the Pain Section or to the Pain Section, shall be signed or endorsed by the parent organization responsible for the administrative and financial affairs of the Pain Section.

ARTICLE VII- Awards

The Executive Council may create and offer awards for investigations, contributions or developments in the field of pain neurosurgery. Administration of funds for such awards shall be through the Secretary-Treasurer.

ARTICLE VIII – Books and Records

The Pain Section shall keep correct and complete books and records of account and shall also keep minutes of its proceedings. All books and records of the Pain Section may be inspected by any Member, or his/her agent or attorney, for any proper purpose at any reasonable time. All books and records shall be kept by the then current Secretary/Treasurer. A listing of all Members entitled to vote shall be kept at the registered office of the Pain Section.

ARTICLE IX – Amendments to Rules and Regulations

Amendments to these bylaws must be proposed in writing, endorsed by at least three members in good standing, and be submitted to the Secretary-Treasurer. The amendments must be emailed by the Secretary-Treasurer to the entire voting membership and posted on the Society website at least 30 days before online voting is completed.

The affirmative vote of one half of the active and senior members shall be required for the adoption of an amendment

ARTICLE X – Conflict of Interest

Any Executive Council member who has an interest in a contract or other transaction presented to the Executive Council or a committee for consideration shall make a prompt and full disclosure of his or her interest to the Executive Council prior to its acting upon such contract or transaction. Such disclosure shall include any relevant and material facts known to such person about the contract or transaction which might reasonably be construed to be adverse to the organization’s interest. All Executive Council members and officers are required to complete the annual disclosure forms required by membership in either or both the AANS and CNS. If a member is not affiliated with either parent organization, the member will be required to complete a separate disclosure form, which will be held in the registered office of the Pain Section.

The body to which such disclosure is made shall thereupon determine, by majority vote, whether the disclosure shows that a conflict of interest exists or can reasonably be construed to exist. If a conflict is deemed to exist, such person shall not vote on, nor use his or her personal influence on, nor participate (other than to present factual information or to respond to questions) in, the discussions or deliberations with respect to such contract or transaction. Such person shall not be counted in determining the existence of a quorum at any meeting where the contract or transaction is under discussion or is being voted upon. The minutes of the meeting shall reflect the disclosure made, the vote thereon and, where applicable, the abstention from voting and participation, and whether a quorum was present.

For the purpose of this Section, a person shall be deemed to have an “interest” in a contract or other transaction if he or she is the party (or one of the parties) contracting or dealing with Pain Section as a representative of the AANS or CNS, or is a director, trustee or officer of, or has a significant financial or influential interest in, the entity contracting or dealing with Pain Section, as a representative of the AANS or CNS.

ARTICLE XI—Order of Business

Per Robert’s Rules of Order

ARTICLE XII – Electronic Voting

Voting by email or other electronic submission will be permitted at anytime a vote is required.

ARTICLE XIII—Organizational Projects

(a) Any Pain Section member may propose a project to be initiated and completed by the Organization or request monetary support for a given project. All requests for such support equal or greater than $2000 must be submitted in writing with a proposed budget and voted upon by the Executive Council.
(b) All Pain Section-sponsored events must be pre-approved by the President of the Pain Section. All expenditures greater than $250 must be approved by the Executive Council.

ARTICLE XIV – Severability

The invalidity of any clause, provision, or Article of these Rules shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining clauses, provisions or Articles.