CHAPTER I
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NAME The name of the organization shall be the Louisiana Society of Radiologic Technologists, as specified in the Articles of Incorporation, hereafter referred to as the LSRT. |
CHAPTER II
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PURPOSE / POLICY / FUNCTIONS / DEFINITION |
SECTION 1 PURPOSE
The purpose of the LSRT shall be to advance the professions of radiation and imaging specialties, to maintain high standards of education, to enhance the quality of patient care, and to further the welfare and socioeconomics of Radiologic Technologists. In order to maintain high levels of ethical conduct, the LSRT adopts the Code of Ethics established by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT).
SECTION 2 POLICY
The LSRT shall be non-sectarian and non-discriminating according to race, religion, gender, national origin, age or disability. The name of LSRT, its Executive Board, or its staff, in their official capacities, shall not be used in connection with a corporate company for other than the regular functions of the LSRT.
SECTION 3 FUNCTIONS
A) To provide a forum to conduct LSRT business.
B) To disseminate information pertinent to professional growth.
C) To promote high standards of education.
D) To encourage quality patient care.
E) To establish and promote policies relevant to the profession and legislative activities.
F) To establish membership eligibility and define membership categories.
G) To facilitate and provide a forum for communication between individual members with a common professional interest.
SECTION 4 DEFINITION
Radiologic technologist shall be the term used to define radiographer, nuclear medicine technologist, radiation therapist, and sonographer, and shall be used to describe the areas of certification or licensure. Additional terms of description may be adopted by the LSRT to define new areas of certification and/or licensure.
CHAPTER III
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MEMBERS |
SECTION 1 MEMBERSHIP
The members of the LSRT shall be those persons practicing in or retired from the radiologic sciences. The terms radiographer, nuclear medicine technologist, radiation therapist and sonographer shall be used to describe the areas of certification and/or licensure of such members. Additional terms of descriptions may be adopted by the LSRT to define new delegate in the ASRT House of Delegates.
Membership in the LSRT shall be open to those individuals associated with the practice, education, or administration of radiation and imaging specialties.
SECTION 2 APPLICATION
A candidate for membership shall submit an application for membership along with the required fee to the LSRT and be issued a certificate of membership.
SECTION 3 CATEGORIES
The membership of the LSRT shall consist of the following categories:
A) VOTING MEMBERS: shall be those individuals who are registered by the ARRT, NMTCB, and RDMS and/or licensed by the State of Louisiana Board of Examiners (LSRTBE).
B) NON VOTING MEMBERS: shall be those individuals who do not meet the qualifications as listed above and shall not hold office nor serve in the ASRT House of Delegates.
SECTION 4 CLASSIFICATIONS OF MEMBERSHIP
The LSRT shall have seven (7) classifications of membership. No member may belong to more than one (1) of the seven (7) classifications of membership, nor hold more than one membership. The rights and privileges of all members shall be as stated herein:
A) ACTIVE MEMBER - Any Registered ARRT technologist who has satisfactorily met the requirements for a Louisiana State License. Any person holding Active Membership, in good standing, shall be entitled to all membership privileges, including the right to vote, be a committee appointee, hold office and serve as a delegate in the ASRT House of Delegates.
B) ASSOCIATE MEMBER - Any NMTCB or RDMS technologist and any person licensed by LSRTBE who does not meet the requirements of an ARRT. This classification shall have the right to vote and be a committee appointee, but shall not be eligible to hold office nor serve as a approval.
C) EMERITUS MEMBER - Any member who has maintained active membership in the LSRT for a minimum of twenty (20) years and who has retired from full time employment and has reached the age of fifty-five (55) is eligible for this category. Any person holding membership in this category shall not pay dues but retains all rights and privileges of active members. This classification shall be granted by the Executive Board upon application and areas of certification and /or licensure.
D) LIFE MEMBER - This is a special classification of membership granted by the Executive Board for outstanding service to the LSRT and the profession of radiology. Life members shall not pay dues but shall be entitled to all rights and privileges of active members.
E) STUDENT MEMBER - Any student enrolled in an approved Radiologic Science program is qualified for this category. Eligibility shall terminate upon certification or discontinuation of such education. Eligibility shall be retained for students who have graduated but are not certified. The renewal date following the examination shall serve as the change of status point. This period shall be no longer that one year. Student members have the obligations and privileges of active members except to vote, hold office or serve in the ASRT House of Delegates.
F) HONORARY MEMBER - The LSRT, from time to time, may grant honorary membership to individuals who have given service to the LSRT. These individuals shall not vote, hold office, pay dues nor serve as a delegate in the ASRT House of Delegates.
G) GENERAL MEMBER - Any person interested in the aims and purposes of the LSRT, but not meeting the qualifications of a voting member is eligible for this classification of membership. General members shall have the obligations and privileges of active members except to vote, serve as a committee appointee, hold office or serve as a delegate in the ASRT House of Delegates.
SECTION 5 MEMBERSHIP DUES
Membership dues for all classifications of membership shall be adopted by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the voting members in attendance at the business session of the Annual Meeting. All memberships expire at the end of the current fiscal year.
Any intent by a member of the LSRT to change the dues shall be communicated in writing to the Board, no less than one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the Annual Meeting. Any intent to change the dues must be published in the pre-meeting issue of the Focal Spot Monitor at least sixty (60) days prior the Annual Meeting.
Student Member dues shall be one-half (˝) the amount of that for Active Members.
SECTION 6 RESIGNATION / SUSPENSION / EXPULSION / REVOCATION / REINSTATEMENT
A) RESIGNATION: Any member shall have the right to resign by written communication to the LSRT office. Dues will not be refunded.
B) SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION: Any membership may be suspended or terminated for cause. Sufficient cause for such suspension or termination of membership shall be violation of the Bylaws or any lawful rule or practice duly adopted by the LSRT, or any other conduct prejudicial to the interest of the LSRT. Suspension or expulsion shall be by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Executive Board; provided that a statement of the charges shall be sent by certified or registered mail to the last recorded address of the member at least twenty (20) days before final action is taken thereon. This statement shall be accompanied by a notice of the time and place of the meeting of the Executive Board at which the charges shall be considered and the member shall have the opportunity to appear in person and/or to be represented by counsel to present any defense to such charges before action is taken thereon. The member may voluntarily withdraw his membership to the LSRT at any time until the Board reaches a decision of his/her membership status. Dues will not be refunded.
C) REVOCATION: Changes, which may lead to revocation of one’s membership, shall be submitted, in writing, to the Executive Board.
1) After investigation, charges found to be sufficient by the Executive Board shall be forwarded to the affected member(s).
2) The member(s) may submit a written defense or appear, either in person or by an authorized representative, before the Executive Board.
3) If a valid defense is not presented, the membership(s) may be terminated by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Executive Board. Dues will not be refunded.
D) REINSTATEMENT: A member who has resigned or whose membership has been deleted from the Society for other reasons may be reinstated only after filing a new application and paying the appropriate fees.
CHAPTER IV
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PUBLICATION |
The official publication of the LSRT, the Focal Spot Monitor, shall be provided members.
CHAPTER V
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DISTRICTS AND COUNCILS |
SECTION 1 DISTRICTS
The LSRT shall grant no more than one (1) district agreement per region in the State of Louisiana. The districts shall be:
DISTRICT 1- NORWELA
DISTRICT 2-Northeast
DISTRICT 3 - CENLA
DISTRICT 4-Southwest
DISTRICT 5- Acadiana
DISTRICT 6-Southland
DISTRICT 7- Capitol
DISTRICT 8- New Orleans
DISTRICT 9- Northlake
A district agreement may be terminated by the Executive Board or by request of the districts governing board. The LSRT shall not be responsible for any debts, actions, and/or statements made by, or on behalf of any district.
SECTION 2 COUNCILS
The LSRT Executive Board shall approve modality council formation as outlined in the Procedural Guidelines.
CHAPTER VI
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EXECUTIVE BOARD |
SECTION 1 EXECUTIVE BOARD
The Executive Board shall consist of the elected officers and the Board of Directors. Management of all LSRT business shall be vested in the Executive Board in accordance with Article 8 of the Articles of Incorporation.
A member of the LSRT, regardless of position held, may serve on the LSRT Executive Board and the LSRTBE simultaneously.
SECTION 2 ELECTED OFFICERS
The elected officers to the LSRT Executive Board shall consist of the following:
A) PRESIDENT
B) PRESIDENT-ELECT
C) FIRST VICE PRESIDENT
D) SECOND VICE PRESIDENT
E) RECORDING SECRETARY
SECTION 3 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors shall consist of the following positions:
A) PRESIDENT
B) FIRST PAST PRESIDENT
C) SECOND PAST PRESIDENT (who shall serve as Chairman of the Board)
SECTION 4 BOARD APPOINTMENTS
The following appointments shall be made by the Executive Board on an annual basis. These appointees may serve extended terms.
A) Executive Secretary - Membership
B) Executive Secretary - Finance
C) Executive Secretary - Policies
D) Meeting Planner
E) Meeting Consultant
F) Commercial Exhibit Chairman
G) Focal Spot Monitor Editor
H) Continuing Education Coordinator
SECTION 5 TERM OF OFFICE
LSRT elected officers shall serve a term of one (1) year or until their successors have been elected and installed. The term shall begin at the close of each Annual Meeting.
SECTION 6 VACANCY IN OFFICE
The following steps shall be taken in the event of a vacancy in office.
A) PRESIDENT - shall be filled by the FIRST VICE PRESIDENT) PRESIDENT-ELECT - shall be filled by special election
C) FIRST VICE PRESIDENT - shall be filled by a plurality vote of the remaining Executive Board
D) SECOND VICE PRESIDENT - shall be filled by a plurality vote of the remaining Executive Board
E) RECORDING SECRETARY - shall be filled by a plurality vote of the remaining Executive Board
SECTION 7 ELIGIBILITY AND QUALIFICATIONS
A) In order to be eligible to serve on the Executive Board, the member shall be a Radiologic Technologist, registered by the ARRT and in good standing with and having membership in the LSRT and the ASRT, and shall have a current license to practice Radiologic Technology in the State of Louisiana.
B) To be eligible for the office of President Elect or First Vice President, the candidate must have served on the Executive Board or in a Board appointed position for two (2) years prior to his/her nomination.
C) To be eligible for the office of Second Vice President or Recording Secretary, the candidate must have served on an LSRT committee for a minimum of one (1) year.
D) If the candidate is not a current member in good standing of the ASRT, the candidate must agree to become a member in good standing of the ASRT within thirty (30) days of the election to the Executive Board or forfeit the position to which he/she was elected.
E) An officer who meets eligibility requirements at the time of assuming office, shall be permitted to complete the term, even though employment status changes.
SECTION 8 DUTIES
In addition to the duties and rights provided in these bylaws, the Executive Board has the rights and duties respectively assigned to them in the “Procedural Guidelines for Officers and Committees.” The Executive Board shall carry out the policies and bylaws set by the membership and shall represent the LSRT continuously during its tenure. The Executive Board shall ensure the following actions:
A) To control funds and properties owned, leased or rented by the LSRT.
B) To appoint or nominate representatives to external organizations.
C) To work with the President in establishing the committees as deemed necessary to aid the LSRT in carrying out its activities.
D) To temporarily suspend actions adopted by the LSRT if such policy is found to be contrary to federal, state, or local laws, LSRT Bylaws, or to be financially unfeasible. All such actions shall be ratified by the general membership at the next Annual Meeting.
E) To hire employee(s) as needed.
F) Implement the business, policies, and procedures of the LSRT.
G) Remove officers who are not fulfilling their responsibilities.
H) During voting of the Executive Board, the President shall vote only to break a tie.
SECTION 9 COMMITTEES
Committee formation and appointment of chairpersons shall be the duty of the President. Committee duties and rights are outlined in the procedural guidelines for officers and committees.
SECTION 10 DELEGATES
The Executive Board shall appoint the two (2) delegates and the alternates to the ASRT. The Executive Board will determine the amount of funding for the delegates to the ASRT Annual Meeting.
SECTION 11 CENSURE / REPRIMAND / REMOVAL
Any member of the Executive Board may be censured, reprimanded or removed from office for dereliction of duty or conduct detrimental to the LSRT. Such action may be initiated when the Board receives formal and specific charges against any Board Member.
A) If the Executive Board deems the charges to be adequate and legitimate, the person charged shall be advised, in writing, of the charges.
B) The person shall have the right to submit a written defense or appear in person before a meeting of the Executive Board of which he has been notified at least twenty (20) days in advance.
CHAPTER VII
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MEETINGS / QUORUM / VOTING |
SECTION 1 ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING
The Annual Business Meeting shall be held at a time and place designated in the Focal Spot Monitor with at least sixty (60) days prior notice to its members. The publication shall state the place, date, and time of the meeting.
SECTION 2 SPECIAL MEETINGS
Special meetings of the LSRT may be called at such time and place as designated by the Executive Board, or by written request of twenty-five percent (25%) of voting members. A majority of the Executive Board shall constitute sufficient authority to call a special meeting. Members of the LSRT shall be notified thirty (30) days in advance of such meetings, with a statement of the business to be transacted. No business other than that specified shall be transacted.
SECTION 3 EDUCATIONAL MEETINGS
The LSRT must sponsor at least one (1) educational meeting yearly. This meeting must provide opportunities for members to participate in professional, educational, and social activities.
SECTION 4 QUORUM
Twenty-five percent (25%) of the voting members, registered at the meeting, shall constitute a quorum at all LSRT Annual and Special Meetings.
SECTION 5 VOTING
Voting members registered at LSRT meetings and in attendance at the business sessions, shall have one (1) vote. The Executive Board shall determine the process for counting and recording the vote.
CHAPTER VIII
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ELECTIONS |
SECTION 1 ELECTION PROCESS
The elected members of the Executive Board shall be elected by secret ballot or by acclamation if a candidate is unopposed at the business session of the Annual Meeting. Absentee Voting as established in the “Procedural Guidelines for Officers and Committees,” will be allowed for those eligible voting members who would not be able to attend the Annual Meeting.
SECTION 2 NOMINATIONS
A) The nominating committee appointed by the President shall present a slate of officers at the business session of the Annual Meeting. The curriculum vitae for each candidate shall be posted at the registration desk.
B) The floor will then be opened for nominations in the following order: Secretary, Second Vice President, First Vice President, and President-Elect.
C) As nominations are closed for each office, election will follow for that office. The results will be announced before proceeding to the next office.
D) Officers shall be elected by a plurality vote.
CHAPTER IX
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AMENDMENTS |
A) LSRT Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation may be amended or repealed by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the voting members in attendance at the business session of the Annual Meeting.
B) Notice of Bylaw or Articles of Incorporation amendments shall be provided to the membership by publication in the Focal Spot Monitor at least sixty (60) days prior the Annual Meeting.
CHAPTER X
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PARLIAMENTARY GOVERNING |
The rules contained in the latest edition of ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER shall govern the LSRT in all cases to which they are applicable and consistent with the LSRT Bylaws. A parliamentarian shall be in attendance at each meeting.
CHAPTER XI
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DISSOLUTION |
In the event of dissolution or final liquidation of the LSRT, all its assets remaining after payment of its obligations shall have been made or provided for, shall be distributed to and among such corporations, foundations, or other organizations organized and operated exclusively for scientific and educational purposes, consistent with those of the LSRT as designated by the Executive Board.
