Proposed Amendments to the AMS Constitution and Bylaws

The Arkansas Medical Society Constitution and Bylaws Committee met on January 20, 2014 and recommended the following proposed amendments be submitted to the House of Delegates at its May meeting. Members of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee are Charles Logan, MD, Little Rock Chairman; Amy Cahill, MD, Pine Bluff; Bradley Bibb, MD, Ash Flat; Dennis Yelvington, MD, Stuttgart; Richard Pellegrino, MD, Little Rock; Chad Rodgers, MD, Little Rock; and Spenser Wolken, Medical Student. According to the AMS Constitution and Bylaws, Article XIII. Amendments: “The House of Delegates may amend any article of this constitution by a two-thirds vote of the delegates present at any meeting of the House of Delegates, provided that the amendment shall have been mailed to all members at least 90 days prior to the meeting.”

CONSTITUTION: ARTICLE XIII. Amendments

The House of Delegates may amend any article of this constitution by a two-thirds vote of the delegates present at any meeting of the House of Delegates, provided that the amendment shall have been mailed communicated to all members at least 90 45 days prior to the meeting.

BYLAWS: CHAPTER XII. Amendments

The House of Delegates may amend any chapter of these bylaws by a two-thirds vote of the delegates present at any meeting of the House of Delegates, provided that the amendment shall have been mailed communicated to all members at least 90 45 days prior to the meeting.

BYLAWS: Chapter VII, Section 9. Committees

B. Budget Finance and Auditing Committee

The Budget Finance and Auditing Committee shall consist of (a) four seven members appointed by the chairman of the Board from among the district trustees, and (b) the Arkansas Medical Society treasurer. The four seven trustees shall be appointed to four-year terms, staggered so that one member is no more than two members are replaced each year. The terms shall begin on January 1 and end on December 31 of the appropriate years. The member with the most seniority Arkansas Medical Society treasurer shall serve as chairman. The Budget Finance and Auditing Committee shall:

(a)    Present to the Board, before the first of each year, an annual budget consisting of anticipated revenue and expenses for the ensuing year as well as a report of the Society’s committed and non-committed reserves. Any significant request for funds not included in the annual budget should be reviewed by the Budget Finance and Auditing Committee before they are committed.

(b)   The Budget shall provide for an annual independent financial audit and work to maintain the most prudent use of Society assets. Shall appoint a certified public accountant or firm to conduct an annual independent financial audit. The auditor shall present the results of the audit directly to the Committee. A copy of the audit and any irregularities or concerns identified by the audit shall be presented to the Board of Trustees.

(c)    Work with the executive vice president to review and monitor the financial reserves of the Society and recommend investment policy changes when necessary or recommended by Arkansas Medical Society financial advisors.

(d)   Monitor the financial resources of the Society and make recommendations, as appropriate, to ensure the availability of necessary funding to achieve the short term and long term mission and purpose of the Society.

Chapter V. Election of Officers, Section 3 Nominations from the Floor

Nothing in this Chapter shall be construed to prevent additional nominations being made by members of the House of Delegates.Additional nominations for positions elected by the House of Delegates may be made by any member of the House of Delegates in attendance at the meeting. Nominations from the floor may also be made for any District Trustee positions remaining vacant after the election process provided for under Section 5.