We, the members of the "OCBMETS": adopt the following constitution and do pledge to be governed by its provisions.
 

ARTICLE I - NAME

The name of the association shall be the "Orange County BMET Society" (OCBMETS.) 

ARTICLE II - PURPOSE

The Purpose of the OCBMETS is to encourage and promote the personal and professional growth and development of our members, to elevate the biomedical engineering profession in the eyes of all health care professionals, and to provide an environment of partnership in health care excellence at our individual hospitals, clinics, and corporate organizations. We will accomplish this with a comprehensive system of coordinated meetings, educational programs, and interaction with other health care professionals. OCBMETS shall be non-political, non-sectarian, and non-commercial. 

ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP

CLASSIFICATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

INDIVIDUAL:
The individual members of the association shall be persons interested in biomedical equipment technology and its role in the health care community.

STUDENT:
An individual that is enrolled and attending an accredited or equivalent biomedical equipment technology program.

INSTITUTIONAL/CORPORATE:
Membership shall be available to healthcare facilities or corporations that demonstrate an interest in supporting the purpose and mission of the OCBMETS. Each Institutional Membership shall designate a representative to represent it in the activities of the association. Institutional /Corporate membership are sponsors of our newsletter and receive recognition for their contribution to the organization.

MEMBERSHIP DUES:
Dues shall be set by membership vote.
Membership dues are established and revised at the annual meeting.

Individual and student membership dues are $36.00.

Institutional/Corporate membership dues are $150.00.

Membership dues shall be paid on an annual basis within the first quarter of the calendar year.
VOTING:
The voting body shall consist of Individual and Institutional members in good standing. Each shall be entitled to one vote, exercised in person or by proxy, on any matter requiring a vote of the membership.
A member is considered "in good standing" if he/she has paid his/her dues. 

ARTICLE IV - OFFICERS
President
The President shall preside at all meetings of the membership. He/she shall uphold and enforce the provisions of the by-laws, be chief executive officer, and shall see that all orders and resolutions for the members are carried out. In all cases where the duties of any officer or committee are not specifically prescribed the by-laws, the officer or committee shall have duties as prescribed by the President.

Vice President

The Vice President/Treasurer shall perform the duties and have the powers of the President in the President's absence or inability. The Vice President shall assist in collection of dues from members and sponsors. The Vice President shall assist in other written correspondence as directed by the President. The Vice President shall also perform the functions of the treasurer shall be responsible for the receipt and disbursement of all funds and keep accurate records thereof. Disbursement checks must be signed by the Vice President or President. The Treasurer shall keep funds of the association in a cash box and provide a statement of funds at each regular meeting.

Secretary

The Secretary shall keep the roll of the association membership, and shall maintain a permanent record of votes, attendance, and proceedings of the association meetings. The Secretary shall assist in collection of dues from members and sponsors. The Secretary shall assist in other written correspondence as directed by the President. 

ARTICLE V - ELECTION OF OFFICERS

General:
OCBMETS is an informal association of dedicated biomedical service professionals.   Officers are appointed by periodic membership poling.  Active membership participants with a strong desire to support the efforts of the OCBMETS are eligible each year to petition for an officers position.    Election and reconfirmation of officers shall be by voice vote.
Duration of Officer's Term:
All officers are elected for a term of one year with automatic renewal in the absence of a any new petitions for officer positions.
Attendance:
It is the responsibility of the elected officers to attend all meetings.
Resignations:
Any officer may, at any time, resign by submitting his/her resignation to the other officers. This resignation shall be written and will be effective on the date indicated.
Vacancies:
Vacancies shall be filled at the discretion of the President. The person appointed to fill a vacancy shall hold office until a successor is chosen by the membership at the next meeting. 

ARTICLE VI - MEETINGS
Regular Meetings:
The regular meeting of the association shall be held on a timely basis at least four times a year.
Officer Meetings:
Officers will meet periodically to develop meeting sites and choice topics.   Association business will be conducted during officer meetings. Officer meetings will be posted in the OCBMETS web page.   Attendance is encouraged by any OCBMETS members who have an interest in servicing as an officer of the association.
Quorum:
A quorum requires 2/3rds of the association officers present during an announced and published meeting.  All attending association members who are current in their annual dues have one vote.
ARTICLE VII - AMENDMENTS AND REVISIONS
The association By-laws will be reviewed on an annual basis by the association officers.
Amendments or revisions to these by-laws can be introduced by a majority vote of the voting body.  The amendment or revision must be published and distributed to the membership at least 10 days prior to the scheduled meeting for a vote.