• home
• donate
• news
• membership
• members only
  • members only welcome
  • newsletters
  • email listserv
  • job link
  • events
  • discussion forums
  • member directory
• students
  • LBGTPA caucus student scholarships
  • student membership
• cme opportunities
• resources & links
• who we are
  • mission & values
  • our history
  • business
  • bylaws
  • leadership & contacts
• medical standards
• san diego 2009
  • schedule
  • reception to honor students
  • member appreciation reception & banquet
  • lodging
  • business agenda
• san antonio 2008

Revised BYLAWS

of the Lesbian, Bisexual, & Gay Physician Assistant Caucus of the

American Academy of Physician Assistants, Inc. [Amended, 2008]

ARTICLE I: Name

The name and title by which this Corporation shall be known is the Lesbian, Bisexual, and Gay Physician Assistant Caucus of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, Inc., herein referred to as the LBGPA.

 

ARTICLE II: Purpose and Mission

The purpose of the LBGPA shall be to engage in any lawful activities authorized by Chapter 181 of the Wisconsin Statutes.  The Corporation is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, and/or scientific purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.  To the extent consistent with the above general purposes, without limiting other activities it may undertake in furtherance of such objectives and purposes, the Corporation shall:

Section 1: EDUCATION

Plan and provide education to American Academy of Physician Assistant (AAPA) members and to other physician assistants and PA students regarding the adverse effects of sexism and homophobia on the health of people;

Section 2: PROTECTION OF RIGHTS

Assist the AAPA and the physician assistant profession in protecting the rights of Lesbians, Gay men, Bisexuals, and Transgendered individuals, who are providing or receiving health services. [Amended, 2008.]

Section 3:  MUTUAL ASSISTANCE & SUPPORT

Facilitate mutual assistance and support among Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay, and Transgendered  physician assistants and students, other Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered health professionals, and health services. [Amended, 2008.]

Section 4: COLLABORATION & COOPERATION

Work with any Committees, Caucuses, Special Interest Groups, Specialty Liaison Organizations, Task Forces, individual members, and Constituent Chapters of the AAPA concerning racism, homophobia, sexism, gender identity issues, on‑discrimination in the provision of health care services, equal opportunity in employment, education, and human rights.  [Amended 1998.]

Section 5: PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES

No substantial part of the activities of the Corporation shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation; the Corporation shall not in any way participate in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office.  Nor will the Corporation's primary activity be the operating of a social club, nor will it carry on a business with the general public in a manner similar to organizations which are operated for profit.  No part of the net earnings of the Corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to any member, director or officer of the Corporation, or any other private person, except that the Corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered to or for the Corporation and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Article 3 hereof.  Notwithstanding any other provision of these Bylaws, this Corporation shall not, except to an insubstantial degree, engage in any activities or exercise any powers that are not in furtherance of the purposes of this Corporation.

 

ARTICLE III: Classes of Membership

Section 1: FUNDAMENTAL SUPPORT OF PURPOSE & MISSION

Membership in the LBGPA shall consist of individuals who agree with and support the fundamental purpose and mission of the organization and who meet the requirements for membership as herein defined. 

Section 2: "CLOSET" STATUS

Due to the complex ways society looks upon people of non‑heterosexual sexual orientation, or  gender identity, and the discrimination and intolerance that frequently occur, members are subdivided into those who are either "out of the closet" or "in the closet" regarding their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.  This refers to an individual's choice to disclose or not disclose their Lesbian, Bisexual, or Gay sexual orientation, and/or their gender identity.  [Amended, 2008.]

Section 3: MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES

The membership shall consist of: a) fellow members who are out of the closet; b) fellow members who are in the closet; c) student members who are out of the closet; d) student members who are in the closet; e) friends who are out of the closet;  f) friends who are in the closet; g) associates who do not fit the above categories; and h) such other members as may be recognized by the Membership and Executive Committee/Board of Directors.

 Section 4:  "IN GOOD STANDING" DEFINED

All such members are in good standing if they have submitted their application form and/or have paid their annual dues as of the first Business Meeting at the National Conference.  A special symbol, label, or other externally recognizable but not easily reproducible item may be used to identify all eligible voters in good standing for the purposes voting during official Business Meetings.

Section 5: "FELLOW MEMBER" DEFINED

A fellow member shall be a physician assistant who is a graduate of a recognized PA training program and/or has been certified by a state licensing and regulation authority as a physician assistant.  Fellow members must also maintain membership in the American Academy of Physician Assistants. Fellow members in good standing may vote in any and all business conducted at the two official Business Meetings.

 Section 6: "STUDENT MEMBER" DEFINED

A student member shall be a person who is enrolled in a recognized PA training program.  Student members must also maintain student membership in the American Academy of Physician Assistants. Student members in good standing may vote in any and all business conducted at the two Business Meetings.

Section 7: "FRIEND MEMBER" DEFINED

A friend member shall consist of an individual who is not a PA or PA student, but who supports the mission and purpose of the LBGPA and wishes to support the organization.  Friend members shall be entitled to the privileges of the floor, but shall not be entitled to vote or hold office.

Section 8: "ASSOCIATE MEMBER" DEFINED

An associate member shall consist of an individual who is not a PA or PA student, but who supports the mission and purpose of the LBGPA and wishes to support the organization.  Associate members shall be entitled to the privileges of the floor, but shall not be entitled to vote or hold office.

 Section 9: APPLICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP

All applications for membership shall be in writing on an application provided by the officers and/or published in the Newsletter or available on the LBGPA Caucus website.  [Amended, 2008.]

Section 10: MEMBERSHIP FEES

Annual fees shall be established and approved by the membership for each class of membership.  Student fees will be lower than Fellow fees.  The Executive Committee may retain the prerogative for offering complimentary membership for financial hardship on a case‑by‑case and yearly basis.

 Section 11: MEMBER SUSPENSION/EXPULSION

Any member who has been suspended or expelled shall not be entitled to any of the rights or benefits of the LBGPA or be permitted to take part in any of the proceedings until reinstatement.  Terms of suspension or expulsion shall be defined in writing by one Co‑Chair and one other member of the Executive Committee.

Section 12: REINSTATEMENT OF SUSPENDED/EXPELLED MEMBER & APPEALS

Request for reinstatement must be made in writing to the Executive Committee, who will issue a decision within 45 days.  Appeals of the Executive Committee decision may be made on behalf of the expelled or suspended member by any member in good standing, to the membership at an official Business Meeting. 

 Section 13: NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

Membership in the LBGPA shall not be denied or abridged because of sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, color, creed, race, ethnic origin, religion, marital status, ability or handicap, or age. [Amended 1998.]

 

ARTICLE IV: Business Meetings

Section 1: MEETINGS

There will be two official Business Meetings of the LBGPA held during the National Conference of the AAPA. 

 Section 2: AGENDA

The format of the agenda of the Business Meetings will be: introductions, history & updates, Officer's Reports, Committee Reports, Old Business, New Business (to include nominations and/or elections for officers), announcements, and adjournment.  There will be ample opportunity to socialize before and after the meeting.  The first Business Meeting will include officer nominations or self‑declarations from the floor.  The second Business Meeting will include a closing of nominations from the floor, an opportunity for all candidates to address the membership, and the actual election.  [Amended, 2004.]

 Section 3: DECORUM

The current edition of Sturgis: Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure will be used as a resource for maintaining decorum when needed. 

 

ARTICLE V: Elections

Section 1: OFFICES

Elected officers of the LBGPA include the male co‑chair, the female co‑chair, the treasurer/membership chair, the secretary/newsletter editor committee chair. The co-chairs are synonymous with and may also be known as the President and President-Elect.  [Amended, 2004.]

Section 2: TERMS OF OFFICE

The term of office for co‑chairs shall be two (2) years, with male and female co‑chairs being elected on alternate years (male on even years, female on odd years).  The term of office for all other officers shall be one (1) year.

Section 3: ELIGIBILITY AND QUALIFICATIONS OF CANDIDATES

Candidates for office must be an AAPA member in good standing. [Amended, 2008.]

Section 4: NOMINATION OR SELF‑DECLARATION OF CANDIDACY

Nomination or self‑declaration shall be permitted in the election of officers, which will take place at the first and second Business Meetings during the national conference of the AAPA. [Amended, 2004.]

Section 5: TIME OF ELECTIONS

One co‑chair, the treasurer/membership chair, and secretary/newsletter editor will be elected at the second Business Meeting during the national conference of the AAPA. [Amended, 2004.]

Section 6: ELIGIBILITY OF VOTERS

The treasurer/membership chair shall authorize all members in good standing to be eligible to vote if present at the second Business Meeting. 

Section 7: ELECTION PROCEDURES

Voting shall be in person at the second Business Meeting of the LBGPA.  No absentee ballots or ballots by mail or proxy will be permitted.

Section 8: VOTE NECESSARY TO ELECT

Officers shall be elected by a plurality of the votes cast.  In the case of a tie, a second vote will be held.  In the event of a second tie, a lot will be drawn by the outgoing co‑chair or in the event of that officer's absence, next ranking officer who was successfully elected. 

Section 9: TIME WHEN NEW OFFICES TAKE  PLACE

The term of office for all elected officers shall begin on July 1st following the second Business Meeting.  [Amended, 2004.]

Section 10: VACANCIES IN OFFICE

In the event of a vacancy in the office of co‑chair, the other co‑chair will assume the responsibilities of the vacant office. In the event of a vacancy in the remaining offices, the remaining officers shall convene an Executive Committee session to determine how to complete the duties of the vacant office.

  

ARTICLE VI: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE/BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1: COMPOSITION

This Committee is comprised of all elected officers and the Founder(s), who serve ex-officio. Each member of the Executive Committee/Board of Directors shall have an accurate and updated copy of the confidential membership list, and the account number for the bank account.  [Amended, 2008]

Section 2: VACANCY OF OFFICE

Remaining Executive Committee members/Board of Directors shall be empowered to appoint another member to fill an unexpected vacancy of office due to resignation, incapacitation or for other dereliction of duties to serve the unexpired term until the next election.

Section 3: MEMBERSHIP FEE WAIVERS

The Executive Committee/Board of Directors shall retain the prerogative for offering complimentary membership for financial hardship on a case‑by‑case and yearly basis.

Section 4: OTHER DUTIES

Other duties to be implemented as directed by the membership, and as determined by need may be decided, until the next official Business Meeting of the membership.

 

ARTICLE VII: Duties of Officers

Section 1: CO‑CHAIRS

The Co‑chairs hold term for alternating two year terms.  

Subsection a: INCOMING CO‑CHAIR/PRESIDENT ELECT

• Submits receipts to treasurer for prompt reimbursement
• Maintains budget as approved by the membership        
• Maintains confidentiality of all members
• Liaison with AAPA official liaison to LBGPA
• Shares responsibilities with outgoing co‑chair
• Participates in Executive Committee
• Serves as a co‑signatory for the bank savings/checking account
• Other responsibilities as needed to effectively fulfill the office

Subsection b: OUTGOING CO‑CHAIR/PRESIDENT

• Submits receipts to treasurer for prompt reimbursement
• Maintains budget as approved by the membership       
• Maintains confidentiality of all members
• Presides over official Business Meetings
• Liaison with AAPA Staff for National Conference activities
• Appoints parliamentarian for official Business Meetings
• Shares responsibilities with incoming co‑chair
• Participates in Executive Committee
• Serves as a co‑signatory for the bank savings/checking account
• Other responsibilities as needed to effectively fulfill the office [Amended, 2004]

Section 2: TREASURER/MEMBERSHIP CHAIR

• Collects dues and other receipts
• Maintains accurate membership list
• Maintains bank account and budget
• Addresses membership inquiries
• Dispenses expenditures
• Receives receipts from other members for prompt reimbursement
• Maintains budget as approved by the membership       
• Maintains confidentiality of all members
• Submits necessary forms to state and federal taxing agencies
• Submits necessary reports as required by law and these Bylaws
• Participates in Executive Committee
• Serves as a co‑signatory for the bank savings/checking account
• Other responsibilities as needed to effectively fulfill the office
• If unable to participate in official Caucus meetings due to absence, the Executive Committee/Board of Directors may delegate any of the above duties to another member in good standing [Amended, 2008]

Section 3: SECRETARY/NEWSLETTER EDITOR

• Publishes, distributes official newsletter 3‑4 times yearly
• Responsible for official minutes for official Business Meetings
• Submits receipts to treasurer for prompt reimbursement
• Maintains budget as approved by the membership
• Maintains confidentiality of all members
• Participates in Executive Committee
• Other responsibilities as needed to effectively fulfill the office

Section 4: LEGISLATIVE AND POLITICAL LIAISON

• Unelected position of either immediate past co-chair, or other former officer.
• Serves as official representative to AAPA Caucus Congress
• In the event the liaison is unable or unwilling to fulfill this obligation, or if unable to attend the following year’s conference, the Executive Committee would appoint a suitable replacement to represent LBGPA Caucus in the following priorities: immediate past co-chair, past officer or member of the Board, present or past committee member, other member who has demonstrated interest, commitment, and dedication to the LBGPA.
• Act as mentor to another member of Caucus. [Amended, 2004, 2008]

Section 5:  FOUNDERS

Any of the remaining living founding Fellow PAs who are in good standing as defined in Article III Sections 4 & 5, may serve as ex-officio life members of the Executive Committee/Board of Directors.  [Amended, 2008]

 

ARTICLE  VIII: Finances, Budget & Treasury

Section 1: RESPONSIBILITY FOR MAINTAINING

The treasurer in conjunction with other members of the Executive Committee, will provide an annual budget to the Membership for approval.

Section 2: FISCAL YEAR

The fiscal year shall coincide with the calendar year, January 1through December 31.

Section 3: REMUNERATION OF BUDGETED EXPENSES

Incidental expenses will be reimbursed immediately with provision of a receipt to the treasurer, provided the expense is budgeted.  Requests for unbudgeted expenses with justification must be submitted to the treasurer for approval, prior to dispersal of funds.

Section 4: TWO SIGNATORIES REQUIRED

The signatures of two of the following three officers are required for the dispersal of any or all funds from any bank account: either of the co‑chairs, the treasurer. 

Section 5: TREASURY REPORTS

The name and address of the financial institution, the account number, and balance shall be published in the Newsletter at least once yearly as part of a Treasury Report.  Membership totals in each category will also be included at least once yearly.

 

ARTICLE IX: Committees

Section 1:  STANDING COMMITTEES

Standing Committees may be established by the Executive Committee and/or the Membership through action at the Business Meeting. Each standing committee shall be responsible for the performance, duties, and functions delegated to it by the Executive Committee. The following are the Standing Committees and their function.

Subsection a) CME: To devise and implement a process of soliciting topics and speakers for AAPA Annual Conference and to have a mechanism for serving as a liaison with the AAPA’s CME Committee.

Subsection b) Community Award: Investigates & solicits LBGT organizations or agencies in the host city for an annual award.

Subsection c) Exhibit Hall: Develops effective marketing strategy for exhibit hall booth to include decorations and resource materials. Works with Treasurer and Executive Committee who serves as liaison with AAPA & Convention Hall Management and other staff for appropriate contractual services.

Subsection d) Newsletter: Works with Secretary to compile, publish, and distribute newsletter, two to four times yearly.  Works with Web Site Committee to share information for mutual use.

Subsection e) Political: Past co-chair, or other member of Executive Committee or designee to serve as official representative to the Caucus Congress, and other entities of the AAPA.  See also Article VII Section 4.

Subsection f)  Social & Banquet: Will research and devise effective strategy for evening social activities and to work with Treasurer and Executive Committee in contracting with a banquet facility that caters to the LBGT community in the host city.

Subsection g) Student Liaison: PA Student leadership awardee to work with Executive Committee and others to outreach to other PA students.  May serve as liaison to the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA).  [Amended, 2008.]

            Subsection h) Student Scholarship: Committee head(s) appointed by Executive Committee to devise and implement process of accepting PA student applications for annual award.

Subsection i) Web Site: Works with Executive Committee to maintain web site.  Executive Committee will approve contract for any web design and/or server.  Works with Newsletter Committee to share information for mutual use. [Amended, 2004.]

Subsection j) Diversity: Works with Executive Committee to enhance outreach within LBGPA to encourage and advocate for participation of members representing the concept of “diverse”:  racial, ethnic, cultural, gender/sexual, age, etc. both within our own Caucus’ committees, but also to serve as liaisons with other Caucuses within the AAPA that serve the interests of diversity, including but not limited to: Physician Assistants of Latino Heritage, Asian Pacific Islander PAs, African Heritage Caucus, Caduceus Caucus, Caucus Congress, the AAPA Committee on Diversity.   [Amended, 2008.] 

Section 2: AD HOC COMMITTEES

Ad Hoc Committees may be established by the Executive Committee and/or the Membership through action at a Business Meeting. Each ad hoc committee shall be responsible for the performance, duties, and functions delegated to it by the Executive Committee.

 

ARTICLE X: Rules of Order

Section 1:  PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE

In the absence of any provisions to the contrary in the Constitution and Bylaws, all meetings shall be governed by the parliamentary rules and usages contained in the current edition of Sturgis: Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure.

 

ARTICLE XI: Dues and Assessments

Section 1:  DETERMINATION

The Executive Committee shall determine the amount of dues and any assessments, subject to approval of the Membership.

 

ARTICLE XII: Amendments

Section 1:  PROCEDURE

The power to amend Bylaws shall be vested solely by the Membership at Business Meetings over two successive meetings. Motions for an amendment shall be presented as a "first reading" at one of the Business Meetings during the National Conference; it will then be voted on after reintroduction as a "second reading" at the next Business Meeting at the National Conference.

Section 2: INITIATION OF MOTIONS

A motion for an amendment or repeal of Bylaws, or adoption of new Bylaws shall be initiated by the Executive Committee or an individual Member in good standing. 

Section 3:  PUBLICATION OF MOTIONS

The proposed amendment or change shall be printed and distributed to each member through the Newsletter, and at least 30 days prior to the start of the National Conference. 

Section 4: CHANGES OR AMENDMENTS

Changes to the amendment, or amendments to the amendment, may be considered after the second reading, as long as there are no substantive changes to the original amendment.

Section 5: VOTING

Amendments require a 2/3 majority of eligible members in good standing present for adoption.  Absentee or proxy ballots are not allowed.  Motions that fail must be reintroduced and repeat this process.

 

ARTICLE XIII:  Initial Approval of Bylaws

Section 1: ADOPTION

These Bylaws must be adopted by a 2/3 majority of the membership during an official Business Meeting at the National Conference.

Section 2: FOUNDING

Subsection a) As the LBGPA was founded by Physician Assistants and students May 19, 1979 in New York, first approved as an official Caucus of the American Academy of Physician Assistants by the House of Delegates, May 24, 1980 in New Orleans, and finally approved by House of Delegate Resolution 81‑E‑17 in San Diego, the approval of these Bylaws will retroactively authorize application for IRS section 501(c)(3) status in 1996.

Subsection b) The three official Founders of the LBGPA Caucus were: Ron Vachon, PA-C (deceased), Clover Jacobson, PA-C, and Mark Behar, PA-soon-to-be-student.

Vachon was a New York Physician Assistant active in the area of education, counseling, alcohol abuse, Gay & Lesbian community center development, and later HIV/AIDS.  He was active in the American Public Health Association’s STD Taskforce and later the Gay & Lesbian Public Health Workers, as well as the LGPA (as it was then known) until his death circa early 1990s.

Jacobson was a physician assistant who collaborated with Vachon and Behar to develop a plan for a lesbian and gay PA educational and social support group, especially during the profession’s annual conferences.  Her business relationship with her lifelong spouse who was also a  physician occupied more time than she could devote to PA professional activities, and she dropped out of sight in the mid 1980s.  

Behar started PA training in August of 1979, but was already accepted into the George Washington University PA program. His friendship with and association with Ron Vachon through the American Public Health Association’s STD Taskforce in the early 1970s predated the Gay & Lesbian Health Workers which was established around 1975.  Behar’s work with gay STD clinics in the mid 1970s helped to usher in an organizational response to not only STDs such as gonorrhea, syphilis, and hepatitis B, but also the HIV/AIDS crisis in the early and mid-1980s.  His group, the National Coalition of Gay STD Services (comprised of most of the nation’s largest Gay health clinics in the 1970s & ‘80s), helped write and disseminate one of the world’s first risk reduction brochures on safer sex, “Guidelines & Recommendations for Healthful Gay Sexual Activity.” These early discussions, using the APHA model, evolved into what is now the LBGPA Caucus.  [Amended, 2008.]

 

Article XIV: Indemnification

Each current and former officer and official committee member shall be indemnified by the LBGPA Caucus, Inc. against liability while acting properly for the Corporation on its behalf.  If the Executive Committee approves by appropriate resolution, such indemnification may include reasonable attorney's fees and expenses actually and necessarily incurred in defense of an action, suit, or proceeding brought against such a person.  Such indemnification may be achieved through liability insurance.  [amended, 2002.]