Maryland Rehabilitation Association

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS OF THE

MARYLAND REHABILITATION ASSOCIATION

ARTICLE I – NAME

The name of this association shall be the Maryland Rehabilitation Association, a Chapter of the National Rehabilitation Association, and shall follow the rules and regulations set forth in the Bylaws of the National Rehabilitation Association. Hereafter, the Maryland Rehabilitation Association shall be referred to as the Chapter.

Adopted October 19, 1989

Amended October 19, 1990

Amended October 13, 1994

Amended April 20, 1998

Amended October 10, 2011

ARTICLE II – PURPOSE

SECTION 1.     PURPOSE:

MRA is an inter-disciplinary, professional organization committed to promoting best practices in rehabilitation services for people with disabilities and to supporting professionals in the field. This mission is accomplished through inter-disciplinary communication, educational activities, legislative advocacy, and organizational growth and development.

a.         COMMUNICATIONS. To promote best practices in rehabilitation through

            provision of an interdisciplinary forum for networking and exchange of ideas.

b.         EDUCATION.             To stimulate educational activities for the benefit of Chapter members, their facilities and programs and the individuals and communities they serve.

c.          LEGISLATION.           To establish and maintain an information services system that advises membership and other public and private organizations about legislation that affects the well being of individuals with disabilities.

d.         ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT.          To provide an organizational structure that will facilitate the growth and development of a responsive rehabilitation association.

ARTICLE III – DEFINITIONS

For the purpose of this Constitution –



1.                  Association shall mean the National Rehabilitation Association.

2.                  Chapter shall refer to the Maryland Rehabilitation Association, a state chapter of the National Rehab Association, affiliated with the association for the purpose of advancing its objectives and policies at the local level.

3.                  Board shall mean Board of Directors of the Maryland Rehabilitation Association.

4.                  Regions shall mean an administrative unit of the association comprised of a geographical area designated by the Board.

5.                  Division shall mean an entity of the Chapter, which has been organized to promote professional interests and is subject to the Board of Directors approval.

ARTICLE IV – MEMBERSHIP

SECTION I.      Criteria for Membership

All Maryland members in good standing of the National Rehabilitation Association are members of the Chapter and enjoy the same rights, privileges and duties in this Chapter as they do in the National Rehabilitation Association. Chapter members must adhere to the Code of Ethics of the NRA.

SECTION II.    Classes of Membership

The available Levels of membership for this Association, in accordance with National Rehabilitation criteria, shall be:

Level 1 - MEMBER,

Level 2 - AFFILIATE,

Level 3 - NEW PROFESSIONAL,

Level 4 - STUDENT, and

Level 5 - ORGANIZATION.

Levels of membership and associated privileges and benefits are stipulated in Article IV, Sections 1 & 2 of the Association’s Constitution.

1.      Membership shall be available to individuals and organizations who annually contribute a membership fee equal to the amount approved by the Board for each level of membership.

2.      Levels of Membership:

a.       Level 1: Professional – Eligible for all benefits of membership in the Association including voting privileges, copies of Contemporary Rehab and the Journal of Rehabilitation, Division Membership, may hold elected office at any level of the Association, and is represented in the NRA Delegate Assembly.

b.      Level 2: Affiliate – available to non-credentialed support/technical staff or retirees (professional or non-professional); is eligible for voting privileges, copies of Contemporary Rehab, Division Membership, may hold office at the local, state or regional level, and is represented in the NRA Delegate Assembly.

c.       Level 3: New Professional – available to recent graduates who were Student members of NRA the previous year; available for one single year period; is eligible for all the benefits of Level 1 membership.

d.      Level 4: Student -- available to full time students with faculty verification; is eligible for all the benefits of Level 1 membership.

e.       Level 5: Organization – available to facility director/CEO and 4 designated employees; CEO and 4 designees are eligible for all the benefits of Level 1 membership.

f.        Life and Individual Members -- Life and Individual members receive/enjoy full voting privileges, representation in the Delegate Assembly, copies of Contemporary Rehab and the Journal of Rehabilitation, and may hold office at any level in the Association.

Life membership is no longer offered to new or renewing members, but existing Life Members are recognized as members of the Association. Definitions of each Level of Membership and the dues for each Level shall be outlined in the Association Bylaws.

SECTION III.   Privileges of Membership

a.       Chapter members in good standing as described in Section 1 shall be entitled to:

1.      Hold office, serve as a member of the Board of Directors of the Association and/or as Chairperson or member of any committee.

2.      Participate in the annual Chapter meeting or a special meeting of the Chapter.

3.      Vote in the election of officers and/or any matter of business coming before membership at any meeting of the Chapter.

4.      Receive all official publications of the Chapter.

5.      Hold membership in state chapters of any of the recognized divisions of the National Rehabilitation Association.

ARTICLE V – MEETING OF THE MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1.     Annual Chapter Meeting

Each year there shall be a meeting of the membership which shall be known as the Annual Chapter Meeting.

SECTION 2.     Special Meetings of the Membership

Special meetings may be called:

a. By the President, or in his/her absence, the President-Elect, with the approval of the Board of Directors.

b.      Upon petition of ten members filed with the Secretary setting forth the matters of business to be discussed at such special meeting.

SECTION 3.     Notice of Meeting

a.       Notice of the Annual Chapter Meeting shall be given in writing to all members at least 45 days prior to the date set for such meeting

b.      Notice of special meeting shall be given in writing to all members at least 10               days prior to date set for such meeting.

SECTION 4.     Quorum

a.                   Annual Chapter Meeting – A quorum shall consist of the members present

b.                  Special – A quorum shall consist of 12 voting members

ARTICLE VI – OFFICERS

SECTION 1.     Elective Officers

The elective officers of the Chapter shall be the President, President-Elect, Secretary and Treasurer.

SECTION 2.     Regional Representatives

One Representative shall be selected from the respective membership of each of the four sections of the state: Central, Eastern, Southern and Western. The sections shall be composed of the following counties:

Central:           Baltimore County, Baltimore City, Harford, Howard

Eastern:          Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico and Worcester

Southern:       Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince Georges and St. Mary’s

Western:        Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Montgomery and Washington

SECTION 3.     Election of Officers

Officers shall be elected at the Annual meeting of the membership and shall assume the responsibility of their elected offices on January 1 following the Annual Chapter

Meeting at which they were elected.

SECTION 4.     Terms of Office

The President and President-Elect shall serve one year. The Secretary and Treasurer shall serve for two years.

SECTION 5.     Filling of Vacancies

a.       If the office of the President is vacated, the President-Elect shall become President to serve for the duration of the term.

b.      Should any office other than that of the President be vacated, the Board of Directors at a time not to extend beyond the next scheduled Board Meeting shall elect a Chapter Member to serve the remainder of the term in the vacated office.

SECTION 6.     Duties of Officers

The duties of the elected officers of the Chapter are those usually pertaining to their positions and shall include the following specific duties assigned to each office:

a.                   President

1.                  Calling all meetings of the membership and the Board of Directors.

2.                  Presiding over meetings of the membership and the Board of Directors.

3.                  Appointing chairperson of all standing special committees

4.                  Appointing members of all standing and special committees in consultation with the chairperson of these committees.

5.                  Serving as ex-officio member of all committees.

6.                  Serving as the Chapter’s official representative during his/her term in office.

7.                  Shall arrange an audit to be done annually.

b.                  President-Elect

The President-Elect will assist the President in the discharge of his/her duties and will preside at meetings of the Chapter of the Board of Directors in the absence of the President. In cases of inability from any cause of the President to act, the President-Elect will perform the duties of the Office of President.

c.                   Secretary

The Secretary shall be responsible for preparation and distribution of the minutes of all meetings of the membership, and Board of Directors. The Secretary shall also maintain a current list of members of the Chapter and shall, under the direction of the President, issue notices of meetings of the Chapter and the Board of Directors. The Secretary shall perform such other duties as may be required by these Bylaws or assigned by the Board of Directors or President.

d.                  Treasurer

The Treasurer shall review the books and records of financial transactions of the Chapter. The Treasurer shall determine that accurate and adequate accounts of Chapter business transactions are kept. The Treasurer shall present an annual proposed budget for review and approval by the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall perform such other duties as may be required by these Bylaws or assigned by the Board of Directors of President.

e.                   Immediate Past-President

The Immediate Past President shall assist the President in the discharge of his/her duties. In the case of inability from any cause of both the President and the President-Elect to act, the Past President will perform the duties of the Office of President.

ARTICLE VII– BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SECTION 1.     Composition of the Board

The Board of Directors shall consist of:

a.                 Four elective officers – President, President-Elect, Secretary and Treasurer.

b.         The Representative from each recognized National Rehabilitation

            Association Division

b.                Ex-officio Members include:

All chairpersons of standing committees

All Regional Representatives

Any National or Regional Chapter Officer/Board member

Student Representatives to the Board

SECTION 2.     Votes of the Board

Elective members, division president and ex-officio members hold full voting privileges.

SECTION 3.     Filling of Vacancies

In case of inability from any cause of the President or President-Elect to act, the Board will elect an individual to perform the duties on an acting basis. Vacancies arising other than specified in the Bylaws shall be filled by the Board of Directors.

SECTION 4.     Meetings of the Board of Directors.

a.                   The Board of Directors shall meet at least four times per year. The first meeting shall be held prior to January 31 following the Annual Meeting of the Chapter.

b.                  Meetings may be called by the President or, in his/her absence, by the President-Elect, or upon written petition of five Board Members. Such petition shall be directed to the President and a copy filed by the Secretary listing the items of business to be considered, and this request shall be incorporated in the minutes of such meetings.

c.                   At no time can a Board of Directors meeting be held without the President and/or President-Elect or acting designee.

SECTION 5.     Quorum

Six members are required for the Board to conduct business.

SECTION 6.     Notice of Meeting

a.       Notice of time and place of all regular Board meetings shall be given in writing at least 30 days prior to the date of the meeting.

b.      Notice of special Board meetings – same as above except ten days notice and an agenda shall be included in the notice.

SECTION 7.     Powers of the Board of Directors

The Board shall have the power to conduct and oversee the affairs of the Chapter subject to the limitations established by these Bylaws and the action of the membership. Its duties shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

a.                   Adoption of fiscal year of the Chapter

b.                  Adoption of operating budget and authorization to its officers to carry out the activities authorized by the budget.

c.                   Designation of the address of the Chapter.

d.         Designation of person or persons to sign and countersign all checks, drafts and orders for the payment of money, or obligate the Chapter by signing of notes, orders or promises to pay.

e.         Designation of banks at which Chapter funds shall be deposited and authorize the opening of bank accounts.

f.          Receive, use, hold and invest any funds of the Chapter, and use the same or the proceeds thereof for the Chapter or for any of its activities set forth in its objectives.

g.             Adoption of rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out its

responsibilities and effectively administer the affairs of the Chapter.

h.             Approve the dates of regional meetings

i.                Appoint Chapter members to fill vacancies

SECTION 8.     Executive Committee

a.       The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, President-Elect, Immediate Past President, Secretary and Treasurer.

b.      The Executive Committee shall be entrusted with Powers to act for the Board in the interim between Board meetings and may convene at the call of the President.

ARTICLE VIII – COMMITTEES

SECTION 1.     Standing Committees

Standing committees of the Chapter are Education/Training, Legislative, Membership and Awards. Not later than 60 days after taking office, the President shall confirm a chairperson and members of these committees.

SECTION 2.     Terms of Committee Chairpersons

The chairpersons of committees shall serve until the next election of officers following their appointment, or until their successors are named. The President may, at any time, remove a standing committee chairperson and appoint a successor.

SECTION 3.     Duties of the Standing Committees

The duties and composition of the Standing Committees are a matter of record and are available to the membership upon request.

SECTION 4.     Ad Hoc Committees

The President, with approval of the Board, has the authority to appoint Ad Hoc Committees and members to serve on those Committees.

ARTICLE IX – ELECTIONS

SECTION 1.     Election of Officers

The officers of the Chapter shall be elected at the Annual Chapter Meeting.

SECTION 2.     Requirements for the Election of Officers

A majority vote of those present at the Annual Meeting shall be necessary for election.

SECTION 3.     Ballot

The election of officers shall be determined by a majority vote by written and absentee ballots.

ARTICLE X – FISCAL POLICY

SECTION 1.     Bonding

The Board may require the Treasurer be bonded and if such requirement is made, the cost of the bond shall be paid from Association funds.

SECTION 2.     Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of the Association shall begin on January 1 and end on December 31.

SECTION 3.     Audits

The accounts of the Association shall be audited as soon as practical following the end of each fiscal year and prior to a new Treasurer assuming office.

SECTION 4.     Expenses.

Any expense deemed by the Board as reasonable and proper liability of the Association may be paid from the Treasury.

Article XI - Conflict of Interest

Members of MRA shall not engage in any employment, activity or enterprise which has been or may be determined to be inconsistent, incompatible or in conflict with duties, functions, ethics or responsibilities of their NRA or MRA membership.

            ARTICLE XII– AMENDMENTS

SECTION 1.     Proposed Amendments

Amendments to the Bylaws may be proposed by any members and filed with the Secretary. A proposed amendment shall be considered by the Board, with the advice of the Bylaws Committee, and if approved by the Board, shall be submitted to the membership.

SECTION 2.     Adoption of Amendments

Amendments may be adopted at any annual or special meeting of the Chapter upon majority vote of the members present, providing the Board has mailed to all members a copy of the proposed amendments 30 days prior to the annual meeting or 10 days prior to the special meeting of the Chapter.

SECTION 3.     Amendments

Amendments to the Bylaws are a matter of record and are available to the membership upon request.

Constitution and By-Laws of the Mid-Atlantic Region NRA

Part I—Constitution

In accordance with Article X of the Constitution of the National Rehabilitation Association, Inc. (NRA, Inc.) there is hereby created an organization to further the purposes of that Association, within the geographic limits of the Mid-Atlantic Region as designated by the Board of Directors of the National Rehabilitation Association, Inc.

Article I: Name

The name of this organization shall be the National Rehabilitation Association - Mid-Atlantic Region.

Article II: Purpose

The purpose of the National Rehabilitation Association - Mid-Atlantic Region is to provide an opportunity for all persons interested in the rehabilitation of people with disabilities to work together for the improvement and extension of rehabilitation services, to elect a member to the Board of Directors of the National Rehabilitation Association, Inc., and consistent with the Constitution and By-Laws of the National Rehabilitation Association, Inc., and policies established by the National Board of Directors to do any other thing to promote rehabilitation by:

Increasing public understanding of the benefits of rehabilitation.

Providing a forum for the discussion of all problems related to rehabilitation.

Encouraging an inter-disciplinary approach to the solution of the problems of rehabilitation.

Fostering research to advance knowledge and skills to improve rehabilitation services.

Developing professional standards for rehabilitation personnel and services.

Developing professional training opportunities for all persons engaged in rehabilitation.

Article III: Membership

All members in good standing in the National Rehabilitation Association, Inc., in residence in the Mid-Atlantic Region are entitled to membership in this association.

Article IV: Administration

Section 1. Officers. Officers of the National Rehabilitation Association - Mid-Atlantic Region shall be President, President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, the Immediate Past-President, hereinafter referred to as the Past President, and the Mid-Atlantic Region Representative to the NRA Board.

Section 2. Board of Directors.

The Board shall consist of the elective officers of the Region, its Past-President, the Mid-Atlantic Region Representative to the NRA Board and two representatives from each active State Chapter. The two representatives shall be either elected by the membership or Board of the State Chapter or be designated by the State Chapter By-Laws. The Chapter Presidents will notify the President of the Mid-Atlantic Region in writing as to the representatives from each State Chapter by January 1 of each year.

Section 3. Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall consist of the elected officers, the Mid-Atlantic Region Representative to the NRA Board and the Past President.

Article V: Nominations and Elections

Section 1. Nominating Committee. There shall be a Nominating Committee composed of one member from each Chapter in the Mid-Atlantic Region appointed by the Mid-Atlantic Region President. The Past-President of the National Rehabilitation Association - Mid-Atlantic Region shall be Chair~~man~~ of the committee, voting only in case of a tie.

Section 2. Elections. The election of all officers and a member from the Mid-Atlantic Region to serve on the Board of Directors of the National Rehabilitation Association, Inc., shall be held at the Annual Regional Conference or as otherwise provided for in the By-Laws of the National Rehabilitation Association - Mid-Atlantic Region.

Article VI: Meetings

There shall be held annually a meeting open to all members of the National Rehabilitation Association - Mid-Atlantic Region, designated the Annual Regional Conference, at a time and place determined by the Executive Committee.

Article VII: By-Laws

To implement this Constitution, the members may adopt By-Laws not inconsistent with this document, or the Constitution and By-Laws of the National Rehabilitation Association, Inc. Such By-Laws shall be adopted by a majority vote of the members at an Annual Regional Conference.

Article VIII: Amendments

The Constitution of the Mid-Atlantic Region may be amended as follows:

a.) An amendment approved by a majority of the Board of Directors of the Mid- Atlantic Region may be adopted by a majority of the vote of the Directors present and voting at the Annual Regional Conference provided that the proposed change is distributed to all members at least 30 days prior to the meeting during which such action is taken.

b.) All such proposals, once approved by the Mid-Atlantic Region Board of Directors shall be submitted to the Constitution and By-Laws committee of the National Rehabilitation Association, and if approved, submitted to the NRA Board of Directors for final approval.

Article IX: Quorum

A quorum at any business meeting shall be at least 51% of the identified Board Members and Officers.

Article X: Repeal of Prior Provisions

All provisions of previous Constitutions and By-Laws of the National Rehabilitation Association regions within the geographic boundaries of the Mid-Atlantic Region are hereby repealed.

Article XI: Provisions for Dissolution of the Region

Upon the affirmative vote of a majority of the Mid-Atlantic Region Board of Directors and two thirds of the membership of the active State Chapters, this organization may be dissolved.

In such event, any assets remaining in the name of the Mid-Atlantic Region will be proferred to the National Rehabilitation Association (NRA, Inc.).

Article XII: Avoiding Conflict

a) Any provision of this Constitution and By-Laws or any amendment thereto which is in conflict with the Constitution and By-Laws of the NRA Inc., shall be deemed to be null and void but such portion so held to be null and void shall not affect the validity or effectiveness of any other portion thereof.

b) Officers and voting members of the Mid-Atlantic Region shall not engage in any employment, activity, or enterprise which has been or may be determined to be inconsistent, incompatible, or in conflict with duties, functions, ethics or responsibilities of their NRA or Mid-Atlantic Regional membership. Any member that identifies a conflict of interest, the member will abstain from voting on that subject.

Part II—By-Laws

Article I: By-Laws

This document shall be known as the By-Laws of the National Rehabilitation Association - Mid-Atlantic Region, a division of the National Rehabilitation Association, Inc.

Article II: Definitions

For the purpose of these By-Laws:

Association shall mean National Rehabilitation Association, Inc.

Region shall mean the National Rehabilitation Association - Mid-Atlantic Region.

Board shall mean the Board of Directors of the National Rehabilitation Association - Mid-Atlantic Region.

NRA Board Member shall mean a member elected by the membership of the National Rehabilitation Association - Mid-Atlantic Region to serve on the Board of Directors of the National Rehabilitation Association, Inc.

5. Annual Regional Conference shall mean the annual meeting and/or training conference to be held at a time, date and location determined by the Executive Committee.

Article III: Membership

Section 1. Privileges of Membership. All members in good standing in the National Rehabilitation Association and their active State Chapter shall be entitled to vote as a member and to attend all Regional meetings. The fiscal year of the Region shall begin on January 1 of each calendar year and end on December 31.

Section 2. Grievances. Any member who believes that they have been duly mistreated by another member or officer has the ability to file a grievance. If against another member, the grievance will be filed with the Mid-Atlantic Region President who will appoint a committee of three Board Members to investigate and determine if the grievance is worthy of further action. If the grievance is against the President of the Mid-Atlantic Region, then the grievance will be submitted to the President of NRA for consideration and further action. The report of any grievances filed will be documented and filed by the Mid-Atlantic Region President to the NRA President.

Section 2 3. Fees. There shall be no membership fee required of Regional members in excess of those of the Association.

Article IV: Officers

Section 1. Elective Officers. The elective officers of this Region shall be the President, President-Elect, Secretary, and Treasurer.

Section 2. Election of Officers. Regional officers shall be elected to serve for one year or until their successors are duly elected and qualified as hereinafter provided, with the exception of the Treasurer, who shall be elected for a term of three (3) years.

Section 3. Eligibility for Elective Officers. Membership in the Association and an active State Chapter in the Mid-Atlantic Region are prerequisites to eligibility for elective office in the Region.

Section 4. Past-President. The outgoing President of the Region shall automatically assume the position of Past-President and shall serve for a term of one year or until their successor is duly elected and qualified, as hereinafter provided.

Section 5. Duties of ~~Elective~~ Officers.

President. The President shall be the directing head of the Region and shall preside over all meetings of the membership, the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee. The President shall perform all duties and exercise all power and authority ordinarily incident to the office and shall recommend to the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee such actions as deemed proper. The President shall prepare an annual report of the Region as prescribed by the Association. In the event that the Mid-Atlantic Region Representative can not attend an NRA Board Meeting, the President will appoint a Representative for that meeting. The term of the President shall be for one year.

President-Elect. The President-Elect shall perform all the duties and exercise all the duties of the President during the President’s absence or inability to act. In the event the office of President becomes vacant, the President-Elect shall assume the duties of the President. The President-Elect shall perform other duties as the Board of Directors may determine. The President-Elect shall assume the Presidency effective January 1 following ~~this~~ each annual election. The term of the President-Elect shall be for one year after which the President-Elect shall become the President for a period of one year, without further election.

Secretary. The Secretary shall record the meetings of the membership, Board of Directors, and Executive Committee. The Secretary shall be responsible for the custody of all books and records of the Region. In the event the offices of the President and President-Elect become vacant, the Secretary shall exercise the powers of the Presidency until that office is filled as hereinafter provided. The term of the Secretary shall be for one year.

Treasurer. The Treasurer shall receive and disburse all monies and keep full and accurate accounts of the same, and shall be responsible for maintaining the records and safe guarding the funds of the Region. The treasurer shall prepare reports as requested by the Board, the Executive Committee, the President and the membership. The term of the Treasurer shall be for three years.

The Mid Atlantic Region Representative to the NRA Board.The National Board Member representing the Region shall serve on the Regional Board and shall represent the Region on the National Board. The Mid-Atlantic Region Representative to the NRA Board will also serve on the NRA Nominating Committee representing the Region. Upon election, the Mid-Atlantic Region Representative shall serve a term of three years, beginning on January 1 following the election. Compensation to the Mid-Atlantic Region Representative is defined in the By-Laws of the Mid- Atlantic Region, Article IX, Sec. 3.

6. The Past-President. The Past-President shall chair and coordinate the

responsibilities of the Nominations, Elections, and Credentials Committee.

In the event the offices of the President, President-Elect, Secretary and

Treasurer become vacant, the Past President shall exercise the powers

of the Presidency until that office is filled as hereinafter provided. The term of

the Past-President shall be for one year.

Article V: Board of Directors

Section 1. Composition of the Board. The Board shall consist of the elective officers of the Region, its Past-President, the Regional Representative to the NRA Board and two representatives from each active State Chapter. The two representatives shall be either elected by the membership or Board of the State Chapter or be designated by the State Chapter By-Laws. The Chapter President will notify the President of the Mid- Atlantic Region in writing as to the representatives from each State Chapter by January 1 of each year.

Section 2. Responsibilities and Powers of the Board. The Board of Directors shall conduct the affairs of the Region consistent with the Constitution and By-Laws of the National Rehabilitation Association, Inc., and the policies of the Board of Directors of that corporation. Also included within the responsibilities and powers of the Board of Directors are:

a) Adopting policies governing all fiscal affairs of the Region.

b) Appointing standing and special committees, prescribing their functions and the terms of their members and hearing and acting on committee reports.

c) Establishing advisory groups, prescribing their functions and membership and hearing and acting on their reports.

d) Serving as the final judge of the results of elections of the Region.

e) Proposing resolutions and other policy statements or changes to the Region.

f) Instructing the President to call meetings of membership and the Region, setting the time and place of such meetings and notifying the membership of such meetings.

g) Formulating and carrying out agreements with other organizations whose purposes are in harmony with those of the Region when such agreements will advance and promote the purpose of the Region. A full report of the transactions under this provision will be made to the Region.

h) Adopting such rules and regulations as may be necessary for carrying out the activities authorized by this Constitution and By-Laws adopted by the Region, including rules and regulations necessary in connection with the development and maintenance of effective relationships with other regional organizations and regional divisions to assure the performance of the Mid-Atlantic Region in this Constitution and Bylaws.

i) Maintaining effective liaison with the NRA.

j) Initiating, formulating and carrying out the Annual Regional Conference

k) Establishing the official regional year of business transactions and terms of office as defined by the Constitution and By-Laws.

l) Adopting a budget and authorizing all officers, board members and committees to carry out the activities set forth in the approved budget.

m) Assigning duties to the officers of the Region not ordinarily associated with their positions as need be.

Section 6. Board Vacancies. Should both the offices of President and President-Elect become vacant, on nomination of the Executive Committee, the Board of Directors shall elect a President to complete the unexpired term. Voting on the nomination(s) of the Executive Committee may be done by US Postal Service or electronic mail. All power and responsibilities of the National Rehabilitation Association—Mid-Atlantic Region, not inconsistent with its Constitution and By-Laws, shall be vested in the Board. Order of rank to become Acting President is Secretary, Treasurer, and ~~Immediate~~ Past-President.

Section 7. Meetings of the Board. The Board of Directors shall meet at least annually at the Annual Regional Conference Special meetings may be called by the President. Board members will be given notice at least 15 days prior to the proposed date of the special meeting. Such notification shall contain information concerning the time and place of the meeting and shall set forth specific items on which action is sought.

Article VI: Executive Committee

Section 1. Composition of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall consist of the elected officers, the Mid Atlantic Region Representative to of the National Rehabilitation Association, Inc., Board of Directors and the ~~Immediate~~ Past President.

Section 2. Responsibilities and Powers of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall have and may exercise all the powers of the Board of Directors which may be lawfully delegated when the Board is not in session but it shall not amend or modify any action previously taken by the Board. The Executive Committee shall keep a record of its activities and report the same to the Board. The Executive Committee shall audit the books and accounts of the Secretary and the Treasurer, or cause the same to be done, and report the same to the membership at the Annual Regional ~~National~~ Conference.

Section 4. Quorum. A quorum shall exist of four Executive Committee members, of which one member must be the President, President-Elect or Acting President.

Article VII: Meetings

Section 1. Notice of Meeting. The Region members shall be given written notice of the ~~National~~ Annual Regional Conference at least 60 days prior to the date of the conference setting forth the time and place of the meeting and the proposed program.

Article VIII: Committees

Section 1. Appointment of Standing Committees. The President with approval of the Board shall appoint ~~members to the following standing committees and designate~~ the Chair~~man~~ of each: Nominations, Elections, and Credentials Committee and the Constitution and By-laws Committee. ~~Additional committees may be appointed as deemed necessary.~~

~~Section 2. Duties of Committees. The duties of the standing committees shall include the following with additional related duties assigned by the President or Board as needed:~~

Section 2. Nominations, Elections, and Credentials Committee.

a) The Nominations, Elections, and Credentials Committee shall conduct the election of all officers and the NRA Board member as outlined herein.

b) The Nominations, Elections, and Credentials Committee shall consist of the Past-President; the Mid-Atlantic Region Representative to the NRA Board and one member from each active State Chapter in the Region, as appointed by the President. The Past-President shall be chairperson of the Committee, voting only in case of a tie.

c) The official ballot to be used during the annual election shall be sent to the membership no later than November 1st of each year. Members desiring to vote must return their completed ballot to the designated addressee dated no later than November 15th of the year in order to be a legal vote. There shall be appropriate spaces for write-in selections for all positions.

d) Officers shall be elected by a mail or electronic ballot. Receipt of the electronic

mail must be acknowledged. Should there be no receipt of acknowledgment,

the ballot will be mailed. Ballots will be mailed to those who cannot be

reached electronically. The Election shall be conducted under such

rules/regulations adopted by the Board. Officers shall assume the offices to

which they have been elected on January 1 subsequent to election.

e) Following the counting of all official ballots, the Chair of the Nominations,

Elections, and Credentials Committee shall report the results to the President

who shall make the results known by announcement and notice to the

members.

f) An officer or NRA Board member must receive the highest number of votes

cast for that office in order to be elected. In the event of a tie, lots will be

drawn to decide the winner.

Section 3. Constitution and By-Laws Committee

a) ~~The President shall appoint the chairperson for the Constitution and By-Laws Committee.~~