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Policy Statements

The following situations are examples that may lead to disbandment of an AORN chapter.

• Chapter has not applied for tax exempt status.
• Chapter has not notified Headquarters that bylaws have been reviewed annually.
  (Chapter file at Headquarters should include copy of bylaws and annual updates of changes or notices that bylaws were reviewed but not changed.)
• Chapter has history of uncashed rebate checks.
• Chapter has history of lapsed officers.
• Chapter has not seated delegates at Congress for three consecutive years.
• Chapter is conducting business in a manner that is contrary to their chapter bylaws (i.e. not holding meetings or elections as specified in the bylaws).
• Chapter is conducting business in a manner that is contrary to the National Bylaws.

Other situations may arise that merit disbanding the chapter. These situations will be reviewed on an individual basis by the Chapter Relations Coordinator, national Membership Committee chair, and national Membership Committee representative.

When a chapter is disbanded, a chapter leader must submit written notification to Headquarters with documentation about disbursement of chapter treasury funds.

Disbandment Rationale: Inactive chapters do not service members who pay chapter dues.

Ineffective or inactive chapters are maintained in the database that is used to calculate delegates. Because there is a maximum of 1,500 delegates and each chapter is guaranteed one delegate, active chapters may not receive as many delegates as they would if inactive chapters were disbanded. It is beneficial to the greater membership to officially disband an inactive chapter, thereby opening up delegate space.

Chapters that are not functioning within AORN National Bylaws put AORN's reputation in jeopardy and liability issues may arise.

Disbandment Procedure
When pertinent members of Membership Committee agree that a chapter should be disbanded, the following guidelines will apply. The chapter relations coordinator will notify the chapter leader about the following issues:

• Their chapter has been identified as an ineffective or inactive chapter and reasons are identified.
• They have the right to have a chapter consultant visit to support an attempt for chapter revival.
• An appeal policy exists.
• If chapter is disbanding, a chapter leader must submit written notification to Headquarters with documentation about disbursement of chapter treasury funds. (Chapters may donate the remaining treasury funds to the AORN Foundation)

Consultants will submit written documentation for the chapter file stating action plan for revival or reasons for disbandment.

The AORN Chapter Relations Coordinator will initiate the processing for chapter disbandment (i.e. stop-assigning members to the chapter, data file maintenance, correspondence).

Appealing a Disbandment - Policy Statement
By June 30 each year, inactive chapters must be identified and informed about risk for being disbanded or put on probation so the delegate calculations will be based on an accurate listing of active chapters.

Chapters that receive notice of disbandment may appeal the decision within two weeks of the date of disbandment.

Procedure for Appealing a Disbandment
If a chapter submits written confirmation of its interest in complying with chapter standards, the Membership Committee chair, Credentials Committee chair, and chapter relations coordinator can agree to grant a six month probation period to demonstrate the chapters potential to meet the standards.

After a six-month probation period, the Membership Committee chair and pertinent members of the Membership Committee will review the chapter's file with the chapter relations coordinator and discuss the chapter's progress. They will decide to reinstate the disbandment or continue to monitor their effectiveness for a specified time.

The chapter will not be allowed to register or seat delegates during the probationary period. If the probation period extends through June 30, the chapter will not be included in the calculation of delegates for the following Congress.

Contact the AORN Chapter Relations Coordinator at 800-755-2676, Ext. 222 for more information.