Disband Chapter

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

• chapter has not notified Headquarters of current officers, which must be done within one month after elections
• chapter members are not conducting themselves in a respectful/professional manner
• chapter continues to have the same officers year after year
• chapter is conducting business in a manner that is contrary to their chapter bylaws
• chapter is not following the Chapter Accountability Standards and did not comply with audit.

When a chapter is disbanded, a chapter leader will submit written notification of disbandment, along with a bank check and proof that all accounts were closed, to headquarters. The bank check should be made out to the AORN Foundation and the chapter can specify criteria for disbursement.

Disbandment Procedure
When the membership of a chapter agrees that the chapter should be disbanded, the following guidelines will apply. A Chapter Disbanding Checklist has been developed to make the disbanding procedure easier:

• When notice and check are received, the chapter number will be inactivated, chapter dues will stop being collected, and assigned members will either be transferred to another chapter within 50 miles or become members at large (MAL).
• All members in the disbanded chapter will receive notification of their new chapter status.
• AORN will notify the IRS of the chapter's inactive status.

Procedure for Appealing a Disbandment
If a chapter wishes to appeal the disbandment, they must submit written confirmation of its interest in complying with chapter accountability standards. The chapter relations coordinator can agree to grant a three month probation period to demonstrate the chapter's potential to meet the standards. After the probation period, the chapter's progress will be reviewed to identify any progress. All chapter transfers of funds will be stopped.

Other situations may arise that merit disbanding the chapter. Contact the Chapter Relations Coordinator at 800-755-2676, Ext. 222 for assistance or questions.