WSBA Bylaws

Recognizing the need to communicate and interact with other Biomedical Professionals of common interest and responsibilities; desiring to express ourselves and extend our knowledge through technical forums; recognizing our need for continuing education; mindful of our responsibility toward patient welfare; wishing to create understanding and encourage cooperation between members; We, the members of the Washington State Biomedical Association: adopt the following constitution and do pledge to be governed by its provisions.

  1. NAME
    1. The name of the association shall be the "Washington State Biomedical Association" (WSBA).
  2. PURPOSE
    1. The Purpose of the WSBA is to provide a forum for and to promote the Biomedical Profession. and to encourage qualified prospective individuals to join the profession. The WSBA will institute and implement other programs that will further the stature of the Biomedical Profession within the healthcare community. The association shall be non-political, non-sectarian, and non-commercial.
  3. MEMBERSHIP
    1. Classification and Qualifications
      1. Individual
        1. The individual members of the association shall be persons interested in biomedical equipment technology and its role in the health care community.
      2. Student
        1. An individual that is enrolled and attending an accredited or equivalent biomedical equipment technology program.
      3. Institution/Corporate
        1. Membership shall be available to healthcare facilities which demonstrate an interest in medical instrumentation. Each Institutional Membership shall designate a representative to represent it in the activities of the association.
    2. Membership Dues
      1. Dues shall be set by membership vote.
      2. Membership dues shall be paid on an annual basis.
    3. Voting
      1. 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.
      2. A member is considered "in good standing" if he/she has attended at leas one of the previous three meetings and has paid his dues.
  4. OFFICERS
    1. President
      1. The President shall preside at all meetings of the membership.
      2. The President 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.
      3. 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.
    2. President-Elect
      1. The President-Elect shall perform the duties and have the powers of the President in the President's absence or inability.
      2. The President-Elect will coordinate monthly meetings which includes scheduling a location and determining topic.
    3. Secretary
      1. 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.
      2. The Secretary shall assist in other written correspondence as directed by the President and/or Editor.
    4. Treasurer:
      1. The Treasurer shall be responsible for the receipt and disbursement of all funds and keep accurate records thereof.
      2. Disbursement checks must be signed by the Treasurer or President or President-Elect.
      3. The Treasurer shall deposit funds of the association in an account under the name of the association.
      4. A statement of accounts shall be submitted at each regular meeting.
  5. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
    1. General
      1. All officers shall be elected annually by the voting members. Election of officers shall be by written ballot. The candidates receiving the most votes for a given office shall be deemed elected.
    2. Duration of Officer's Term
      1. All officers are elected for a term of one year, with the exception of the President-Elect, which would advance to the position of President after a one year term.
    3. Attendance
      1. It is the responsibility of the elected officers to attend all meetings.
    4. Resignations
      1. 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.
    5. Vacancies
      1. 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 (regular or annual).
  6. MEETINGS
    1. Regular Meetings
      1. The regular meeting of the association shall be held on a timely basis at leas six times a year.
    2. Annual Meetings
      1. The annual meeting of the association shall be held at a time and place designated by the officers, to hear reports, transact business, and elect new officers.
    3. Quorum
      1. Association business may be carried out at any meeting attended by a quorum of fifty percent of the voting members.
  7. AMENDMENTS AND REVISIONS
    1. The association By-laws will be reviewed on an annual basis by the association officers.
    2. Amendments or revisions to these By-Laws shall be instituted by a majority vote of the voting body attending the designated meeting.
  8. DEFINITIONS
    1. Biomedical Equipment Technician
      1. A Biomedical Equipment Technician (BMET) is an individual who is knowledgeable about the theory of operation, the underlying physiologic principles and the ractical, safe clinical application of biomedical equipment. His/her capabilities may include installation, calibration, inspection, preventivemaintenance and repair of general biomedical equipment and related technical equipment, or supervision of equipment control, safety and maintenance programs or systems.

Revised 8/20/93
Revised 9/14/93