Delegates delay dues increase; approve changes in committee and task force structure and proposed statement on bloodborne pathogens: Monday, April 22, to Thursday, April 25, 2002 - Business Sessions

AORN Journal, July, 2002 by Nancy K. Kuehl

During the 49th annual AORN Congress in Anaheim, Calif, AORN delegates took up a variety of business issues, including postponing the dues increase, looking at adding several special voting categories, giving voting rights to more AORN members, and changing the bylaws. In addition, delegates received updates from a variety of task forces.

FIRST FORUM

AORN President Sheila L. Allen, RN, BSN, CNOR, CRNFA, convened the first Forum at 7:45 AM and the first House of Delegates at 1 PM on Monday, April 22. There was much discussion on proposed bylaws changes, and the House, which had 1,289 authorized delegates, voted to reconvene on Wednesday from 3 to 3:30 PM before the second Forum.

Government affairs. Karen Sealander, JD, of McDermott, Will & Emery, Washington, DC, spoke about the importance of members becoming involved in lobbying efforts. "Your personal involvement is vital, and I know you can be effective advocates," she said. Sealander reviewed the Association's activities on the Medicare Certified RN First Assistant Direct Reimbursement Act of 2001 (HR 822) during the past year. She also showed part of the videotape that chronicles the events of the Federal Affairs Conference and Lobby Day in June 2001, and encouraged delegates to attend the 2002 AORN Lobby Day.

Governance Task Force. Charlotte Guglielmi, RN, BSN, CNOR, chair of the Governance Task Force, said that in response to charges from the 2001 House of Delegates, the Task Force communicated with members in a number of different ways and found they want more opportunities for representation in the Association. The group identified three areas for further representation, including specialty assembly members, past Presidents, and Golden Gavel members.

The Task Force proposed bylaws changes to provide for representation of these groups in the House of Delegates. These bylaws changes would give each specialty assembly and the Golden Gavel two delegates and allow all past Presidents to serve as delegates. The Governance Task Force, however, estimated that only 17 past Presidents would participate at any one time based on their attendance at past Congresses.

Marlene Craden, RN, BSN, CNOR, CRNFA, Buffalo, NY, said she had concerns regarding specialty assembly representation in the House. "It seems to me that the method to be influential is to participate," said Craden, adding that the change may lead to "politicizing and fragmenting our organization into blocks." Jane Murphy, RN, CS, MS, CPNP, Boston, said she saw the motion "as an opportunity to broaden participation by adding special interest group input." Ruth Shumaker, RN, BSN, CNOR, Canton, Miss, said she "still believes that many people feel disenfranchised"; therefore, she was planning to bring a motion before the House of Delegates to increase the number of delegates from 1,500 to 3,000.

Della Williams, RN, Atlanta, expressed concern that the number of past President delegates could give the impression of "block voting." Linda Groah, RN, MS, CNOR, CNAA, FAAN, responded that the past Presidents represent only 1.6% of the House of Delegates, and that delegate status would be optional for past Presidents.

Susan Hartman, RN, Baltimore, asked why a fixed number of Golden Gavel delegates had been chosen rather than a percentage, as is done for chapter representation. Guglielmi said that the base number from the chapter formula was used, which is two.

The Governance Task Force also proposed that the bylaws be changed to replace standing committees with committees and task forces that will be determined on an annual basis. According to President-elect Donna Watson, RN, MSN, CNOR, ARNP, FNP-C, the three keys to sustaining success for any association are a reputation for value, an enjoyable culture, and a nimble infrastructure. "The intent of this motion is not to do away with the standing committees," said Watson. "The motion will allow for flexibility that is critical to continue to promote a nimble infrastructure." The new structure also would allow for more participation from the members, said Watson.

Linda Savage, RN, BS, CNOR, Ft Myers, Fla, said it is important to have continuity on committees. Watson responded that the Board reviewed this issue and established guidelines for mentoring and development of committees.

"One method used to run for national office is to serve on committees," said Esther Chereck, RN, MS, CNOR, Lake Forest, Ill. She supports increasing the number of members on individual committees (eg, the Recommended Practices Committee).

The Governance Task Force also proposed a change in the bylaws that would allow the House of Delegates to act between annual Congresses. Allowing the House to act on matters between Congresses would enhance the Association's ability to conduct business in a timely fashion, said Watson. The process may include e-mail and written correspondence as requested by any individual member of the House of Delegates. Watson stressed that this is a first step, and if it is approved, the Association will move forward with member input.