Issue link: https://nnumagazine.uberflip.com/i/447668
C A L I F O R N I A N U R S E J U L Y / A U G U S T 2 0 0 5 21 amended to allow for more flexibility in the structure of gov- ernance to ensure maximum member participation and more favorable organizational conditions to achieve the goals of effective member mobilization. Rationale: These changes conform Bylaws authority to cur- rent organizational demands and legal requirements and are an essential next step in the evolution of regional organiza- tion, providing the necessary opportunity and flexibility for CNA organizational development and growth. ID #5 Membership Dues & Program Expenditures Changes: Article III, Section 3(C) is amended by expressly stating the essential purpose of collection and expenditure of membership dues and agency fees—to fund activities germane to CNA's representational functions and obligations as the exclusive representative of Registered Nurses with respect to the determination, ongoing protection, and future improve- ment of conditions of work and professional practice. Article III, Section 3(D) is amended to expressly establish member mobilization as an essential representational function of CNA to be funded by membership dues and agency fees. Article III, Section 3(F) is amended to clarify and define asso- ciate membership status and dues obligations. Rationale: These changes conform Bylaws authority to cur- rent organizational demands and legal requirements and pro- vide necessary flexibility for organizational development and growth. ID #6 Commissions Changes: Article VII, Section 1 is amended to eliminate the Government Relations Commission and retain the Joint Nursing Practice Commission. The Nursing Administrator position on the JNPC is eliminated. Rationale: Conforms formal organizational document to the reality of current operations and labor law requirements gov- erning expenditures of funds received through union security arrangements. The CNA legislative advocacy program is now and will remain focused on subject matters and program activities that are germane to CNA's representational func- tions and obligations as an exclusive representative of regis- tered nurses, including functions necessary and appropriate to protect and support RN professional practice responsibili- ties of patient advocacy and effective and responsible CNA representation of RNs through collective patient advocacy, by focusing on matters directly affecting practice authority and responsibility of registered nurses under applicable law and professional responsibilities (e.g., as defined, for example in Health & Safety Code § 1276.4 and the statutory and regula- tory provisions referenced and incorporated by this statute). This legislative advocacy function is currently accomplished efficiently and successfully through legislative/regulatory pro- gram activities involving staff and members. The JNPC is retained to assist the organizational function of supporting the current leg/reg program of collective patient advocacy, and related activities essential to CNA's representational func- tion. ID #7 Conflicts of Interest Changes: Article IV, Section 2(A) and Article V, Section 2(C) are amended to change and refine the definition of conflicts of interest arising from employment as a supervisor which dis- qualify a member from nomination or election as a titled offi- cer or member of the Board of Directors. Rationale: The change is necessary to afford the organization- al flexibility and ultimate authority in determining qualifica- tion of candidates for election as officers. The proposed amendment eliminates the defining reference of "supervisors as defined by the NLRA" because this definition is subject to constant change, political manipulation, and confusion due to materially different applications by various labor boards and courts. ID #8 House of Delegates Authority Changes: Article XI is amended to expand the authority of the House of Delegates to include ultimate governance of regional organizations and affiliated organizations. Rationale: Other proposed amendments allowing for organiza- tional affiliations and establishing the essential representa- tional function of member mobilization are necessary to meet current organizational demands and legal requirements and are an essential next step in the evolution of CNA and neces- sary for CNA organizational development and growth. This amendment is necessary to formalize the ultimate governing authority of the House of Delegates over all aspects of organi- zational operations contemplated by the proposed bylaws amendments as a whole. ID #9 Meetings by Electronic Mail Changes: Article VI, Sections 2(B) and 4(B) are amended to authorize the conduct of emergency Board and Executive Committee meetings by electronic mail in addition to tele- phone, fax, or regular mail. Rationale: Conform the formal Bylaws authority to the reality of organizational needs and practice.