- Email: [email protected]
Membership bylaws changes top business sessions at this year's Congress
JUNE 1996, VOL 63, NO 6 BUSINESS PROCEEDINGS
Membership bylaws changes top business sessions at this year‘s Congress Monday, March 4, through Thursday, March 7, 1996 he AORN Forums provide delegates and other members with information about issues that may be presented to the House of Delegates. This year, members discussed membership criteria, the Project Alpha resolution, the Pew Commission report, and national officer eligibility.
T
FIRST FORUM he first Forum opened with a demonstration of T AORN’s World Wide Web site by Headquarters staff members.
the Task Force had completed its charge. The Task Force had assessed the need for a bylaws change, provided members information and education about the membership criteria issue, and made a recommendation to the Board regarding a bylaws change. President-elect Linda K. Groah, RN, MS, CNOR, CNAA, presented the Board of Director’s recommendation regarding the proposed bylaws changes, and she related members’ questions about the proposed bylaws changes and the answers to those questions. Groah noted that AORN had a 1.8% decrease in active membership and a 2.8%increase in associate membership during the last 12 months. She also said that a change in the membership criteria would not necessarily guarantee an increase in AORN membership but would guarantee that all RN members could be active members. In response to members’ concerns that the name of the Association might change if the membership criteria changed, Groah responded that the proposed bylaws amendments would not change AORN’s purpose, mission, or name and that only the House of Delegates (ie, Congress delegates elected by chapter members) can change the Association’s name. Responding to members’ concerns that a change in membership criteria could devalue or dilute
AORN Oniine. Patricia A. Mews, RN, MA, CNOR, High Ridge, Mo, asked about the costs of developing AORN Online. Peter J. Derschang, AORN chief financial officer, responded that the AORN Online budget for the 1996-1997fiscal year is $140,000,that sponsorship and advertising are possibilities for AORN Online, and that AORN Online is being provided as a member service. Members asked whether Inside AORN would be published in the print format or available only on the Internet and if popular AORN education programs, such as the Journal Home Study Programs, would be available through AORN Online. Headquarters staff members responded that members will be asked to indicate on their membership renewal applications in which format they prefer to receive Inside AORN. The Home Study Programs will be available online. Thomas J. Macheski, RN, CNOR, AORN of Gainesville Florida, asked whether local chapters’ home pages could be added to AORN Online through hypertext links. Staff members responded in the affirmative. Membeship criteria. Renae N. Burchiel, RN, BSN, CNOR, member of the Task Force on Membership Criteria, presented the Task Force’s report, stating that A demonstration of AORN Online captures attendees‘ attentlon during the flrst Forum. 1009 AORN JOURNAL
JUNE 1996, VOL 63, NO 6 BUSINESS PROCEEDINGS
Renae N. Burchiei presents the repori from the Task Force on Membership Criteria.
AORN’s intraoperative emphasis, Groah commented that chapters determine who is appropriate to be Congress delegates. AORN’s education programs and member services would not change because they are driven by members’ needs. Scholarships and research grants would continue to be awarded to individuals and activities that foster AORN’s mission. Judy A. Hawkins, RN, CNOR, AORN of New Orleans, spoke in favor of the proposed bylaws change. She stated that opening AORN membership to ambulatory care, postanesthesia care unit, and cardiac catheterization suite nurses would enhance their education about perioperative patient care. Jamie A. Todd, RN, CNOR, Laurel, Miss, spoke of some members’ concerns about allowing nurses who “previously have worked” in intraoperative settings to be elected to national office. “How can they be our voice if they aren’t in contact with the OR setting anymore?” she asked. Groah responded that the Nominating Committee, which is elected by the House of Delegates, would determine and implement the intraoperative-experience eligibility criteria for potential candidates for the national ballot. Linda L. Savage, RN, CNOR, speaking on behalf of the Florida Council of OR Nurses, spoke in favor of the proposed bylaws change, stating that it was up to the voting members to be sure national officers are intraoperative nurses. Billie P. Short, RN, CNOR, president of AORN of Bluegrass Central Kentucky, commented that instead of changing the bylaws to open the membership to any RN who supports AORN’s mission, we should work to stimulate new graduates’ and new OR nurses’ interest in joining AORN by perhaps offering a year’s trial membership as an incentive. Michelle L. La Belle, RN, CNOR, Woodstock, Ill, asked if the criteria developed by the Nominating
Committee would be brought to the House for approval and if the size of the House (ie, maximum of 1,500 voting members) would change if the bylaws were changed. Groah responded that the Nominating Committee would establish the eligibility criteria as a matter of policy and would not bring these criteria to the House for approval. The House, however, must decide about any changes in delegate numbers. Janice Parfitt, RN, MSN, CNOR, Pittsburgh, stated that if the base criterion for CNOR certification is two years of perioperative experience, perhaps two years of intraoperative experience should be required for national officers. “Working one day a month in the OR is not the same focus as working there daily,” she said. Patricia A. Galvin, RN, CNOR, Dallas, commented that if chapter membership mix changes (eg, nonperioperative nurses are members), delegate mix also could change. “Such a change could then affect who is elected to national office,” Galvin stated. Lowell L. Price, RN, CNOR, Tahlequah, Okla, commended the Task Force on its work. He also urged members to encourage young OR nurses to join AORN and attend Congress. Vivian (Vickie) E. Pierce, RN, BSN, CNOR, chair-elect of the Nominating Committee, stated that the Nominating Committee members are very interested in talking with members and delegates about criteria that would be used to determine members’ eligibility for national ofice. Sy/ows /UIJ@IU@?. Joan M. Spear, RN, MBA, CNOR, chair of the Bylaws Committee, reviewed the language of the proposed bylaws amendments. Mary Kobe1 Lamonte, RN, MPH, CNOR, AORN of New York City, asked for clarification about chapter membership (ie, Article HI, Section A), Judy A. Hawkins speaks in favor of the proposed bylaws change to open AORN membership to ail nurses.
1010 AORN JOURNAL
Sheryl 1. Rosen suggests optional rather than required chapter dues assessment lor retired AORN members.
that she lives in an area where there is One AORN chapter but works in an
JUNE 1996, VOL 63, NO 6 BUSINESS PROCEEDINGS
area where there is another AORN chapter. President Ellen K. Murphy, RN, JD, CNOR, FAAN, responded that members who face this situation can choose which chapter to join and that this choice would not change if the bylaws change. Sheryl L. Rosen, RN, CNOR, St Louis, commented on the retired members’ dues assessment language in the proposed bylaws. She suggested that chapter dues assessment be optional. Gloria J. Fama, RN, CNOR, San Jose, Calif, suggested that CNOR certification be required for elected national officers. Pfoject Alpha. Lauralee S . Krabill, RN, MBA, CNOR, chair of the National Committee on Education, presented the “Resolution on Implementation of Project Alpha-The Next Phase.” There were no questions about this resolution.
SECOND FORUM resident Murphy opened the second Forum P with a discussion of the proposed bylaws amendment to Article VIII, Section I , Standing Committees.
Stunding commiftees, Betty J. Shultz, RN, CNOR, CRNFA, former chair of the Audiovisual Committee, described the existing mechanism by which members of the Committee create videotapes. Even with underwriting from Davis + Geck and AMSCO International, it cost AORN $8,OOO to produce the 1994-1995 videotapes. AORN receives no income from videotape sales, does not hold copyright to these videotapes, and receives no payback for staff members’ time. Committee members invest inordinate amounts of time to produce these videotapes. Script writing and videotape production can be accomplished more cost-effectively by outside professionals, with AORN members continuing to be involved in videotape production by serving as content experts. This new process also would expedite the videotape production process, allowing new products to be produced in much less time than the current process. The only comment was from Jeannie Botsford, RN, MS, CNOR, AORN of San Diego chapter, who stated the new process (ie, using a professional script writer) had worked well in producing a videotape on environmental issues. Diversification uctivlties. Brenda S . Gregory Dawes, RN, MSN, CNOR, AORN Treasurer, reported that AORN’s diversification activities are reviewed based on the five principles of diversifica-
Lauraiee S. Krabill presents the ”Resolution on Project AiphaThe Next Phase” for discusston at the first Forum.
tion that the Board adopted in June 1995. Dawes described two diversification activities-the creation of a computer consulting service run by Headquarters staff members and the formation of a for-profit education subsidiary whose profits will come back to AORN as dividends. The computer consulting service allows AORN to demonstrate and sell a stateof-the-art association management software package and assist other associations as they implement the system. The education subsidiary was created by AORN’s purchase of Education Design, Inc, which is a separate business. These two diversification ventures will provide another revenue stream and help decrease AORN’s dependence on outside revenue sources. Afc/tivu/ items feqUeSt. Brenda C. Ulmer, RN, BS, CNOR, AORN Board member, presented a request for archival items. Ulmer described the proposal to have a nurse historian conduct a scholarly study of AORN’s and perioperative nursing’s history and asked members to submit lists of their historical items to the AORN Library. Examples of items that could help the nurse historian tell AORN’s story include old correspondence, policy manuals, newsletters, speeches, photographs in which people are identified, old surgical equipment and equipment catalogs, and old perioperative nursing textbooks. Jean M. Reeder, RN, PhD, CNOR, FAAN, representing the Golden Gavel, urged members to take advantage of this opportunity to “capture and preserve AORN’s history.” The Golden Gavel has pledged $20,000 to support this endeavor. Nelda C. Chandler, RN, CNOR, AORN of Greater Cincinnati & Hamilton, asked if AORN would retain historical items submitted for archival purposes. President Murphy responded that chapters
1011 AORN JOURNAL
JUNE 1996, VOL 63, NO 6 BUSINESS PROCEEDINGS
could decide whether to donate the historical items or submit photocopies of the items to the nurse historian. Antonia B. Hughes, RN, BSN, CNOR, AORN of Baltimore, suggested that the archival collection be a traveling display, which could be brought to Congress each year. Pew Commission report. Patricia C. Seifert, RN, MSN, CNOR, CRNFA, AORN Board member, assisted by President-elect Groah, presented a report on the Pew Health Professions Commission Taskforce on Health Care Workforce Regulation. The Commission examined the existing regulatory system and found inconsistent definitions of nursing practice; varying reimbursement policies for practitioners; and complex language that describes licensure, credentialing, and registration. The Commission suggested recommendations to standardize regulatory terms and entry-to-practice requirements, remove barriers to the full use of competent health professionals, redesign regulatory board structure and function, inform the public about practitioner practices, collect data on the health professions, assess practitioner competence, ensure continuing competence, reform the professional disciplinary process, evaluate regulatory effectiveness, and understand the organizational context of health professions regulation. The Commission questioned the ability of the system to protect the health of the public and stated that the current system sets up artificial barriers that prevent many health care workers from providing care to the full extent of their education, experience, and training. In particular, the Commission questioned the effectiveness of current licensing laws in the states and suggested changing state licensure laws to reform the system. The Commission has provided grants to selected states (ie, Alabama, California, Colorado, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Virginia, Washington) to implement these recommendations. The Commission offered the following ideas to achieve greater effectiveness from the health professional licensing process: replace individual professional boards with composite boards; reform the licensing process to emphasize competency-based measures; provide more flexibility in the health care system through “multiskilling,” different use of midlevel providers, and processes that can be interpreted or operationalized as institutional licensure; and remove laws that inappropriately restrict the scopes of practice for advanced practice nurses and physician assistants.
Seifert and Groah emphasized that this report requires scrutiny by nursing and other health care professionals for its impact on the professions and the well-being of health care consumers. Although the Pew Commission does not have regulatory power, its recommendations have attracted considerable attention and can have a major impact on health care. Seifert and Groah urged AORN members to obtain copies of the report by calling (415) 4768 181, study the Commission’s recommendations, and monitor legislative activities in their states.
Patricia C. Selfert (/en)and Linda K. Qroah listen to a question about the Pew Commission report at the second Forum.
Several members responded to this presentation by suggesting strategies to make nursing’s voice visible in the legislative arena. MW c. Russell, RN, BSN, CNOR, AORN of Columbia River Region, described AORN members’ success in attracting Oregon legislators’ attention by “tying up the phone lines.” Marilyn F. O’Kane, RN, CNOR, AORN of Massachusetts Chapter I, noted that one letter to a legislator is said to have the impact of 200 votes. Jane C. Rothrock, RN, DNSc, CNOR, Media, Pa, encouraged AORN members to purchase and wear RN pins, which are available through state nurses associations. President-elect Groah encouraged all RNs to sign the credential RN every time they sign their names to any documents. Susan V. M. Kleinbeck, RN, PhD, CNOR, member at large, noted that physicians also have read the Pew Commission’s report and, in Kansas, physicians are seeking to broaden the definition of medical practice to incorporate nursing practice. Antoinette G. Morejon, RN, CNOR, AORN of 1012
AORN JOURNAL
JUNE 1996, VOL 63, NO 6 BUSINESS PROCEEDINGS
South Florida, urged nurses to find out how many RNs are in their states and to mention these numbers when they call or write their legislators. Sharon A. McNamara, RN, MSN, CNOR, 19951996 chair of the Legislative Committee, urged members to obtain the names of their AORN state-level Legislative Committee coordinators. Eiigibiiify criteria. President Murphy opened the floor to comments and questions about the proposed bylaws change to Article 111, Section 3, Eligibility. Carol A. Tyler, RN, BS, CNOR, Glenview, Ill, asked if excluding members without intraoperative experience from national office could put AORN at risk for the same tax penalties that the Internal Revenue Service has assessed on associations who deny participation in governance to associate members. President Murphy responded that this could be a risk associated with excluding members without intraoperative experience from eligibility for national office. Sandra L. M. Bean, RN, CNOR, Sacramento, Calif, commented,
I don’t think there are subversive medicalsurgical nurses waiting in the wings to infiltrate our organization. We must share our knowledge with other nurses who need our standards to back up their practices. Cecil A. King, RN, BSN, CNOR, chair of the Nominating Committee, reminded members that they are the ones who control who is elected to national office because they are the ones who submit members’ names for the national ballot. Cheryl Walker, RN, CNOR, Eureka, Calif, asked if the eligibility established by the Nominating Committee could change annually with changes in the Committee’s membership. President Murphy responded that each year, the Nominating Committee selects the top candidates for the national ballot from the pool of members whose names are submitted by chapters. This candidate selection is driven by the pool of submitted names; a strong pool of names yields a ballot of candidates with strong credentials to hold national offices. Taken in this context, the criteria used by the Nominating Committee could change as the Committee seeks the best qualified candidates for the ballot. In response to a suggestion that AORN require CNOR certification for national office eligibility, Lillian H. Nicolette, RN, MSN, CNOR, president of the National Certification B0ard:Perioperative
Nursing, Inc, said that CNOR certification is a voluntary process, and members must look at this issue carefully before making CNOR Mary C. Russell (/en)and Antoinene 6. certification a Morelon (f/#ht) offer suggestions nurses can use to capture legislators’ attention. criterion for national office eligibility. Joan H. Miller, RN, AORN of South Valley Michigan, stated that if every chapter submitted at least one name, the Nominating Committee would have a strong pool from which to select candidates for the national ballot. Nancy B. Davis, RN, BSN, CNOR, Boise, Idaho, stated, “We are muddying the waters by inserting eligibility language into the bylaws. We already have the power to determine who gets on the national ballot. Why are we trying to make this complicated?’ Other issues. Geraldine L. Hopkins, RN, CNOR, CRNFA, Denver, asked the Board to consider dividing the annual dues into monthly payments that could be made by electronic transfer of funds. AORN member La Belle questioned the method by which the number of delegates is calculated. President Murphy explained that the House previously approved a cap of 1,500 delegates to each House and that delegate allocation is determined by a ratio of one chapter memberwhatever number of delegates is required to reach the 1,500 number. Jeanne K. La Fountain, RN, BS, CNOR, CRNFA, Delaware, Ohio, commented on the Association of Surgical Technologists’ efforts to have statutory declaration legislation passed in all 50 states. This legislation would amend state statutes by adding surgical technolCecil A. King ogists to state medical practice acts, reminds memeffectively deleting nursing delega- bers that they tion to surgical technologists. The eontroi AORn AORN Legislative Committee has national elections alerted state nurses associations by submitting names for the with whom AORN will remain in national ballot. close contact to monitor any state 1013
AORN JOURNAL
JUNE 1996, VOL 63, NO 6 BUSINESS
PROCEEDINGS
legislative action that results. Linda A. Tollerud, RN, CNOR, AORN of Houston, asked why the AORN lobbyist was not at Congress to inform members of lobbying activities. President Murphy responded that there were not enough federal issues this year to justify the expense of having the lobbyist attend Congress, but the lobbyist continues to represent A 0 R ” s interests on Capitol Hill.
HOUSE OF DELEGATES ore than 1,380 delegates participated in the
1\11 first meeting of the House of Delegates of the 43rd annual AORN Congress, ratifying the
“Resolution on Implementation of Project AlphaThe Next Phase” and approving proposed bylaws amendments regarding membership criteria. The delegates also heard reports from the Nursing Research Committee, the Special Committee on International Issues, the AORN Foundation, and the AORN Treasurer. Tfeusufetsfepoff. AORN Treasurer Dawes reported that the 1994-1995 fiscal year ended with a favorable revenue over expense balance of $103,205. The 1995-1996 budget was developed with the following assumptions: membership will decline, with a loss of at least 500 members during the 1995-1996 year; income from the 1996 Congress will decrease by 5%from the 1995 Congress; AORN education and publications will not maintain equal revenue over expenses, but consulta-
President Ellen K. Murphy demonstrates loyalty to her home state of Wisconsin by donning a “head of cheese” during the roil call at the first session of the House of Delegates.
tion services are expected to grow; expected outcomes (ie, associated with level of services being provided) and the return on investment will continue to be evaluated; committees and specialty assembly work plans will be developed based on the strategic plan and evaluated for return on investment; the dues increase will offset the financial support previously shared from outside entities; and AORN will need to explore new methods of operating. The assumptions have proven to be true, but AORN has continued to position the Association strategically and identify priority member services and association business. AORN Chief Financial Officer Derschang reviewed the 1994-1995 fiscal year finances. In 1995, AORN’s total revenues decreased from 1994 by 1 1%, or $1.5 million. Five percent of this decrease was due to no World Conference being held in 1995. Seminar revenues were down 29%, and Congress revenues decreased 6%. AORN decreased the operating expenses in 1995 by 7% and exceeded the budgeted net revenue over expense goal by $78,000. In 1995, AORN decreased the long-term debt by 17% and increased the long-term investments by 24%. AORN’s property and equipment remain the largest portion of the Association’s assets. The Headquarters building was appraised recently, and its value has increased by $1.1 million over the initial investment. Pfesldent‘s fepon. President Murphy reported that the current AORN membership is 45,807, which represents a loss of 3,193 members in two years. As the most effective recruitment strategy is one-to-one contact, she urged members to become involved in the new Member Ambassador Program, which is designed to expand AORN’s networking base, promote AORN membership in a variety of perioperative work settings, and strengthen partnerships between national and local levels. President Murphy also reported that the Scholarship Board will reexamine the scholarship criteria to make scholarship funding available to more members. Foundution fepon. Louis DeLuca, President of the AORN Foundation, reiterated that only AORN members can receive funding from the AORN Foundation. The Foundation’s goal is to secure approximately $1 million per year to use in funding scholarships and research activities. Nursing Reseumh Commineefepon. Anita Jo Shoup, RN, MS, CNOR, 1995-1996 chair of the Nursing Research Committee, reported results of the staffing study replication. The Committee replicated a staffing study conducted by the Special Committee 1016
AORN JOURNAL
JUNE 1996, VOL 63, NO 6 BUSINESS PROCEEDINGS
Section 3: Categories of membership in this Association are chapter member, member at large, retired, and student. A. Chapter member: A registered professional nurse who supports the mission of AORN living in an area where a chapter exists. B. Member at large: A registered professional nurse who supports the mission of AORN living in an area where a chapter does not exist. C. Retired: A registered professional nurse who supports the mission of AORN. 1. Qualifies to be a member at large. 2. rfa chapter membership is selected, applicable chapter dues will be assessed. D. Student: An individual pursuing education leading to eligibility to sit for the registered nurse licensing examination. 1. Qualij?es to be a member at large. 2. rfa chapter membership is selected, applicable chapter dues may be assessed. 3. May not hold elective ofice. 4. May not serve as a delegate to the AORN House of Delegates.
on Critical Issues in 1988 to establish baseline data about staffing patterns and to obtain data about the interpretation of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations standards requiring an RN circulator to be “immediately available” to respond to emergencies. The sample size for the replication study was 2,000 hospitals, and data were collected during the summer of 1995. The replication study used the 1988 survey tool with questions added about personnel caring for patients undergoing IV conscious sedation, the use of assistive personnel, and the impact of reorganization and restructuring on staffing. The replication study quantitative data reveal that little has changed since 1988. The qualitative data appear to suggest that the status quo is fragile, as reflected in respondents’ comments that impending restructuring could bring about unsettling changes.
Speclal Commlttee on lntefnatlonal Issues fepOI7. Kay A. Ball, RN, MSA, CNOR, chair of the Special Committee on International Issues, announced that “sister” chapter formation guidelines are being mailed to all AORN chapter presidents. The goal of forming sister chapters is to establish modes of communication among perioperative nurses around the world for the purposes of fostering the exchange of ideas and expertise and advancing the practice of perioperative nursing. PfoJecf Alpha fesolutlon. Ellen O’Connor-Graham, RN, CNOR, chair-elect of the National Committee on Education, introduced the motion to ratify the “Resolution on Implementation of Project Alpha-The Next Phase.” There was no discussion, and delegates passed the motion. Membmhlp bylaws changes, Bylaws Committee Chair Spear made two motions dealing with the membership criteria. The first motion was to amend the AORN bylaws, Article ID, Membership and Dues, by striking section 3 A, B, C, and D and substituting new language to read
AORN member Rosen introduced a motion to strike the word will and insert the word may in Article III, Section C, Number 2. There was no discussion, and this motion was approved. Patricia M. Daly, RN, CNOR, Pompton Plains, NJ, stated that active membership should be restricted so that the AORN membership would not be diluted. She stated, “Experienced experts should define our standards and recommended practices. . . . We should refrain from making AORN a subcommittee of a generic nursing organization.” A member from California asked about AORN’s potential tax liability related to the Internal Revenue Service tax ruling on associate members who cannot participate in their organizations’ governance activities. Chief Financial Officer Derschang estimated
RESOLUTION ON IMPLEMEMATlON OF PROJECT ALPHA-THE
Whereas, AORN has made a significant impact on basic nursing cumcula across the country; and Whereas, National and local levels of AORN, having realized progress, now have available many resources such as core cumculum publications and Project Alpha materials; and Whereas, AORN recognizes the importance of an active perioperative experience for every nursing student during basic education; and Whereas, AORN recognizes the importance of education for the public (ie, patient, family, community, payers) and other members of the health care profes-
NEXT PHASE
sion (eg, clinicians, colleagues); therefore be it Resolved, That AORN chapters support the implementation of perioperative nursing experiences within schools of nursing; and Resolved, That each AORN chapter educate health care professionals and the public about the contributions of the registered nurse to the care of perioperative patients.
1017 AORN JOURNAL
APPROVED 11/95 BOARD OF DIRECTORS ADOPTED 3/4/96 HOUSE OF DELEGATES, DALLAS
JUNE 1996, VOL 63, NO 6 BUSINESS PROCEEDINGS
that this tax liability could be as much as $50,000. Past-President Rothrock speaking for all past Presidents, supported the proposed bylaws change and stated that this was not an issue of money or of intraoperative nursing but was about improving the quality of patient care by embracing everyone who delivers perioperative care. Mary E. Albertson, RN, CNOR, Jacksonville, Fla, commented that if any member could be a delegate, they could help change the Association’s bylaws. President Murphy responded that chapters would retain the right and responsibility of electing delegates to Congress. There was no further discussion, and delegates approved this portion of the membership bylaws changes. Spear introduced a second motion to amend the AORN bylaws Article 111, Section 4, Representation, by striking the entire section. There was no discussion, and delegates approved this portion of the bylaws changes. President Murphy reconvened the House of Delegates on Thursday afternoon. Delegates discussed and approved proposed amendments to the AORN bylaws pertaining to membership and standing committees. Membemhip NitefiU. Janet A. Lewis, RN, MA, CNOR, AORN Secretary, read the motion to amend the AORN bylaws, Article V, Section 3, Eligibility, by striking A, B, and C and substituting new language to read
of the Board of Directors. D. The members of the Nominating Committee may not be listed as candidates for election on a slate that they have prepared. AORN member Tyler spoke against this proposed amendment, citing the potential risk of tax liability if members were denied the ability to run for office and the potential problems associated with implementing the criteria listed in Section 3, A. She stated,
Eligibility criteria for nomination to national ofice currently rest with each individual chapter. By continuing to use the process that is in place, each of us is empowered with a voice and a choice in the leadership of AORN. We need to continue to trust ourselves and our chapters’ delegates to elect leaders who best represent our philosophy, values, and beliefs. AORN member Galvin spoke in favor of the proposed amendment. She reminded delegates that the tax liability mentioned was only a potential implication. Ruth Bakst, RN, CNOR, AORN of Greater Cleveland, also spoke to the proposed amendment. She stated, “If we take out the intraoperative phase, we would lose what AORN stands for.” Joy Don Baker, RN, MS, MBA, CNOR, CNAA, member at large, spoke against the proposed amendment, stating, “I think we’re getting hung up in the verbiage of how we define ourselves. We should let the Nominating Committee set the eligibility criteria for candidates for national office.” With no further discussion, the delegates approved the amendment to the AORN bylaws, Article V, Section 3, Eligibility. Bylaws Committee Chair Spear read the motion to amend Article VI, Meetings, by striking the words and eligible from paragraph C and the word active from paragraphs D and E. There was no discussion, and the delegates approved the amendment to the
Section 3: Eligibility. A. To be eligiblefor elective ofice as a member of the Board of Directors or as a member of the Nominating Committee, a nominee must currently provide or have previously provided perioperative nursing care that addresses(ed) the needs of patients preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively. B. To be eligiblefor elective ofice as a member of the Board of Directors or a member of the Nominating Committee, a nominee must have been a member of the Association continuously for two ( 2 ) years immediately prior to being nominated and may not be an employee of AORN Headquarters. C. To be eligible for the ofice of President-elect or Vice President, a nominee must have served at least (from /eft) Mary E. Albertson, Carol A. Tyler, Ruth Bakst, and Joy Don Baker speak one ( I ) year as a member about varlous issues relating to the proposed membership bylaws changes. 1018 AORN JOURNAL
JUNE 1996, VOL 63, NO 6 BUSINESS PROCEEDINGS
AORN bylaws, Article VI, Meetings. Spear read the motion to amend Article VIII, Section 1 , Standing Committees, by striking the words Audiovisual Committee. There was no discussion, and the delegates approved the amendment to the AORN bylaws, Article VIII, Section 1 .
Otnef bUSheSS. AORN member Tyler, speaking on behalf of the Golden Gavel, moved that AORN commission a scholarly history of perioperative nursing and AORN for the Association’s 50th anniversary. There was no discussion, and the delegates approved this motion.
BYLAWSAMENDMENTS
Article 111
Membership and dues
Section 1: Membership in the Association is contingent on compliance with requirements as specified in these bylaws. Section 2: Membership is unrestricted by consideration of nationality, race, creed, life-style, color, sex, or age.
the Association continuously for two (2) years immediately prior ta being nominated and may not be an employee of AORN Headquarters. C. To be eligible for the office of President-elect or Vice President, a nominee must have served at least one (1) year as a member of the Board of Directors. D. The members of the Nominating Committee may not be listed as candidates for election on a slate that they have prepared.
Section 3: Categories of membership in this Association are chapter member, member at large, retired, and student. A. Chapter member: A registered professional nurse who supports the mission of AORN living in an area where a chapter exists.
B. Member at large: A registered professional nurse who supports the mission of AORN living in an area where a chapter does not exist. C. Retired: A retired registered professional nurse who supports the mission of AORN. 1. Qualifiesto be a member at large. 2. If a chapter membership is selected, applicable chapter dues may be assessed.
D. Student: An individual pursuing education leading to eligibility to sit for the registered nurse licensing examination. 1. Qualifies to be a member at large. 2. If a chapter membership is selected, applicable chapter dues may be assessed. 3. May not hold elective office. 4. May not serve as a delegate to the AORN House of Delegates. Article V, Section 3
Eligibility
Section 3: Eligibility To be eligible for elective office as a member of the Board of Directors or as a member of the Nominating Committee, a nominee must currently provide or have previously provided perioperative nursing care that addresses(ed) the needs of patients preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively. To be eligible for elective office as a member of the Board of Directors or a member of the Nominating Committee, a nominee must have been a member of
Article VI
Meetinas
A. House of Delegates 1. The annual meeting is designated as the annual Congress, and the time and place is determined by the Board of Directors. 2. The voting body of the annual Congress is the House of Delegates constituted as follows: a) The maximum size of the House of Delegates is 1,500 voting members, excluding b, c, and d. b) All officers and members of the Board of Directors are delegates and entitled to all the privileges of a delegate at the time they assume office. (May not serve as a chapter delegate.) c) The three (3) most recent past Presidents attending the annual Congress are delegates. (May not serve as a chapter delegate.) d) Members at large shall have delegates and alternates based on the percentage of members at large in the total membership. e) The delegate count shall be allocated annually to chapters based upon the ratio of total chapter membership to total Association membership as of June 30, with each chapter having a minimum of one (1) delegate and one (1) alternate delegate.
Article VIII. Section 1
Standina Committees
The standing committees of the Association are the Awards Committee, Bylaws Committee, Legislative Committee, Membership Committee, National Committee on Education, Nursing Practices Committee, Nursing Research Committee, and Recommended Practices Committee. 1019
AORN JOURNAL
JUNE 1996, VOL 63, NO 6 BUSINESS PROCEEDINGS
for AORN of Phoenix & The Valley, responded to the Golden Gavel’s fund-raising challenge. The chapter pledged $1 for every chapter member to the funding of perioperative nursing’s and AORN’s scholarly history. Election results. Nominating Committee Chair King presented the Tellers report, saying that 1,392 ballots were cast, with nine invalid ballots. President Murphy announced the three new members of the Nominating Committee: Katherine J. Donahoe, RN, CNOR; Jackie L. Hamblet, RN, MS, CNOR; and Sharon A. McNamara, RN, MSN, CNOR. Members elected to the Board of Directors are: Cynthia A. Bray, RN, MSEd, CNOR; Patricia C. Seifert, RN, MSN, CNOR, CRNFA; and Mary Jo Steiert, RN, CNOR. The Secretary is Sheila L. Allen, RN, BSN, CNOR. The Vice President is Janet A. Lewis, RN, MA, CNOR. The new President-elect is Jeannie Botsford, RN, MS, CNOR. Photographs of the 1996-1997 Board of Directors and Nominating Committee appear in the “Closing Session” article in this issue. BEVERLY P. GIORDANO RN, MS EDITOR
Delegates vote on a bylaws motlon during the second meeting of the House of Delegates at the 43rd annual AORN Congress.
AORN member Rosen suggested that the Board of Directors consider inviting members to make a donation to the AORN Foundation in exchange for having a “casual dress-down day” at Congress. This suggestion was not eligible for a delegate vote because it had not been discussed at a Forum. Dianne J. Dombrowski, RN, CNOR, speaking
AORNJoumal Wins Publishing Award The SNAP EXCEL awards recognize excellence in association publishing. More than 900 association publication entries were judged in this year’s competition. The awards were presented at the 33rd annual SNAP Publications Management Conference in May in Washington, DC.
The AORN Journal won the Silver Award in the “Scholarly Journals, General Excellence” category of the 1996 Society of National Association Publications (SNAP) EXCEL awards competition. The October and November 1995 issues of the Journal were entered.
New Standards for Laser Safety The 1996 revision of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) 2136.3 document for laser safety in health care facilities has been completed. The newly revised document is easier to implement than the previous version and uses language that is clear in its intent. The ANSI Standards are voluntary, not regulatory. Due to national acceptance, however, they have been adopted as consensus standards and now are used as guidelines for regulatory agencies, such as state boards of health, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, as well as for standards of practice issued by many professional organizations. Standards from ANSI
also are used in medical-legal situations. Laser safety officers who are responsible for developing or updating policies and procedures should be familiar with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations and should include the ANSI standards in their staff orientation and education programs. The 1996 revisions of the ANSI 2136.3 standards are available as a published document and can be obtained from the official secretariat: Laser Institute of America, 12424 Research Pkwy, Orlando, FL, 32826; telephone (800) 34-LASER. For further information, contact Penny J. Smalley, RN, AORN liaison to ANSI, at (312) 262-28 10 or by E-mail at [email protected].
1020 AORN JOURNAL
Membership bylaws changes top business sessions at this year‘s Congress Monday, March 4, through Thursday, March 7, 1996 he AORN Forums provide delegates and other members with information about issues that may be presented to the House of Delegates. This year, members discussed membership criteria, the Project Alpha resolution, the Pew Commission report, and national officer eligibility.
T
FIRST FORUM he first Forum opened with a demonstration of T AORN’s World Wide Web site by Headquarters staff members.
the Task Force had completed its charge. The Task Force had assessed the need for a bylaws change, provided members information and education about the membership criteria issue, and made a recommendation to the Board regarding a bylaws change. President-elect Linda K. Groah, RN, MS, CNOR, CNAA, presented the Board of Director’s recommendation regarding the proposed bylaws changes, and she related members’ questions about the proposed bylaws changes and the answers to those questions. Groah noted that AORN had a 1.8% decrease in active membership and a 2.8%increase in associate membership during the last 12 months. She also said that a change in the membership criteria would not necessarily guarantee an increase in AORN membership but would guarantee that all RN members could be active members. In response to members’ concerns that the name of the Association might change if the membership criteria changed, Groah responded that the proposed bylaws amendments would not change AORN’s purpose, mission, or name and that only the House of Delegates (ie, Congress delegates elected by chapter members) can change the Association’s name. Responding to members’ concerns that a change in membership criteria could devalue or dilute
AORN Oniine. Patricia A. Mews, RN, MA, CNOR, High Ridge, Mo, asked about the costs of developing AORN Online. Peter J. Derschang, AORN chief financial officer, responded that the AORN Online budget for the 1996-1997fiscal year is $140,000,that sponsorship and advertising are possibilities for AORN Online, and that AORN Online is being provided as a member service. Members asked whether Inside AORN would be published in the print format or available only on the Internet and if popular AORN education programs, such as the Journal Home Study Programs, would be available through AORN Online. Headquarters staff members responded that members will be asked to indicate on their membership renewal applications in which format they prefer to receive Inside AORN. The Home Study Programs will be available online. Thomas J. Macheski, RN, CNOR, AORN of Gainesville Florida, asked whether local chapters’ home pages could be added to AORN Online through hypertext links. Staff members responded in the affirmative. Membeship criteria. Renae N. Burchiel, RN, BSN, CNOR, member of the Task Force on Membership Criteria, presented the Task Force’s report, stating that A demonstration of AORN Online captures attendees‘ attentlon during the flrst Forum. 1009 AORN JOURNAL
JUNE 1996, VOL 63, NO 6 BUSINESS PROCEEDINGS
Renae N. Burchiei presents the repori from the Task Force on Membership Criteria.
AORN’s intraoperative emphasis, Groah commented that chapters determine who is appropriate to be Congress delegates. AORN’s education programs and member services would not change because they are driven by members’ needs. Scholarships and research grants would continue to be awarded to individuals and activities that foster AORN’s mission. Judy A. Hawkins, RN, CNOR, AORN of New Orleans, spoke in favor of the proposed bylaws change. She stated that opening AORN membership to ambulatory care, postanesthesia care unit, and cardiac catheterization suite nurses would enhance their education about perioperative patient care. Jamie A. Todd, RN, CNOR, Laurel, Miss, spoke of some members’ concerns about allowing nurses who “previously have worked” in intraoperative settings to be elected to national office. “How can they be our voice if they aren’t in contact with the OR setting anymore?” she asked. Groah responded that the Nominating Committee, which is elected by the House of Delegates, would determine and implement the intraoperative-experience eligibility criteria for potential candidates for the national ballot. Linda L. Savage, RN, CNOR, speaking on behalf of the Florida Council of OR Nurses, spoke in favor of the proposed bylaws change, stating that it was up to the voting members to be sure national officers are intraoperative nurses. Billie P. Short, RN, CNOR, president of AORN of Bluegrass Central Kentucky, commented that instead of changing the bylaws to open the membership to any RN who supports AORN’s mission, we should work to stimulate new graduates’ and new OR nurses’ interest in joining AORN by perhaps offering a year’s trial membership as an incentive. Michelle L. La Belle, RN, CNOR, Woodstock, Ill, asked if the criteria developed by the Nominating
Committee would be brought to the House for approval and if the size of the House (ie, maximum of 1,500 voting members) would change if the bylaws were changed. Groah responded that the Nominating Committee would establish the eligibility criteria as a matter of policy and would not bring these criteria to the House for approval. The House, however, must decide about any changes in delegate numbers. Janice Parfitt, RN, MSN, CNOR, Pittsburgh, stated that if the base criterion for CNOR certification is two years of perioperative experience, perhaps two years of intraoperative experience should be required for national officers. “Working one day a month in the OR is not the same focus as working there daily,” she said. Patricia A. Galvin, RN, CNOR, Dallas, commented that if chapter membership mix changes (eg, nonperioperative nurses are members), delegate mix also could change. “Such a change could then affect who is elected to national office,” Galvin stated. Lowell L. Price, RN, CNOR, Tahlequah, Okla, commended the Task Force on its work. He also urged members to encourage young OR nurses to join AORN and attend Congress. Vivian (Vickie) E. Pierce, RN, BSN, CNOR, chair-elect of the Nominating Committee, stated that the Nominating Committee members are very interested in talking with members and delegates about criteria that would be used to determine members’ eligibility for national ofice. Sy/ows /UIJ@IU@?. Joan M. Spear, RN, MBA, CNOR, chair of the Bylaws Committee, reviewed the language of the proposed bylaws amendments. Mary Kobe1 Lamonte, RN, MPH, CNOR, AORN of New York City, asked for clarification about chapter membership (ie, Article HI, Section A), Judy A. Hawkins speaks in favor of the proposed bylaws change to open AORN membership to ail nurses.
1010 AORN JOURNAL
Sheryl 1. Rosen suggests optional rather than required chapter dues assessment lor retired AORN members.
that she lives in an area where there is One AORN chapter but works in an
JUNE 1996, VOL 63, NO 6 BUSINESS PROCEEDINGS
area where there is another AORN chapter. President Ellen K. Murphy, RN, JD, CNOR, FAAN, responded that members who face this situation can choose which chapter to join and that this choice would not change if the bylaws change. Sheryl L. Rosen, RN, CNOR, St Louis, commented on the retired members’ dues assessment language in the proposed bylaws. She suggested that chapter dues assessment be optional. Gloria J. Fama, RN, CNOR, San Jose, Calif, suggested that CNOR certification be required for elected national officers. Pfoject Alpha. Lauralee S . Krabill, RN, MBA, CNOR, chair of the National Committee on Education, presented the “Resolution on Implementation of Project Alpha-The Next Phase.” There were no questions about this resolution.
SECOND FORUM resident Murphy opened the second Forum P with a discussion of the proposed bylaws amendment to Article VIII, Section I , Standing Committees.
Stunding commiftees, Betty J. Shultz, RN, CNOR, CRNFA, former chair of the Audiovisual Committee, described the existing mechanism by which members of the Committee create videotapes. Even with underwriting from Davis + Geck and AMSCO International, it cost AORN $8,OOO to produce the 1994-1995 videotapes. AORN receives no income from videotape sales, does not hold copyright to these videotapes, and receives no payback for staff members’ time. Committee members invest inordinate amounts of time to produce these videotapes. Script writing and videotape production can be accomplished more cost-effectively by outside professionals, with AORN members continuing to be involved in videotape production by serving as content experts. This new process also would expedite the videotape production process, allowing new products to be produced in much less time than the current process. The only comment was from Jeannie Botsford, RN, MS, CNOR, AORN of San Diego chapter, who stated the new process (ie, using a professional script writer) had worked well in producing a videotape on environmental issues. Diversification uctivlties. Brenda S . Gregory Dawes, RN, MSN, CNOR, AORN Treasurer, reported that AORN’s diversification activities are reviewed based on the five principles of diversifica-
Lauraiee S. Krabill presents the ”Resolution on Project AiphaThe Next Phase” for discusston at the first Forum.
tion that the Board adopted in June 1995. Dawes described two diversification activities-the creation of a computer consulting service run by Headquarters staff members and the formation of a for-profit education subsidiary whose profits will come back to AORN as dividends. The computer consulting service allows AORN to demonstrate and sell a stateof-the-art association management software package and assist other associations as they implement the system. The education subsidiary was created by AORN’s purchase of Education Design, Inc, which is a separate business. These two diversification ventures will provide another revenue stream and help decrease AORN’s dependence on outside revenue sources. Afc/tivu/ items feqUeSt. Brenda C. Ulmer, RN, BS, CNOR, AORN Board member, presented a request for archival items. Ulmer described the proposal to have a nurse historian conduct a scholarly study of AORN’s and perioperative nursing’s history and asked members to submit lists of their historical items to the AORN Library. Examples of items that could help the nurse historian tell AORN’s story include old correspondence, policy manuals, newsletters, speeches, photographs in which people are identified, old surgical equipment and equipment catalogs, and old perioperative nursing textbooks. Jean M. Reeder, RN, PhD, CNOR, FAAN, representing the Golden Gavel, urged members to take advantage of this opportunity to “capture and preserve AORN’s history.” The Golden Gavel has pledged $20,000 to support this endeavor. Nelda C. Chandler, RN, CNOR, AORN of Greater Cincinnati & Hamilton, asked if AORN would retain historical items submitted for archival purposes. President Murphy responded that chapters
1011 AORN JOURNAL
JUNE 1996, VOL 63, NO 6 BUSINESS PROCEEDINGS
could decide whether to donate the historical items or submit photocopies of the items to the nurse historian. Antonia B. Hughes, RN, BSN, CNOR, AORN of Baltimore, suggested that the archival collection be a traveling display, which could be brought to Congress each year. Pew Commission report. Patricia C. Seifert, RN, MSN, CNOR, CRNFA, AORN Board member, assisted by President-elect Groah, presented a report on the Pew Health Professions Commission Taskforce on Health Care Workforce Regulation. The Commission examined the existing regulatory system and found inconsistent definitions of nursing practice; varying reimbursement policies for practitioners; and complex language that describes licensure, credentialing, and registration. The Commission suggested recommendations to standardize regulatory terms and entry-to-practice requirements, remove barriers to the full use of competent health professionals, redesign regulatory board structure and function, inform the public about practitioner practices, collect data on the health professions, assess practitioner competence, ensure continuing competence, reform the professional disciplinary process, evaluate regulatory effectiveness, and understand the organizational context of health professions regulation. The Commission questioned the ability of the system to protect the health of the public and stated that the current system sets up artificial barriers that prevent many health care workers from providing care to the full extent of their education, experience, and training. In particular, the Commission questioned the effectiveness of current licensing laws in the states and suggested changing state licensure laws to reform the system. The Commission has provided grants to selected states (ie, Alabama, California, Colorado, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Virginia, Washington) to implement these recommendations. The Commission offered the following ideas to achieve greater effectiveness from the health professional licensing process: replace individual professional boards with composite boards; reform the licensing process to emphasize competency-based measures; provide more flexibility in the health care system through “multiskilling,” different use of midlevel providers, and processes that can be interpreted or operationalized as institutional licensure; and remove laws that inappropriately restrict the scopes of practice for advanced practice nurses and physician assistants.
Seifert and Groah emphasized that this report requires scrutiny by nursing and other health care professionals for its impact on the professions and the well-being of health care consumers. Although the Pew Commission does not have regulatory power, its recommendations have attracted considerable attention and can have a major impact on health care. Seifert and Groah urged AORN members to obtain copies of the report by calling (415) 4768 181, study the Commission’s recommendations, and monitor legislative activities in their states.
Patricia C. Selfert (/en)and Linda K. Qroah listen to a question about the Pew Commission report at the second Forum.
Several members responded to this presentation by suggesting strategies to make nursing’s voice visible in the legislative arena. MW c. Russell, RN, BSN, CNOR, AORN of Columbia River Region, described AORN members’ success in attracting Oregon legislators’ attention by “tying up the phone lines.” Marilyn F. O’Kane, RN, CNOR, AORN of Massachusetts Chapter I, noted that one letter to a legislator is said to have the impact of 200 votes. Jane C. Rothrock, RN, DNSc, CNOR, Media, Pa, encouraged AORN members to purchase and wear RN pins, which are available through state nurses associations. President-elect Groah encouraged all RNs to sign the credential RN every time they sign their names to any documents. Susan V. M. Kleinbeck, RN, PhD, CNOR, member at large, noted that physicians also have read the Pew Commission’s report and, in Kansas, physicians are seeking to broaden the definition of medical practice to incorporate nursing practice. Antoinette G. Morejon, RN, CNOR, AORN of 1012
AORN JOURNAL
JUNE 1996, VOL 63, NO 6 BUSINESS PROCEEDINGS
South Florida, urged nurses to find out how many RNs are in their states and to mention these numbers when they call or write their legislators. Sharon A. McNamara, RN, MSN, CNOR, 19951996 chair of the Legislative Committee, urged members to obtain the names of their AORN state-level Legislative Committee coordinators. Eiigibiiify criteria. President Murphy opened the floor to comments and questions about the proposed bylaws change to Article 111, Section 3, Eligibility. Carol A. Tyler, RN, BS, CNOR, Glenview, Ill, asked if excluding members without intraoperative experience from national office could put AORN at risk for the same tax penalties that the Internal Revenue Service has assessed on associations who deny participation in governance to associate members. President Murphy responded that this could be a risk associated with excluding members without intraoperative experience from eligibility for national office. Sandra L. M. Bean, RN, CNOR, Sacramento, Calif, commented,
I don’t think there are subversive medicalsurgical nurses waiting in the wings to infiltrate our organization. We must share our knowledge with other nurses who need our standards to back up their practices. Cecil A. King, RN, BSN, CNOR, chair of the Nominating Committee, reminded members that they are the ones who control who is elected to national office because they are the ones who submit members’ names for the national ballot. Cheryl Walker, RN, CNOR, Eureka, Calif, asked if the eligibility established by the Nominating Committee could change annually with changes in the Committee’s membership. President Murphy responded that each year, the Nominating Committee selects the top candidates for the national ballot from the pool of members whose names are submitted by chapters. This candidate selection is driven by the pool of submitted names; a strong pool of names yields a ballot of candidates with strong credentials to hold national offices. Taken in this context, the criteria used by the Nominating Committee could change as the Committee seeks the best qualified candidates for the ballot. In response to a suggestion that AORN require CNOR certification for national office eligibility, Lillian H. Nicolette, RN, MSN, CNOR, president of the National Certification B0ard:Perioperative
Nursing, Inc, said that CNOR certification is a voluntary process, and members must look at this issue carefully before making CNOR Mary C. Russell (/en)and Antoinene 6. certification a Morelon (f/#ht) offer suggestions nurses can use to capture legislators’ attention. criterion for national office eligibility. Joan H. Miller, RN, AORN of South Valley Michigan, stated that if every chapter submitted at least one name, the Nominating Committee would have a strong pool from which to select candidates for the national ballot. Nancy B. Davis, RN, BSN, CNOR, Boise, Idaho, stated, “We are muddying the waters by inserting eligibility language into the bylaws. We already have the power to determine who gets on the national ballot. Why are we trying to make this complicated?’ Other issues. Geraldine L. Hopkins, RN, CNOR, CRNFA, Denver, asked the Board to consider dividing the annual dues into monthly payments that could be made by electronic transfer of funds. AORN member La Belle questioned the method by which the number of delegates is calculated. President Murphy explained that the House previously approved a cap of 1,500 delegates to each House and that delegate allocation is determined by a ratio of one chapter memberwhatever number of delegates is required to reach the 1,500 number. Jeanne K. La Fountain, RN, BS, CNOR, CRNFA, Delaware, Ohio, commented on the Association of Surgical Technologists’ efforts to have statutory declaration legislation passed in all 50 states. This legislation would amend state statutes by adding surgical technolCecil A. King ogists to state medical practice acts, reminds memeffectively deleting nursing delega- bers that they tion to surgical technologists. The eontroi AORn AORN Legislative Committee has national elections alerted state nurses associations by submitting names for the with whom AORN will remain in national ballot. close contact to monitor any state 1013
AORN JOURNAL
JUNE 1996, VOL 63, NO 6 BUSINESS
PROCEEDINGS
legislative action that results. Linda A. Tollerud, RN, CNOR, AORN of Houston, asked why the AORN lobbyist was not at Congress to inform members of lobbying activities. President Murphy responded that there were not enough federal issues this year to justify the expense of having the lobbyist attend Congress, but the lobbyist continues to represent A 0 R ” s interests on Capitol Hill.
HOUSE OF DELEGATES ore than 1,380 delegates participated in the
1\11 first meeting of the House of Delegates of the 43rd annual AORN Congress, ratifying the
“Resolution on Implementation of Project AlphaThe Next Phase” and approving proposed bylaws amendments regarding membership criteria. The delegates also heard reports from the Nursing Research Committee, the Special Committee on International Issues, the AORN Foundation, and the AORN Treasurer. Tfeusufetsfepoff. AORN Treasurer Dawes reported that the 1994-1995 fiscal year ended with a favorable revenue over expense balance of $103,205. The 1995-1996 budget was developed with the following assumptions: membership will decline, with a loss of at least 500 members during the 1995-1996 year; income from the 1996 Congress will decrease by 5%from the 1995 Congress; AORN education and publications will not maintain equal revenue over expenses, but consulta-
President Ellen K. Murphy demonstrates loyalty to her home state of Wisconsin by donning a “head of cheese” during the roil call at the first session of the House of Delegates.
tion services are expected to grow; expected outcomes (ie, associated with level of services being provided) and the return on investment will continue to be evaluated; committees and specialty assembly work plans will be developed based on the strategic plan and evaluated for return on investment; the dues increase will offset the financial support previously shared from outside entities; and AORN will need to explore new methods of operating. The assumptions have proven to be true, but AORN has continued to position the Association strategically and identify priority member services and association business. AORN Chief Financial Officer Derschang reviewed the 1994-1995 fiscal year finances. In 1995, AORN’s total revenues decreased from 1994 by 1 1%, or $1.5 million. Five percent of this decrease was due to no World Conference being held in 1995. Seminar revenues were down 29%, and Congress revenues decreased 6%. AORN decreased the operating expenses in 1995 by 7% and exceeded the budgeted net revenue over expense goal by $78,000. In 1995, AORN decreased the long-term debt by 17% and increased the long-term investments by 24%. AORN’s property and equipment remain the largest portion of the Association’s assets. The Headquarters building was appraised recently, and its value has increased by $1.1 million over the initial investment. Pfesldent‘s fepon. President Murphy reported that the current AORN membership is 45,807, which represents a loss of 3,193 members in two years. As the most effective recruitment strategy is one-to-one contact, she urged members to become involved in the new Member Ambassador Program, which is designed to expand AORN’s networking base, promote AORN membership in a variety of perioperative work settings, and strengthen partnerships between national and local levels. President Murphy also reported that the Scholarship Board will reexamine the scholarship criteria to make scholarship funding available to more members. Foundution fepon. Louis DeLuca, President of the AORN Foundation, reiterated that only AORN members can receive funding from the AORN Foundation. The Foundation’s goal is to secure approximately $1 million per year to use in funding scholarships and research activities. Nursing Reseumh Commineefepon. Anita Jo Shoup, RN, MS, CNOR, 1995-1996 chair of the Nursing Research Committee, reported results of the staffing study replication. The Committee replicated a staffing study conducted by the Special Committee 1016
AORN JOURNAL
JUNE 1996, VOL 63, NO 6 BUSINESS PROCEEDINGS
Section 3: Categories of membership in this Association are chapter member, member at large, retired, and student. A. Chapter member: A registered professional nurse who supports the mission of AORN living in an area where a chapter exists. B. Member at large: A registered professional nurse who supports the mission of AORN living in an area where a chapter does not exist. C. Retired: A registered professional nurse who supports the mission of AORN. 1. Qualifies to be a member at large. 2. rfa chapter membership is selected, applicable chapter dues will be assessed. D. Student: An individual pursuing education leading to eligibility to sit for the registered nurse licensing examination. 1. Qualij?es to be a member at large. 2. rfa chapter membership is selected, applicable chapter dues may be assessed. 3. May not hold elective ofice. 4. May not serve as a delegate to the AORN House of Delegates.
on Critical Issues in 1988 to establish baseline data about staffing patterns and to obtain data about the interpretation of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations standards requiring an RN circulator to be “immediately available” to respond to emergencies. The sample size for the replication study was 2,000 hospitals, and data were collected during the summer of 1995. The replication study used the 1988 survey tool with questions added about personnel caring for patients undergoing IV conscious sedation, the use of assistive personnel, and the impact of reorganization and restructuring on staffing. The replication study quantitative data reveal that little has changed since 1988. The qualitative data appear to suggest that the status quo is fragile, as reflected in respondents’ comments that impending restructuring could bring about unsettling changes.
Speclal Commlttee on lntefnatlonal Issues fepOI7. Kay A. Ball, RN, MSA, CNOR, chair of the Special Committee on International Issues, announced that “sister” chapter formation guidelines are being mailed to all AORN chapter presidents. The goal of forming sister chapters is to establish modes of communication among perioperative nurses around the world for the purposes of fostering the exchange of ideas and expertise and advancing the practice of perioperative nursing. PfoJecf Alpha fesolutlon. Ellen O’Connor-Graham, RN, CNOR, chair-elect of the National Committee on Education, introduced the motion to ratify the “Resolution on Implementation of Project Alpha-The Next Phase.” There was no discussion, and delegates passed the motion. Membmhlp bylaws changes, Bylaws Committee Chair Spear made two motions dealing with the membership criteria. The first motion was to amend the AORN bylaws, Article ID, Membership and Dues, by striking section 3 A, B, C, and D and substituting new language to read
AORN member Rosen introduced a motion to strike the word will and insert the word may in Article III, Section C, Number 2. There was no discussion, and this motion was approved. Patricia M. Daly, RN, CNOR, Pompton Plains, NJ, stated that active membership should be restricted so that the AORN membership would not be diluted. She stated, “Experienced experts should define our standards and recommended practices. . . . We should refrain from making AORN a subcommittee of a generic nursing organization.” A member from California asked about AORN’s potential tax liability related to the Internal Revenue Service tax ruling on associate members who cannot participate in their organizations’ governance activities. Chief Financial Officer Derschang estimated
RESOLUTION ON IMPLEMEMATlON OF PROJECT ALPHA-THE
Whereas, AORN has made a significant impact on basic nursing cumcula across the country; and Whereas, National and local levels of AORN, having realized progress, now have available many resources such as core cumculum publications and Project Alpha materials; and Whereas, AORN recognizes the importance of an active perioperative experience for every nursing student during basic education; and Whereas, AORN recognizes the importance of education for the public (ie, patient, family, community, payers) and other members of the health care profes-
NEXT PHASE
sion (eg, clinicians, colleagues); therefore be it Resolved, That AORN chapters support the implementation of perioperative nursing experiences within schools of nursing; and Resolved, That each AORN chapter educate health care professionals and the public about the contributions of the registered nurse to the care of perioperative patients.
1017 AORN JOURNAL
APPROVED 11/95 BOARD OF DIRECTORS ADOPTED 3/4/96 HOUSE OF DELEGATES, DALLAS
JUNE 1996, VOL 63, NO 6 BUSINESS PROCEEDINGS
that this tax liability could be as much as $50,000. Past-President Rothrock speaking for all past Presidents, supported the proposed bylaws change and stated that this was not an issue of money or of intraoperative nursing but was about improving the quality of patient care by embracing everyone who delivers perioperative care. Mary E. Albertson, RN, CNOR, Jacksonville, Fla, commented that if any member could be a delegate, they could help change the Association’s bylaws. President Murphy responded that chapters would retain the right and responsibility of electing delegates to Congress. There was no further discussion, and delegates approved this portion of the membership bylaws changes. Spear introduced a second motion to amend the AORN bylaws Article 111, Section 4, Representation, by striking the entire section. There was no discussion, and delegates approved this portion of the bylaws changes. President Murphy reconvened the House of Delegates on Thursday afternoon. Delegates discussed and approved proposed amendments to the AORN bylaws pertaining to membership and standing committees. Membemhip NitefiU. Janet A. Lewis, RN, MA, CNOR, AORN Secretary, read the motion to amend the AORN bylaws, Article V, Section 3, Eligibility, by striking A, B, and C and substituting new language to read
of the Board of Directors. D. The members of the Nominating Committee may not be listed as candidates for election on a slate that they have prepared. AORN member Tyler spoke against this proposed amendment, citing the potential risk of tax liability if members were denied the ability to run for office and the potential problems associated with implementing the criteria listed in Section 3, A. She stated,
Eligibility criteria for nomination to national ofice currently rest with each individual chapter. By continuing to use the process that is in place, each of us is empowered with a voice and a choice in the leadership of AORN. We need to continue to trust ourselves and our chapters’ delegates to elect leaders who best represent our philosophy, values, and beliefs. AORN member Galvin spoke in favor of the proposed amendment. She reminded delegates that the tax liability mentioned was only a potential implication. Ruth Bakst, RN, CNOR, AORN of Greater Cleveland, also spoke to the proposed amendment. She stated, “If we take out the intraoperative phase, we would lose what AORN stands for.” Joy Don Baker, RN, MS, MBA, CNOR, CNAA, member at large, spoke against the proposed amendment, stating, “I think we’re getting hung up in the verbiage of how we define ourselves. We should let the Nominating Committee set the eligibility criteria for candidates for national office.” With no further discussion, the delegates approved the amendment to the AORN bylaws, Article V, Section 3, Eligibility. Bylaws Committee Chair Spear read the motion to amend Article VI, Meetings, by striking the words and eligible from paragraph C and the word active from paragraphs D and E. There was no discussion, and the delegates approved the amendment to the
Section 3: Eligibility. A. To be eligiblefor elective ofice as a member of the Board of Directors or as a member of the Nominating Committee, a nominee must currently provide or have previously provided perioperative nursing care that addresses(ed) the needs of patients preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively. B. To be eligiblefor elective ofice as a member of the Board of Directors or a member of the Nominating Committee, a nominee must have been a member of the Association continuously for two ( 2 ) years immediately prior to being nominated and may not be an employee of AORN Headquarters. C. To be eligible for the ofice of President-elect or Vice President, a nominee must have served at least (from /eft) Mary E. Albertson, Carol A. Tyler, Ruth Bakst, and Joy Don Baker speak one ( I ) year as a member about varlous issues relating to the proposed membership bylaws changes. 1018 AORN JOURNAL
JUNE 1996, VOL 63, NO 6 BUSINESS PROCEEDINGS
AORN bylaws, Article VI, Meetings. Spear read the motion to amend Article VIII, Section 1 , Standing Committees, by striking the words Audiovisual Committee. There was no discussion, and the delegates approved the amendment to the AORN bylaws, Article VIII, Section 1 .
Otnef bUSheSS. AORN member Tyler, speaking on behalf of the Golden Gavel, moved that AORN commission a scholarly history of perioperative nursing and AORN for the Association’s 50th anniversary. There was no discussion, and the delegates approved this motion.
BYLAWSAMENDMENTS
Article 111
Membership and dues
Section 1: Membership in the Association is contingent on compliance with requirements as specified in these bylaws. Section 2: Membership is unrestricted by consideration of nationality, race, creed, life-style, color, sex, or age.
the Association continuously for two (2) years immediately prior ta being nominated and may not be an employee of AORN Headquarters. C. To be eligible for the office of President-elect or Vice President, a nominee must have served at least one (1) year as a member of the Board of Directors. D. The members of the Nominating Committee may not be listed as candidates for election on a slate that they have prepared.
Section 3: Categories of membership in this Association are chapter member, member at large, retired, and student. A. Chapter member: A registered professional nurse who supports the mission of AORN living in an area where a chapter exists.
B. Member at large: A registered professional nurse who supports the mission of AORN living in an area where a chapter does not exist. C. Retired: A retired registered professional nurse who supports the mission of AORN. 1. Qualifiesto be a member at large. 2. If a chapter membership is selected, applicable chapter dues may be assessed.
D. Student: An individual pursuing education leading to eligibility to sit for the registered nurse licensing examination. 1. Qualifies to be a member at large. 2. If a chapter membership is selected, applicable chapter dues may be assessed. 3. May not hold elective office. 4. May not serve as a delegate to the AORN House of Delegates. Article V, Section 3
Eligibility
Section 3: Eligibility To be eligible for elective office as a member of the Board of Directors or as a member of the Nominating Committee, a nominee must currently provide or have previously provided perioperative nursing care that addresses(ed) the needs of patients preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively. To be eligible for elective office as a member of the Board of Directors or a member of the Nominating Committee, a nominee must have been a member of
Article VI
Meetinas
A. House of Delegates 1. The annual meeting is designated as the annual Congress, and the time and place is determined by the Board of Directors. 2. The voting body of the annual Congress is the House of Delegates constituted as follows: a) The maximum size of the House of Delegates is 1,500 voting members, excluding b, c, and d. b) All officers and members of the Board of Directors are delegates and entitled to all the privileges of a delegate at the time they assume office. (May not serve as a chapter delegate.) c) The three (3) most recent past Presidents attending the annual Congress are delegates. (May not serve as a chapter delegate.) d) Members at large shall have delegates and alternates based on the percentage of members at large in the total membership. e) The delegate count shall be allocated annually to chapters based upon the ratio of total chapter membership to total Association membership as of June 30, with each chapter having a minimum of one (1) delegate and one (1) alternate delegate.
Article VIII. Section 1
Standina Committees
The standing committees of the Association are the Awards Committee, Bylaws Committee, Legislative Committee, Membership Committee, National Committee on Education, Nursing Practices Committee, Nursing Research Committee, and Recommended Practices Committee. 1019
AORN JOURNAL
JUNE 1996, VOL 63, NO 6 BUSINESS PROCEEDINGS
for AORN of Phoenix & The Valley, responded to the Golden Gavel’s fund-raising challenge. The chapter pledged $1 for every chapter member to the funding of perioperative nursing’s and AORN’s scholarly history. Election results. Nominating Committee Chair King presented the Tellers report, saying that 1,392 ballots were cast, with nine invalid ballots. President Murphy announced the three new members of the Nominating Committee: Katherine J. Donahoe, RN, CNOR; Jackie L. Hamblet, RN, MS, CNOR; and Sharon A. McNamara, RN, MSN, CNOR. Members elected to the Board of Directors are: Cynthia A. Bray, RN, MSEd, CNOR; Patricia C. Seifert, RN, MSN, CNOR, CRNFA; and Mary Jo Steiert, RN, CNOR. The Secretary is Sheila L. Allen, RN, BSN, CNOR. The Vice President is Janet A. Lewis, RN, MA, CNOR. The new President-elect is Jeannie Botsford, RN, MS, CNOR. Photographs of the 1996-1997 Board of Directors and Nominating Committee appear in the “Closing Session” article in this issue. BEVERLY P. GIORDANO RN, MS EDITOR
Delegates vote on a bylaws motlon during the second meeting of the House of Delegates at the 43rd annual AORN Congress.
AORN member Rosen suggested that the Board of Directors consider inviting members to make a donation to the AORN Foundation in exchange for having a “casual dress-down day” at Congress. This suggestion was not eligible for a delegate vote because it had not been discussed at a Forum. Dianne J. Dombrowski, RN, CNOR, speaking
AORNJoumal Wins Publishing Award The SNAP EXCEL awards recognize excellence in association publishing. More than 900 association publication entries were judged in this year’s competition. The awards were presented at the 33rd annual SNAP Publications Management Conference in May in Washington, DC.
The AORN Journal won the Silver Award in the “Scholarly Journals, General Excellence” category of the 1996 Society of National Association Publications (SNAP) EXCEL awards competition. The October and November 1995 issues of the Journal were entered.
New Standards for Laser Safety The 1996 revision of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) 2136.3 document for laser safety in health care facilities has been completed. The newly revised document is easier to implement than the previous version and uses language that is clear in its intent. The ANSI Standards are voluntary, not regulatory. Due to national acceptance, however, they have been adopted as consensus standards and now are used as guidelines for regulatory agencies, such as state boards of health, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, as well as for standards of practice issued by many professional organizations. Standards from ANSI
also are used in medical-legal situations. Laser safety officers who are responsible for developing or updating policies and procedures should be familiar with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations and should include the ANSI standards in their staff orientation and education programs. The 1996 revisions of the ANSI 2136.3 standards are available as a published document and can be obtained from the official secretariat: Laser Institute of America, 12424 Research Pkwy, Orlando, FL, 32826; telephone (800) 34-LASER. For further information, contact Penny J. Smalley, RN, AORN liaison to ANSI, at (312) 262-28 10 or by E-mail at [email protected].
1020 AORN JOURNAL