Bylaws
Download a printable copy of our Constitution and Bylaws. (pdf 115kb)
ARTICLE 1 – Vision and Mission
1. Vision Statement:
Nurse Practitioners (NP) practice autonomously and collaboratively to provide health care services that contribute to the health and well being of British Columbians across the lifespan. Acting as leaders, Nurse Practitioners practice in diverse settings improving access to health care services, by contributing to a healthcare system that is responsive to the needs of all British Columbians.
2. Mission Statement:
The British Columbia Nurse Practitioner Association is a professional organization that supports and advances the professional interests of its members by promoting a social, economic and political climate in which Nurse Practitioners can provide accessible, efficient and effective healthcare that meets the highest professional standards of practice utilizing the full scope of Nurse Practitioner practice.
ARTICLE 2 – Definition of the Nurse Practitioner
1. “An NP is a registered nurse (RN) with additional education in health assessment, diagnosis and management of illnesses and injuries, including prescribing drugs. Grounded in the nursing profession's values, knowledge, theories and practice, the NP role complements other health care providers and is seen as an invaluable support to health care teams.
NPs provide a range of health services to individuals of all ages, families, communities and groups with a focus on promoting health and preventing illness. They work collaboratively with other health professionals such as family physicians, registered nurses, therapists, nutritionists, social workers and pharmacists.
They can provide care in diverse health care settings, from community clinics and health care centres, to hospitals, medical practices, nursing homes and home care. They are able to diagnose and treat common illnesses and prescribe medications within specific standards and conditions as outlined in their respective provincial and territorial legislation.
More and more, NPs are recognized as a solution to improving timely public access to quality health care. Nurse practitioners complement traditional hospital and physician services and can help alleviate current gaps and waiting times in the health care system, especially in rural and remote communities.” (Canadian Nurse Practitioner Initiative, 2005).
ARTICLE 3 – Membership Criteria
1. Active Membership shall be open to nurses who are currently registered or are eligible under the PLAR process for registration as Nurse Practitioners with the CRNBC pursuant to the Health Professions Act and have a commitment to the advancement of the Nurse Practitioner Role.
Privileges of Active Membership include:
- a) right to vote
- b) right to hold office
- c) right to represent the association as elected or appointed by the Provincial Executive
2. Associate Membership shall be open to any individual or group with a commitment to the advancement of the Nurse Practitioner role. Membership is accepted through payment of the BCNPA Associate Membership fee.
Privileges of Associate Membership include:
- a) right to receive BCNPA publications and communications, with the exception of members’ personal information.
Privileges of Associate Membership DO NOT include:
- a) right to vote
- b) right to hold office
- c) right to represent the BCNPA
3. Student membership shall be open to any student currently pursuing Nurse Practitioner education. Privileges will be the same as associate membership.
4. Both active and associate members must uphold the constitution and comply with these bylaws.
ARTICLE 4 – Membership General
1. The membership year begins April first (1st) and ends March thirty-first (31st).
2. Membership in BCNPA shall be renewed prior to the end of each fiscal year (March 30th) provided the applicant qualifies under the membership requirements and the annual membership fee is received.
3. Active and Associate fees are levied on an annual basis.
4. The amount of the first annual membership dues must be determined by the directors and after that the annual membership dues must be determined at the annual general meeting (AGM).
5. A person ceases to be a member of the association:
- a) By delivering his or her resignation in writing to the secretary of the society or by mailing (electronic or general) or delivering it to the address of the society.
- b) On his or her death,
- c) On being expelled, or
- d) On having been a member not in good standing
6. A member may be expelled by a special resolution of the members passed at a general meeting.
- a) The notice for a special resolution for expulsion must be accompanied by a brief statement of the reasons for the proposed expulsion.
- b) The person who is the subject of the proposed expulsion must be given an opportunity to be heard at the general meeting before the special resolution is put to a vote.
7. All members are in good standing except a member who has failed to pay his or her current annual membership fee.
8. A member suspended by the CRNBC shall automatically be suspended from active membership by the BCNPA; when reinstated by the CRNBC, the member shall be eligible to be reinstated as an active member of BCNPA, providing the requirements for membership are met.
9. The number of associate members shall not exceed the number of active members.
ARTICLE 5 – Directors
1. DIRECTORS
The affairs of the BCNPA shall be managed by a group of Directors, herein referred to as the Provincial Executive that shall be composed of the following:
- Past President
- President
- President-elect
- Secretary
- Treasurer
Regional Representatives geographically covered by:
- 1. Northern Health Authority Region
- 2. Interior Health Authority Region
- 3. Vancouver Island Health Authority Region
- 4. Vancouver Coastal Health Authority Region
- 5. Fraser Health Authority Region
2. QUALIFICATIONS
Only Active members of the BCNPA may hold elected positions on the Provincial Executive.
3. TERM OF OFFICE
- a) The term of office for the Past President, President, President-elect, Northern Health Authority Representative, Interior Health Authority Representative, Vancouver Island Health Authority Representative, Vancouver Coastal Health Authority Representative, and the Fraser Health Authority Representative shall be for one (1) year and for the Secretary and Treasurer shall be two (2) years from the conclusion of the AGM at which they are elected to the conclusion of the next ensuing AGM as appropriate.
- b) A director may serve in the same office for no more than two (2) consecutive terms of office, but may serve in other executive positions for an additional two consecutive terms.
- c) One half of the Provincial Executive shall be elected at each AGM.
- d) Any member of the Provincial Executive may resign her/his office by giving notice in