INSIDE WVSMA
Constitution and Bylaws as Approved by the West Virginia State Medical Association House of Delegates on April 2 , 2022
ARTICLE I : Name
1 . The name of this association shall be the West Virginia State Medical Association ( hereinafter “ WVSMA ”).
ARTICLE II : Purpose
1 . The purpose of the WVSMA shall be to federate and bring together the allopathic and osteopathic physicians and surgeons as defined and governed by the West Virginia Code ( Chapter 30 articles 3 and 14 , respectively , or their replacements ) in the state of West Virginia . In so doing , the WVSMA will advocate for the professional interests of the membership by :
a .
b .
c .
Promoting the art , science , and practice of medicine for the betterment of public health and the health and welfare of the profession .
Supporting medical education , research , and the dissemination of knowledge ;
Emphasizing policies that foster individual and public health ;
d . Upholding the importance of a well-educated , healthy , and productive healthcare workforce in West Virginia ;
e . Providing services and benefits to WVSMA membership ; who have met and maintain compliance with criteria for membership as set forth in these Constitution and Bylaws , and those persons who are designated as honorary members of the WVSMA by the Board of Trustees ( hereinafter “ Board ”).
2 . Standards of conduct . Membership in the WVSMA is a privilege subject to a Board-approved application process . Members of the WVSMA agree to and are bound by :
a . The WVSMA Constitution and Bylaws ; b . WVSMA written policies and procedures ; c .
d .
e .
The mandates of West Virginia physician licensure by the West Virginia Board of Medicine or the West Virginia Board of Osteopathic Medicine or their successors ; and ,
Accepted standards of medical ethics as outlined in the Code of Medical Ethics of the American Medical Association and / or the American Osteopathic Association .
Failure to follow established WVSMA or professional standards may lead to disciplinary action up to and including revocation of membership .
3 . Criteria and classification of membership . Members of the WVSMA must meet the following criteria and shall be classified according to the following classes of membership : f .
g .
h . upporting rigorous standards for medical education and practice in West Virginia ;
Providing advice and assistance to public officials and policy makers in the design and implementation of programs that affect the health of the citizens of West Virginia ; and ,
Advocating to legislators , public officials , and policy makers , and others for the passage and promulgation of statutes and rules that benefit public health and the practice of medicine in West Virginia .
2 . The WVSMA will work with like-minded organizations in West Virginia and nationally including sending the allotted number of delegates to the American Medical Association ’ s House of Delegates in accordance with the manner provided herein .
ARTICLE III : Membership
1 . The WVSMA shall consist of members in good standing , a .
b .
c .
Active Members . Active members in the WVSMA shall be limited to physicians in West Virginia who are licensed and in good standing by the West Virginia Board of Medicine or the West Virginia Board of Osteopathic Medicine . Active members shall have the ability to serve as officers , have the right to vote on leadership and policy positions , and serve on committees . Active members will pay the annual dues as determined by the Board .
Semi-Retired Members . Semi-retired members shall be those members who work less than 30 hours per week on average . Semi-retired members shall have the ability to serve as officers , have the right to vote on leadership and policy positions , and serve on committees . Semi-retired members shall be assessed one half the annual dues cost of an active member .
Retired Members . Retired members shall be those physicians who have retired from the active practice of medicine . Retired members have the right to vote
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