Section 1. Name

The name of this association shall be the Washington State Nurses Association, hereinafter referred to as the WSNA.

Section 2. Purposes

The purposes of the WSNA shall be to act and speak for the nursing profession and to promote and enhance the accountability and control of nursing practice by the nursing profession through

1. working for the improvement of health standards and the availability of health care services for all people,
2. fostering high standards of nursing and
3. promoting the professional development of nurses and advancing their economic and general welfare.

These purposes shall be unrestricted by consideration of age, color, creed, disability, gender, health status, lifestyle, nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Section 3. Functions

The functions of the WSNA shall be to

1. promote standards of nursing practice, nursing education, and nursing service as defined by the American Nurses Association, hereinafter referred to as the ANA,
2. promote adherence to the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses,
3. initiate and influence legislation, governmental programs, and public health policy,
4. promote and protect the economic and general welfare of nurses,
5. protect nurses' rights to engage in collective bargaining,
6. serve as the exclusive bargaining representative for registered nurses bargaining units,
7. provide for the continuing professional development of nurses,
8. promote research in nursing and encourage the utilization of new knowledge as a basis for nursing,
9. represent nurses and promote relationships with allied professional, community, and governmental groups and with the public,
10. assume an active role as consumer advocate in health,
11. meet the qualification requirements as a constituent of the ANA,
12. promote relationships with the Nursing Students of Washington State, hereafter referred to as NSWS,
13. promote racial and gender equity and
14. provide for representation in the ANA Membership Assembly as provided for in the ANA Bylaws.

Section 1. Composition

The Washington State Nurses Association shall be composed of a majority of registered nurses and Local Unit Program Members who meet the qualifications stated in these bylaws and shall be unrestricted by consideration of age, color, creed, disability, gender, health status, lifestyle, nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Section 2. Qualifications

1. A regular member is one
   1. who has been granted a license to practice as a registered nurse in the State of Washington or is licensed in another state, District of Columbia, territory or possession of the United States who does not have a license under suspension or revocation in any state, or is otherwise entitled by law to practice, including an impaired nurse, in recovery, who has surrendered a license to practice, or a nurse who has retired and/or no longer chooses to practice, but whose license was in good standing with his/her licensing board at the time the nurse made the decision not to maintain an active license,
   2. whose application for membership in the WSNA has been accepted,
   3. whose dues are not delinquent, and
   4. whose membership is not under revocation, or
   5. who meets 1 through 4 above and has paid full dues to a transferring ANA C/SNA¹ and meets WSNA membership qualifications and whose transfer has been signed by the secretary of the transferring C/SNA. This member shall not pay additional dues for the period covered by dues paid to the transferring C/SNA. The transferring C/SNA shall not refund dues paid.
2. A member-at-large is one who
   1. meets the qualifications stated in A.1 through 4, and
   2. does not reside within the jurisdictional boundaries served by a WSNA constituent association as described in Article IX.
3. Secondary membership
   1. An individual who meets the qualifications for membership stated in Section 2 of this article and who is already a member of another ANA constituent member association may become a secondary member of this association,
   2. Dues for secondary members shall be the same as for other members of this association except that the ANA assessment factor shall be deducted, and
   3. Secondary members are entitled to all of the rights and privileges of membership except representation of this Association at the ANA Membership Assembly as provided for in the ANA Bylaws and participation in the election of WSNA Representatives/alternates to the ANA Membership Assembly as provided for in the ANA Bylaws.
4. Life membership
   The Board of Directors shall establish a category of Life Membership for nurses who have been a member of WSNA for 30 years, are 65 years of age or older, and maintain their RN licensure or have retired and/or no longer practice, but whose license was in good standing with his/her licensing board at the time the nurse made the decision not to maintain an active license, recognizing this type of membership has all the rights and privileges of full WSNA membership.
5. Honorary membership
   The Board of Directors shall establish a category of Honorary Membership in appreciation for those who have been a member of WSNA for 30 years, are 65 years or older, and no longer maintain an RN license, recognizing that this type of membership has no voting or ANA privileges. No membership dues are required.

Section 3. Good Standing

A member in good standing is defined as a member who is current in the payment of dues to WSNA. A member who is more than thirty (30) days delinquent in dues payment shall be considered to be not in good standing. Members who are not in good standing are ineligible for all rights, privileges, and benefits of membership in WSNA. Good standing will be restored upon the resumption of timely payment of dues and the payment of back dues owed, not to exceed three months’ back dues.

Members who are on an unpaid leave of absence, layoff, or who are unemployed, may maintain membership in good standing through the timely payment of dues according to the category and schedule of dues established by the Board of Directors.

Section 4. Membership Rights and Obligations

WSNA members as defined by and referenced in these bylaws are members in good standing and shall have membership rights and obligations.

1. A member in good standing has the right to
   1. access a WSNA/ANA membership card, the WSNA bylaws, and official publications of ANA including the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses,
   2. receive The Washington Nurse and other official publications of WSNA,
   3. seek election or appointment to positions within WSNA unless employed by WSNA; however, a member may not concurrently hold more than one Board, Council, or standing committee position except as specified in these bylaws,
   4. participate in the WSNA General Assembly as a voting member,
   5. vote for elected officials and the dues rate of the WSNA, and representatives/alternates to the ANA Membership Assembly as provided for in the ANA Bylaws,
   6. receive due process in the event of disciplinary action as hereinafter described,
   7. transfer WSNA membership to another ANA constituent member association, hereinafter referred to as ANA C/SNA, for the remainder of a paid membership year providing the WSNA membership qualifications are met,
   8. seek election as a representative/alternate to the ANA Membership Assembly as provided for in the ANA Bylaws,
   9. seek election or appointment to positions within the ANA in accordance with ANA Bylaws and applicable policies,
   10. attend the ANA Membership Assembly as provided for in the ANA Bylaws,
   11. attend the Quadrennial Congress of the International Council of Nurses,
   12. have access to the “Members Only” sections of the ANA and WSNA websites,
   13. be accorded rights as provided under parliamentary authority or official policies of WSNA,
   14. receive reimbursement for expenses incurred in an elected or appointed position according to financial policies established by the WSNA Board, and
   15. nominate candidates for WSNA offices.
2. A member has the obligation to
   1. uphold the bylaws of the WSNA and ANA,
   2. abide by the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses,
   3. fulfill the requirements of an office to which they have been elected or appointed,
   4. promote fulfillment of the functions of the WSNA, and
   5. pay dues as required by WSNA.
3. Members may not at any time, including while running for or serving in WSNA office, advocate the nonpayment of dues or non-membership.

Section 5. Discipline

A member may be disciplined for cause by the WSNA.

1. Cause for discipline may include violation of
   1. the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses,
   2. the WSNA Bylaws and ANA Bylaws and, for members represented by WSNA for collective bargaining, the Constitution of any national or international labor organization with which WSNA is affiliated,
   3. WSNA constituent association bylaws,
   4. local unit rules, and
   5. the WSNA policy on Dual Unionism. See policy statement appended to these bylaws.
2. Disciplinary action
   1. Any member may file a charge for disciplinary action with the WSNA Board of Directors,
   2. Within ninety (90) days of receipt of charge, a hearing panel shall be appointed by the WSNA Board of Directors,
   3. The hearing panel shall meet and review charges within sixty (60) days after appointment of the panel.
   4. The hearing panel may dismiss the charges, fine, censure, or expel from membership the member against whom the charges have been filed, and
   5. Disciplinary action shall not be taken unless the member is served with written specific charges, given time to prepare a defense, and offered the opportunity for a full and fair hearing.
3. Appeal
   1. The decision of the hearing panel may be appealed to the WSNA Board of Directors whose decision shall be final. Request for appeal shall be made within ninety (90) days of notification of disciplinary action, and
   2. The WSNA Board of Directors shall respond to the request for appeal within ninety (90) days.
4. Reinstatement
   A member expelled from the WSNA may be reinstated by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members of the Board of Directors present and voting.
5. Disciplinary action by other state nurses associations
   Any disciplinary action taken by another C/SNA against one of its members or a member of the WSNA shall be given full recognition and enforcement provided such action was taken in accordance with the law and with the bylaws and disciplinary procedures of the C/SNA.

Section 6. Student Representatives

1. Qualifications
   Generic nursing students holding current membership in the Nursing Students of Washington State, hereinafter referred to as NSWS, shall be offered representative status in WSNA.
2. Rights
   1. Representatives shall be entitled to
      1. access the official WSNA publications,
      2. access to the WSNA Legislative Action Alert,
      3. non-voting representation on the WSNA councils and committees, and
      4. non-voting representation at meetings of the WSNA Board of Directors.
   2. NSWS chapters with a minimum of fifteen (15) members holding representative status in WSNA, shall have the right to one voting representative in the General Assembly.

Section 7. Local Unit Program Members

1. Qualifications
   Local Unit Program members are non-supervisory, non-Registered Nurses who are covered by a WSNA collective bargaining agreement and pay dues to WSNA and any national or international organization with which WSNA is affiliated.
2. Rights and obligations
   1. Local Unit Program Members shall be entitled to all WSNA membership rights and obligations except membership in ANA and WSNA constituent associations.
   2. Local Unit Program Members are eligible to vote for, be elected to, and attend any national or international labor organization with which WSNA is affiliated in accordance with the constitution and bylaws of that organization.

Section 1. Authority

The rate of dues for members of the WSNA shall be approved by a majority vote of the members voting through secret mail or electronic ballot.

Section 2. Dues

1. The dues of a member of the WSNA shall be for the membership year of twelve (12) consecutive months.
2. Dues shall be paid for the WSNA constituent association at the same time that dues are paid for the WSNA.
3. Any increase in the present rate of assessment paid by WSNA to any national or international labor organization with which WSNA is affiliated shall be automatically incorporated into the annual dues paid by each member required to pay such dues.

Section 3. Categories of Membership

The Board of Directors shall be authorized to establish categories of membership and the schedule of dues for each category².

Section 4. Transfer of Membership

A member who has made full payment of dues may transfer to or from WSNA to another ANA C/SNA without additional dues payment or refund of dues.

Section 5. Failure to Pay Dues

Failure to pay dues shall cause membership rights to be forfeited.

Section 6. Fee for Student Representatives

The Board of Directors shall be authorized to establish a fee for students who apply to become "Student Representatives" with the WSNA.

Section 1. Purpose

In order to promote greater collaboration in advancing the profession, WSNA may grant affiliate status to organizations that meet the criteria below.

Section 2. Qualifications/Criteria

An organizational affiliate

1. is an organization that meets the criteria established by the WSNA Board of Directors and whose governing body is composed of a majority of registered nurses;
2. has a formal organizational structure;
3. has established formal goals;
4. has been granted organizational affiliate status by the Board of Directors, and
5. has paid an organizational affiliate fee and shall have a signed operational agreement with WSNA.

Section 3. Responsibilities

Each organizational affiliate shall maintain a mission and purpose harmonious with the purposes and functions of WSNA.

Section 4. Rights

Any organizational affiliate shall be entitled to

1. one represented voice, but no vote in the WSNA General Assembly,
2. Any organizational affiliate shall be entitled to a voting seat on the Professional Nursing and Health Care Council, a committee thereof, or the Legislative and Health Policy Council, and
3. submit the names of qualified registered nurse representatives for appointment to ad hoc groups and task forces. Appointments to councils and committees shall require WSNA membership.

Section 5.  Rights of Individual Members of Organizational Affiliates

Members of an organizational affiliate who pays dues to WSNA in accordance with the WSNA Dues Category policy shall have all WSNA membership rights except membership in ANA and WSNA constituent associations.

Section 1. Definition

The General Assembly shall be the governing and official voting body of the WSNA.

Section 2. Authority

The General Assembly shall

1. determine the positions and priorities of the WSNA other than responsibilities over collective bargaining matters assigned by these bylaws to the Labor Executive Council,
2. delegate to the WSNA Board of Directors authority to provide implementation, through the appropriate structural units, of actions taken by the General Assembly, and
3. establish rules of procedure for meetings of the General Assembly.

Section 3. Composition

The General Assembly shall be composed of WSNA members who are duly accredited³.

Section 4. Meetings

1. The General Assembly shall meet biennially in odd-numbered years. The time and place of the General Assembly shall be determined by the Board of Directors. Notice of the General Assembly shall be announced in an official WSNA publication at least ninety (90) days prior to the meeting.
2. Special meetings of the General Assembly may be called by the Board of Directors or shall be called by the president upon written or electronic request of a majority of the WSNA constituent associations or a majority of the councils. Notification of time and place shall be sent to the membership at least fifteen (15) days before the first day of the special meeting.
3. There shall be a membership meeting held biennially in even-numbered years which, unless called as a special meeting of the General Assembly, shall have no authority to decide policy for WSNA, to vote on bylaws or resolutions, or to elect officers.

Section 5. Quorum

Seventy-five (75) members including five (5) members of the board of directors, one of whom shall be president or vice-president, shall constitute a quorum for a meeting of the General Assembly.

Section 6. Eligibility for Voting

1. All WSNA members who are duly accredited, and eligible representatives of NSWS Chapters, shall have the right to vote on matters of business in the General Assembly.
2. Voting for elected officials of WSNA, and dues rate of WSNA shall be the right of every member.
3. Only WSNA/ANA members may vote for representatives and alternates to the ANA Membership Assembly.
4. Only bargaining unit WSNA members shall vote for the Labor Executive Council and the Labor Nominations/Search Committee.
5. Only WSNA members who are members of a WSNA bargaining unit shall vote for delegates and alternates to the appropriate governing body of any national or international labor organization with which WSNA is affiliated.

Section 7. Elections

1. Elections
   1. Members shall be notified through a WSNA official publication at least six (6) months prior to an election, of their right to nominate candidates or be a self-declared candidate for office.
   2. A slate of candidates prepared by the Nominations/Search Committee shall be published in an official WSNA publication and shall be sent to each WSNA constituent association and local unit at least ninety (90) days prior to the meeting of the General Assembly.
   3. Members may be nominated for office or declare their own candidacy by submitting in writing their names and consent to serve to the WSNA secretary no later than sixty (60) days prior to the first meeting of the General Assembly. The names of such candidates shall be published in an official WSNA publication and appear on the election ballot. Write-in candidates on the ballot shall be allowed.
      1. No member may run concurrently as a candidate for more than one board, council, or committee position. However, this does not prevent a candidate from running for Representative to the ANA Membership Assembly and/or Delegate to the AFT National Convention while running for a board, council or committee position.
   4. Elections shall be held by secret ballot following each odd-year meeting of the General Assembly with appropriate provisions to allow for all eligible members to vote, in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Directors including but not limited to a secret mail or electronic ballot.
   5. A plurality vote shall constitute an election; in case of a tie, the choice shall be decided by lot.
   6. Results of the election shall be declared on the date that votes are counted and shall be announced in the next official WSNA publication following the date polls are closed.
   7. Terms of office for WSNA elected positions shall begin on declaration of election. The terms of office for Representatives/Alternates to the ANA Membership Assembly shall begin according to ANA Bylaws, and the terms of office for Delegates and Alternates to the governing body of any national or international labor organization with which WSNA is affiliated shall be in accordance with the constitution and bylaws of that labor organization.
2. Challenge
   Any challenge to the election shall be filed with the secretary/treasurer of WSNA within thirty (30) days after the official announcement of the election.
3. Records
   All ballots and other records of the election shall be preserved for one year after the election.

Section 1. Definition

The Board of Directors is a corporate body composed of officers and directors elected by members of the WSNA. Directors include the elected chairs of the Labor Executive Council, the Legislative and Health Policy Council and the Professional Nursing and Health Care Council.

Section 2. Authority

The Board of Directors shall fulfill the responsibilities delegated to the Board of Directors by the General Assembly and as defined in these bylaws.

Section 3. Accountability

The Board of Directors is accountable to the membership through the General Assembly.

Section 4. Responsibilities

Within the limits of the Washington State Nurses Association bylaws and policies, each board member has the responsibility and authority to accomplish the following:

1. exercise the corporate responsibility and fiduciary duties of the WSNA consistent with applicable provisions of law;
2. coordinate the functions and activities of the WSNA other than those relating to collective bargaining matters assigned by these bylaws to the Labor Executive Council;
3. establish organization policies which shall protect the officers and association from conflict of interest and maintain the integrity of the profession and WSNA;
4. establish the WSNA priorities, annually, based on the goals and resolutions adopted by the General Assembly;
5. adopt the financial policies and a budget for the WSNA;
6. define categories of membership and notify the members of the rate of dues for each category;
7. appoint, define the authority and responsibilities, and annually review the performance of the executive director as the executive administrator for the WSNA;
8. approve and adopt the legislative platform and priorities for WSNA;
9. establish and appoint standing and special committees and define the authority, responsibility and term of office for each appointed committee which is not otherwise defined in these bylaws;
10. make appointments which are delegated to the Board of Directors, fill vacancies in appointed positions, and in elected positions until the next election. Bargaining unit and non-bargaining unit members from geographic regions of WSNA should be reflected in committee appointments;
11. shall remove appointed and/or elected members from office who fail to attend meetings or fulfill requirements of the office as defined in policy established by the Board of Directors;
12. establish procedures for disciplinary action and appoint hearing panels and serve as the final board of appeal for a member charged with disciplinary action;
13. determine the jurisdictional boundaries and confer designation for WSNA constituent associations; and
14. appoint members of the Board of Trustees of WSNA Political Action Committee (WSNA PAC) and Board of Trustees of the Washington State Nurses Foundation (WSNF) and approve their bylaws.

Section 5. Composition

The Board of Directors shall consist of eleven WSNA members who are elected by the membership.

Section 6. Officers and Directors

1. There shall be three officers: president, vice-president and secretary/treasurer elected by the membership. There shall be five directors, elected at large by the membership, two of whom shall hold seats designated for staff nurses⁴.
2. The chair of the Legislative and Health Policy Council, the chair of the Professional Nursing and Health Care Council, and the chair of the Labor Executive Council, by virtue of their election as chair, serve on the Board of Directors.

Section 7. Elections

Officers and directors shall be elected by secret ballot following each odd-year meeting of the General Assembly with appropriate provisions to allow for all eligible members to vote in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Directors, including but not limited to a secret mail or electronic ballot.

Section 8. Terms of Office

1. Each officer shall be elected for a two-year term. An officer shall be eligible to serve two consecutive terms or four consecutive years in the same office.
2. Directors shall be elected for a two-year term. A Director shall be eligible to serve two consecutive terms or four consecutive years.
3. A person who has served more than one-half of a term shall be considered to have served a full term.
4. A term of office shall be for two years. A person may serve a maximum of four consecutive terms or eight consecutive years, except for the Chair of the Labor Executive Council who may serve up to an additional two years. After a two-year term out of office, they are eligible to serve again.

Section 9. Qualifications for Office

1. To be eligible as an officer or director, a person shall hold current membership in the WSNA.
2. A person shall not concurrently serve as an officer, director and/or staff member of another organization if such participation might result in a conflict of interest with WSNA.
3. WSNA members who are employees of WSNA or a WSNA constituent association are eligible to be candidates for ANA elected offices but are excluded from serving in WSNA and WSNA constituent association elected offices.
4. To be eligible for election to the Staff Nurse positions on the WSNA Board of Directors, a WSNA member must meet the definition of Staff Nurse and be represented for collective bargaining by WSNA throughout the term of office.

Section 10. Vacancies

1. In the event of a vacancy in the office of president, the vice-president shall become president for the remainder of the term.
2. Except for the Chair of the Labor Executive Council, a vacancy in a position on the Board of Directors shall be filled by board appointment for the unexpired term.
3. In the event that a person holding a seat designated for a staff nurse no longer meets the definition of staff nurse, the position shall be declared vacant, unless the occupant has less than one year remaining on his/her term of office. In the event of a declared vacancy, the position shall be filled by WSNA Board appointment of an eligible staff nurse until the next election.

Section 11. Duties of Officers

1. The president of WSNA shall:
   1. serve as the representative of the WSNA and as the official spokesperson on matters of policy except as reflected in these bylaws,
   2. serve as  chair of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee,
   3. serve as the presiding officer for the General Assembly,
   4. serve as an ex-officio member of all committees, and councils except the Nominations/Search Committee, Labor Executive Council, and the Labor Nominations/Search Committee,
   5. appoint committees and perform other duties as designated by the Board of Directors,
   6. serve as liaison for the Board of Directors with the Executive Director,
   7. as a Registered Nurse, serve as one of WSNA’s official voting representatives to the ANA Membership Assembly and ANA Leadership Council,
   8. the president may designate other WSNA members to serve as ex officio members of any councils and committees in the absence of the president, and
   9. be reimbursed for percentage of time worked while performing the duties of the office as defined in these bylaws and approved by the WSNA Board of Directors within the financial capabilities of the organization.
2. The vice president of WSNA shall:
   1. assume the duties of the president in the president's absence or at the discretion of the president, and
   2. serve as a member of the Finance Committee.
3. The secretary/treasurer shall:
   1. serve as chair of the Finance Committee,
   2. ensure the keeping of records for the WSNA, including meetings of the General Assembly, Board of Directors and Executive Committee,
   3. monitor the fiscal affairs of the WSNA,
   4. report the financial conditions of the WSNA to the membership, General Assembly and to the Board of Directors at least annually,
   5. submit the books of accounts for annual audit by a certified public accountant approved by the Board of Directors and sign the official documents of WSNA as appropriate, and
   6. interpret the financial policies of the WSNA.
4. Officers and directors shall fulfill the responsibilities of the Board of Directors as defined in these bylaws.

Section 12. Executive Director

1. The Executive Director, employed by and accountable to the Board of Directors, is the executive administrator for the WSNA and is delegated the authority to:
   1. manage the WSNA headquarters and delegate staff responsibilities as appropriate,
   2. execute policies determined by the Board of Directors and policies established by the Labor Executive Council relating to collective bargaining,
   3. select, hire, promote, evaluate and terminate staff,
   4. represent the WSNA as a spokesperson on matters of established policy and positions,
   5. serve as the official WSNA Chief Staff Officer representative to the ANA Membership Assembly as provided for in the ANA Bylaws, and ANA Leadership Council, serve on other designated ANA committees and task forces and attend other ANA meetings as needed, and
   6. serve as the official WSNA Chief Staff Officer representative to any national or international organization with which WSNA is affiliated.
2. The executive director shall fulfill other responsibilities delegated by the Board of Directors and defined in the job description adopted by the Board of Directors for the executive administrator.
3. The executive director holds a courtesy seat without vote on the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee.

Section 13. Executive Committee

1. Composition
   The president, vice president, and secretary/treasurer shall serve as the Executive Committee.
2. Authority and responsibilities
   The Executive Committee shall have all powers of the Board of Directors to:
   1. transact business which requires action between meetings of the Board of Directors,
   2. take action on matters delegated by the Board of Directors and report such action to the Board of Directors at the next regular meeting of the Board of Directors,
   3. submit to the Board of Directors rationale for action taken by the Executive Committee on matters which are not delegated by the Board of Directors, and
   4. determine official action on behalf of the WSNA in legislative matters.

Section 14. Meetings

1. Board of Directors
   1. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held preceding each odd- year meeting of the General Assembly, and at such other times as determined by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall determine the time and place for regular meetings of the Board of Directors.
   2. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called with two days' previous notice to each board member.
      1. The president shall, upon written or electronic request of a majority of WSNA constituent associations or five directors, call a special meeting of the Board of Directors with two days' notice to all members of the Board of Directors.
      2. Business of the Board of Directors which, in the opinion of the president, requires immediate action may be conducted by mail or electronic means. An affirmative vote of the majority of the members of the Board of Directors shall be required and shall control the action of the WSNA until the next meeting of the Board of Directors where such action shall be ratified.
2. Executive Committee
   The president may call executive committee meetings. The president shall call an executive committee meeting upon the request of two elected officers. The president shall determine the time and place for a called executive committee meeting.

Section 15. Quorum

1. A majority of the Board of Directors, including the president or a vice-president, shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of the Board of Directors.
2. A majority of the Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum for meetings of the Executive Committee.

Section 1. Definition

1. There shall be three standing committees: Bylaws/Resolutions Committee, Nominations/Search Committee, and Finance Committee.

Section 2. Bylaws/Resolutions Committee

1. Composition
   The Bylaws/Resolutions Committee shall consist of at least three and not more than seven members appointed by the Board of Directors. The chair shall be named by the Board of Directors.
2. Responsibilities
   The Bylaws/Resolutions Committee shall:
   1. interpret the bylaws;
   2. review proposed amendments to the Articles of Incorporation and the bylaws and recommend proposed action to the Board of Directors;
   3. review any bylaws changes of ANA and/or changes to the Constitution of any national or international labor organization with which WSNA is affiliated and recommend to the WSNA Board of Directors editorial or other non-substantive changes to bring the WSNA Bylaws into harmony. Any changes shall be in compliance with Article XVIII, Section 3 of these bylaws;
   4. present to the General Assembly proposed amendments to the Articles of Incorporation and the bylaws upon recommendation of the Board of Directors;
   5. review the bylaws of a WSNA constituent association at least every three (3) years and when there are proposed substantive changes to assure harmony with WSNA bylaws and forward recommendations to the WSNA Board of Directors;
   6. in consultation with the parliamentarian, advise WSNA constituent associations concerning proposed amendments to their bylaws;
   7. review the bylaws of other Washington state organizations seeking recognition on the part of WSNA to assure harmony with the WSNA purposes and functions and make recommendations to the Board of Directors, and
   8. serve as the Resolutions Committee.
3. Term of office and vacancies
   The Board of Directors shall determine the term of office for members of the Bylaws/Resolutions Committee and fill any vacancy which may occur.

Section 3. Nominations/Search Committee

1. Composition and election
   There shall be six members of the Nominations/Search Committee. Four shall be elected following each odd-year meeting of the General Assembly with appropriate provisions to allow all members to vote in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Directors including but not limited to a secret mail or electronic ballot. Two shall be appointed by the Board of Directors. The chair shall be selected by the committee. Persons who are not elected to the committee shall serve as alternates in the order of votes received.
2. Responsibilities
   The Nominations/Search Committee shall research and request names of candidates and propose a slate according to procedures adopted by the Board of Directors.
3. Obligation
   A member of the Nominations/Search Committee shall resign from the committee if the member is to be a nominee on the slate proposed by the Nominations/Search Committee, with the exception of nomination for Representative to the ANA Membership Assembly and/or Delegate to the AFT National Convention.
4. Term of office and vacancies
   1. Members of the Nominations/Search Committee shall serve for a two-year term. A person is eligible to serve only two consecutive terms or four consecutive years. Terms of office shall begin upon the date established by the Board of Directors.
   2. A vacancy occurring on the Nominations/Search Committee in an elected position shall be filled by the person who received the next highest vote in the election for office.
   3. If a vacancy occurs in an appointed position, the Board of Directors shall fill the vacancy.

Section 4. Finance Committee

1. Composition
   The Finance Committee shall consist of at least three WSNA members, and not more than seven members to include the WSNA secretary/treasurer who shall serve as chair, vice president, and a member of the Labor Executive Council selected by the Labor Executive Council. Other members of the committee shall be appointed by the Board of Directors.
2. Responsibilities
   The Finance Committee shall:
   1. prepare the annual budget for submission to the Board of Directors for final approval,
   2. recommend fiscal policies to the Board of Directors,
   3. advise the Board of Directors of income, expenditures, and investments and make recommendations,
   4. monitor the budget and
   5. serve as the WSNA audit committee to ensure compliance with governmental filings and audit requirements.
3. Term of office and vacancies
   The Board of Directors shall determine the term of office for members of the Finance Committee and fill any vacancy which may occur.

Section 1. Definition

The Councils are organized deliberative bodies which fulfill their stated responsibilities and make recommendations to the Board of Directors and the General Assembly relative to the goals and priorities of the WSNA.

Section 2. Authority

The Councils shall be established by the General Assembly and shall be accountable to the Board of Directors, except for the Labor Executive Council whose members shall be accountable to their electorate and report to the Board of Directors. The Councils shall report to the General Assembly.

Section 3. Meetings

1. Regular meetings of the Professional Nurses and Health Care Council and the Legislative and Health Policy Council will be scheduled on a routine basis and special meetings may be called upon approval of the WSNA President.
2. Regular meetings of the Labor Executive Council will be scheduled on a routine basis and special meetings may be called upon approval of the Council Chair.

Section 4.  Labor Executive Council

1. Composition
   1. There shall be ten members on the Labor Executive Council, including the chair, vice- chair, and secretary/treasurer, all of whom shall be elected by secret ballot. The chair shall also serve on the WSNA Board of Directors.
   2. Executive Committee. The officers shall serve as the Executive Committee of the Council. The Executive Committee shall have the powers of the Labor Executive Council to
      1. transact business which requires action, between meetings of the Council and
      2. take action on matters delegated by the Labor Executive Council and report such action to the Labor Executive Council at the next regular meeting.
2. Qualifications
   To be eligible for election or appointment to the Labor Executive Council or the Labor Nominations/Search Committee, a person shall hold current membership in the WSNA, be represented for collective bargaining by WSNA and meet the definition of staff nurse.
3. Election, term of office and vacancies
   1. All Labor Executive Council members shall be elected by secret mail or electronic ballot following each odd-year meeting of the General Assembly with appropriate provisions to allow all eligible members to vote, in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Directors, including but not limited to a secret mail or electronic ballot.
   2. The slate presented by the Labor Nominations/Search Committee, self-declared candidates, and a place for write-in candidates who meet the qualifications, will appear on the ballot.
   3. A term of office shall be for two years. A person may serve a maximum of four consecutive terms or eight consecutive years on the Council, except for the Chair who may serve up to an additional two years. After a two-year term out of office, they are eligible to serve again.
   4. The chair, vice-chair, and secretary/treasurer terms shall be two years. The chair, vice-chair, and secretary/treasurer shall have served one term or partial term on the Labor Executive Council within the last three years prior to election as chair, vice-chair or secretary/treasurer.
   5. In the event that a person holding a position on the Council no longer meets the qualifications for membership on the Council, a vacancy shall be declared, and the vacancy shall be filled by Council appointment for the remainder of the term. If a vacancy occurs in the office of the Council Chair, the Council shall appoint a Chair from among its members for the remainder of the term.
   6. The chair shall serve as a representative of WSNA and as an official spokesperson on matters of policy related to collective bargaining.
4. Responsibilities
   The Labor Executive Council shall:
   1. develop and review policies and procedures for the conduct of the WSNA Labor program in keeping with the principles and policies of any national or international labor organization with which WSNA is affiliated,
   2. develop and review policies and procedures relating to the conduct of collective bargaining contract administration, contract enforcement, organizing and other labor relations activities,
   3. set priorities for functions and activities of WSNA labor relations,
   4. formulate program objectives and periodically evaluate the WSNA Labor program,
   5. establish standards for local units and approve local unit rules,
   6. promote the organization of local units for the purpose of participating with WSNA in its collective bargaining and related labor relations activities on behalf of local units,
   7. assure that each local unit accomplishes its collective bargaining aims within the policies, procedures and objectives established by the Labor Executive Council,
   8. protect the rights and obligations of a local unit member in the conduct of the collective bargaining process subject to the principle of fair and equal representation within a democratic organization,
   9. invoke, by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Council members present and voting, trusteeship of a local unit when it is not complying with its rules or with the standards established by the Council (under trusteeship, transact all business for the local unit until appropriate elections may be held),
   10. promote labor educational programs,
   11. recommend fiscal policies and budget expenses on matters of joint concern to the Board of Directors for the Labor program,
   12. establish fiscal policies for managing and governing funds designated for the Labor program, and
   13. recommend to the Board of Directors statements of position related to labor relations.
5. Labor Nominations/Search Committee
   1. Composition
      The Labor Nominations/Search Committee shall consist of three members currently represented for collective bargaining by WSNA and elected by secret ballot following the odd-year meeting of the General Assembly with appropriate provisions to allow for all eligible members to vote in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Directors including but not limited to a secret mail or electronic ballot. The chair shall be selected by the committee. Persons who are not elected to the committee shall serve as alternates according to the order of votes received.
   2. Term of office and vacancies
      1. Members of the Labor Nominations/Search Committee may serve a maximum of four consecutive terms or eight consecutive years. After a two- year term out of office, they are eligible to serve again.
      2. If a vacancy occurs on the Labor Nominations/Search Committee, such vacancy shall be filled by an alternate.
   3. Responsibilities
      The responsibilities of the Labor Nominations/Search Committee shall be to research and request names of candidates and prepare a slate for election to the, Labor Executive Council, Labor Nominations/Search Committee, and delegates and alternates to the governing body of any national or international labor organization with which WSNA is affiliated, according to procedures adopted by the Labor Executive Council.
6. Local units
   1. Definition
      A WSNA local unit is an organized body of registered nurses and local unit program members who elect to have the WSNA serve as their collective bargaining agent.
   2. Composition
      The voting members of a local unit are dues-paying members of WSNA and local unit program members.
   3. Functions
      The local unit's objectives are to
      1. participate with the WSNA in its dealings with the employer concerning collective bargaining, contract administration, and other labor relations matters and
      2. serve as an advocate for local unit members in relation to the issues affecting members of the local unit in a manner consistent with these bylaws and the policies and positions of the WSNA.
7. Local Unit Leadership Council
   1. Composition
      The WSNA Local Unit Leadership Council is composed of local unit chairs or designees.
   2. Meetings
      The Local Unit Leadership Council shall meet at least annually and reports to the Labor Executive Council.

Section 5. Professional Nursing and Health Care Council

1. Composition
   There shall be at least eleven members on the Council. Seven are elected and four appointed. Five of the seven elected positions are designated research, education, practice, administration, and ethics and human rights, one at-large and one as chair. The chair also serves on the WSNA Board of Directors. Additional seats on the Council may be appointed by the WSNA Board of Directors from the membership of the organizational affiliates.
2. Election and term of office
   1. Seven members shall be elected by secret ballot following each odd-year meeting of the General Assembly with appropriate provisions to allow for all eligible members to vote in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Directors, including but not limited to a secret mail or electronic ballot. The Board of Directors shall determine the date a term shall begin for council members.
   2. A term shall be for two years. A member is eligible to serve a maximum of four consecutive terms or eight consecutive years on the council. After a two-year term out of office, they are eligible to serve again.
3. Responsibilities
   The council shall fulfill the responsibilities as defined by the Board of Directors which are reviewed biennially and approved by the Board of Directors.
4. Meetings
   The council shall meet three times a year and shall report to the Board of Directors. Committees and task forces are appointed by the council subject to approval and funding by the Board of Directors and would meet to accomplish projects and then be disbanded.

Section 6. Legislative and Health Policy Council

1. Composition
   There shall be seven members on the council, four elected and three appointed. The four elected positions include three at-large and one chair. The chair also serves on the WSNA Board of Directors.
2. Election and term of office
   1. Four members shall be elected by secret ballot following each odd-year meeting of the General Assembly with appropriate provisions to allow for all eligible members to vote in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Directors, including but not limited to a secret mail or electronic ballot. The Board of Directors shall determine the date a term shall begin for council members.
   2. A term shall be for two years. A member is eligible to serve a maximum of four consecutive terms or eight consecutive years on the council. After a two-year term out of office, they are eligible to serve again.
3. Responsibilities
   The council shall fulfill the responsibilities as defined by the Board of Directors and reviewed biennially.
4. Meetings
   The council shall meet three times a year and shall report to the Board of Directors.

Section 1. Definition And Composition

A district nurses association or region is an officially recognized body of the WSNA whose members reside or are employed within the jurisdictional boundaries defined by the Board of Directors, hereinafter referred to as WSNA constituent association.

Section 2. Jurisdictional Boundaries

1. The Board of Directors shall establish the jurisdictional boundaries for a WSNA constituent association in consultation with the Constituent Representative Council.
2. The need for change in jurisdictional boundaries may be identified by members of the WSNA constituent association(s) or the WSNA Board of Directors. Notification to the members of the WSNA constituent associations(s) shall be given ninety (90) days prior to the date when the Board of Directors shall consider the question. Changes may be made by mutual consent of the WSNA constituent association(s) involved and the Board of Directors; absent mutual consent, the Board of Directors shall have the final authority. An affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members of the Board of Directors present and voting is required to change jurisdictional boundaries.

Section 3. Qualifications

The bylaws of a recognized WSNA constituent association shall

1. require members of the WSNA constituent association to hold membership in the WSNA,
2. include a statement of purpose that is supportive of the purposes and functions of the WSNA and includes:
   1. working for the improvement of health standards and the availability of health care services for all people,
   2. fostering high standards of nursing, and
   3. promoting the professional development of nurses, but shall not include:
      1. collective bargaining, or
      2. engagement in electoral political activity.
3. provide that the WSNA constituent association will not make endorsements of or formally support any candidate, initiative, or referendum, unless WSNA has expressly authorized it to do so, and
4. provide for membership rights and obligations:
   1. Members shall have the right to
      1. seek an elective or appointive office in the WSNA constituent association unless employed by WSNA.
      2. vote for the elected officials, bylaws and dues rate of the WSNA constituent association via secret ballot, and
      3. attend unrestricted activities of the WSNA.
   2. A member has the obligation to
      1. uphold the bylaws of ANA, WSNA and the WSNA constituent association, and
      2. abide by the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses.

Section 4. Services

WSNA constituent associations shall be offered services by the WSNA as defined by the Board of Directors.

Section 5. Withdrawal of Designation

By an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the present and voting members of the Board of Directors of the WSNA, a WSNA constituent association designation may be withdrawn when such a WSNA constituent association fails to meet the qualification requirements or jurisdictional definition.

Section 6. Reinstatement of a WSNA Constituent Association

An organization whose designation as a WSNA constituent association has been withdrawn may reapply for designation when members of the organization believe the qualifications for designation are being met. Reinstatement shall be by an affirmative vote of the majority of the members of the Board of Directors present and voting.

Section 1. Definition

The Constituent Representative Council is a representative assembly which discusses constituent nursing affairs of mutual concern and promotes the interest of the profession, WSNA and its membership.

Section 2. Composition

The Executive Director and Executive Committee of WSNA, and the president or a designated WSNA constituent association member, shall constitute the Constituent Representative Council.

The chief staff officer of a WSNA constituent association may attend meetings of the Constituent Representative Council.

Section 3. Meetings

A meeting of the Constituent Representative Council shall be held at least annually. Additional meetings shall be called upon the request of half of the WSNA constituent associations.

Section 4. Authority

The Constituent Representative Council shall report and may make recommendations to the Board of Directors of WSNA relative to WSNA constituent association nursing issues and the profession.

Section 5. Affiliates

Two officers of NSWS shall be eligible to attend meetings of the Constituent Representative Council.

Section 6. Voting

Each WSNA constituent association shall have one vote which must be cast by the president or his/her designee.

WSNA PAC is the nonpartisan political action committee of the WSNA. It operates in conformity with Washington state law, the policies and platforms of the WSNA and in accordance with the WSNA PAC bylaws approved by the WSNA Board of Directors.

The WSNF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The purposes are to advance the nursing profession and facilitate nursing’s contribution to the health of the community. It operates in conformity with the policies of the WSNA and in accordance with the WSNF bylaws approved by the WSNA Board of Directors.

Section 1. Definition

The American Nurses Association is the national nursing organization whose membership is comprised of C/SNAs and individuals who have member or affiliate status.

Section 2. Relationship

The WSNA relationship to the ANA shall be to

1. maintain membership in the ANA by meeting the qualifications for C/SNA membership;
2. ensure that ANA/WSNA members continue to have all rights of membership in the ANA as provided in the ANA bylaws until such time as the ANA/WSNA membership votes to disaffiliate from the ANA. “Washington State Nurses Association membership” for these purposes, is defined as individual members of the WSNA in good standing who have ANA rights and privileges of members as a result of their WSNA membership. A vote to disaffiliate shall occur by mail or by electronic secret ballot, with appropriate notice and procedures to protect the integrity and validity of the vote. The vote to disaffiliate must be approved by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the accredited ANA/WSNA member voting.
3. The WSNA shall continue to pay dues to the ANA pursuant to the ANA bylaws and the Membership Assembly policy until such time as the WSNA membership votes to disaffiliate from the ANA;
4. pay dues to the ANA in accordance with policies adopted by the ANA Membership Assembly as provided by the ANA Bylaws;
5. honor the WSNA’s contractual agreements with the ANA;
6. maintain staff liaison relationships with ANA staff. The parameters of the relationship will be defined by the executive director of the WSNA;
7. hold voting seats in the ANA Membership Assembly in accordance with ANA Bylaws and policies;
8. submit proposals for consideration by the ANA;
9. submit nominees for ANA elective and appointive positions;
10. submit the WSNA bylaws to the ANA upon their request to ensure that they are in harmony with ANA bylaws;
11. uphold the purposes, functions, and bylaws of the ANA, and
12. speak for nurses holding membership in the WSNA as a member of the ANA.

Section 3. Representatives to Membership Assembly

1. The number of WSNA representatives to the ANA Membership Assembly as provided by the ANA Bylaws.
   Representatives and alternates to the ANA Membership Assembly as provided in the ANA Bylaws, shall be WSNA and ANA members elected by ANA/WSNA members by secret ballot following each odd-year meeting of the WSNA General Assembly with appropriate provisions to allow for all members to vote in accordance with procedures established by the WSNA Board of Directors. The WSNA ballot will provide that, when elected, the WSNA President will also serve as one of WSNA’s official voting representatives to the ANA Membership Assembly. If a vacancy occurs in the office of representative, the position shall be filled by the elected alternates in the order of votes received in the election.
2. WSNA representatives to the ANA Membership Assembly as provided for in the ANA Bylaws shall uphold the purposes and functions of the WSNA and be accountable to the members of the WSNA in discharging their duties as authorized representatives of the WSNA.

Section 1. Delegates

1. The number of delegates to represent the WSNA at the governing body of any national or international labor organization with which WSNA is affiliated shall be in accordance with the constitution and bylaws of that labor organization.
2. WSNA Delegates and Alternates to the governing body of any national or international labor organization shall
   1. be WSNA members;
   2. be elected by members of bargaining units represented by WSNA, and the WSNA ballot will provide that, when elected, the WSNA Labor Executive Council Chair will also serve as WSNA’s Ranking Delegate;
   3. be elected by secret ballot for two-year terms; and
   4. be members of a bargaining unit represented by WSNA throughout the term of office as delegate.

The fiscal year of the WSNA shall be determined by WSNA Board of Directors policy.

The Washington Nurse and the WSNA website shall be the official publications of the WSNA. The Board of Directors shall determine what other publications shall be official publications of the WSNA.

The latest edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern meetings of the WSNA in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws and special rules adopted by the WSNA.

Section 1. Amendments With Notice

1. These bylaws may be amended at any odd-year meeting of the General Assembly, or by mail or electronic ballot, by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the accredited WSNA members voting, providing previous notice has been given.
2. Proposed amendments shall be in the possession of the secretary of the WSNA at least ninety (90)days prior to the date for voting.
   1. Notice of proposed amendments to be voted upon at the General Assembly shall be submitted to the members at least thirty (30) days prior to the date scheduled for the vote.
   2. For a mail vote, proposed amendments and the ballot will be mailed out at least thirty (30) days prior to the designated postmark due date for vote.
   3. For an electronic vote, proposed amendments and the ballot will be sent at least thirty (30) days prior to the designated due date for vote.

Section 2. Amendments Without Notice

These bylaws may be amended at any meeting of the General Assembly without previous notice by an affirmative vote of ninety-nine percent (99%) of the accredited WSNA members present and voting.

Section 3. Conformity

If at any time an amendment to these bylaws is required for conformity by Law, or as a constituent member of the ANA or a national or international labor organization with which WSNA is affiliated, the Board of Directors shall, and is hereby authorized to amend these articles to conform and/or bring into harmony with these requirements.

Should any part of these Bylaws or any provision herein contained be rendered or declared invalid by reason of any existing or subsequently enacted legislation or by any decree of a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidation of any such part or portion of these Bylaws shall not invalidate the remaining portions hereof and they shall remain in full force and effect.

Bylaws Amended by the WSNA Membership, June 2003

Bylaws Amended by the WSNA Membership, June 2005 

Bylaws Amended by the WSNA Membership, June 2009

Bylaws Amended per Article XVIII, Section 3 by the WSNA Board of Directors November 30, 2012

Bylaws Amended by the WSNA Membership, June 2013

Bylaws Amended per Article XVIII, Section 3 by the WSNA Board of Directors October 24, 2017

Bylaws Amended by the WSNA Membership, June 2019

Bylaws Amended by the WSNA Membership Assembly, May 18, 2023

Bylaws Amended by the WSNA Membership, June 2023