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CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE I

NAME This organization should be known as the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care hereinafter referred to as the "The College."

ARTICLE II

INCORPORATION

Section 1. The College shall be incorporated under the laws of the State of Illinois as a not-for-profit educational organization operated exclusively for one of the purposes specified in Sec. 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code. Section 2. The term for which the College is organized shall be perpetual; however, if dissolution of the Corporation should occur, its property shall be distributed to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation.

ARTICLE III

OBJECTIVES

Section 1. Promote advancement and high standards of practice for those individuals involved in veterinary emergency and critical care medicine.

Section 2. Establish requirements and foster development of residency training programs for post-doctoral education and experience prerequisite to certification in the specialty of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Medicine.

Section 3. Examination and certification of veterinarians as specialists in Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Medicine.

Section 4. Encourage research and other contributions to knowledge relating to diagnosis, therapy, prevention and control of animal disease requiring emergency or critical care management.

Section 5. Promote communication and dissemination of knowledge relating to veterinary emergency and critical care medicine and to recognize individuals for outstanding contributions to the specialty.

ARTICLE IV

MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. The members of the College shall be known as "Diplomates."

Section 2. Diplomates shall be further classified as one of the following:

a. Charter Diplomate: Veterinarians having qualifications in the specialty as outlined by the AVMA Advisory Board on Veterinary Specialties (ABVS), having been recommended by the Organizing Committee and approved by the ABVS.

b. Diplomate: A veterinarian of high ethical and moral character who has fulfilled the requirements for certification as set forth in the Bylaws of the College. Diplomates shall be encouraged to be members of the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society.

c. Hereinafter Charter Diplomates and Diplomates will be referred to as Diplomates.

d. Honorary Member:

1. The Board may confer honorary diplomate status on persons who have contributed materially to veterinary emergency and critical care medicine. The intended recipients of this recognition should be a veterinarian at or near retirement or from an allied medical discipline not eligible for board examination. Potential recipients should have contributed significantly to the development and integrity of the College. Honorary Diplomates shall have all the rights and privileges of members except the right to vote, hold office, or attend regular business meetings of the College.

2. Nominations for Honorary Member status must be made in writing by at least two Diplomates to the Council of Regents, an election shall require approval by a majority vote of the quorum present at the annual business meeting.

3. Honorary Members shall have all rights and privileges of members except the right to vote, hold office or attend regular business meetings of the College.

e. Retired or Disabled Diplomates

1. ACVECC members desiring a "retired" or "disabled" status within the College are required to petition the Council of Regents or such committee appointed for the purpose of reviewing such applications. Using the guidelines set down by the AVMA in establishing its retirement and disability policy, the Council will rule on each application individually. The AVMA constitution defines a retired member as "one who has ceased all regular employment and whose annual earnings from occasional professional activity or other employment do not exceed the maximum earning limit established by the US Government to remain qualified for Social Security retirement benefits," and a disabled member as "one who certifies that he/she is permanently disabled and can no longer engage in veterinary activity as a full-time occupation."

2. A retired or disabled Diplomate shall not have the privilege of holding office or voting. He or she shall not be required to pay dues. He or she must pay registration fees as other Diplomates for College-sponsored functions except when the Council of Regents specifically provides for a special retired Diplomates fee.

3. If a retired or disabled Diplomate returns to active participation in veterinary emergency and critical care medicine, he or she may be reinstated to Diplomate status upon request by meeting the provisions of Council of Regents. Payment of back dues is not required but applicable current dues must be paid upon request for reinstatement. Request for reinstatement shall be made to the Regents and approval requires majority vote.

ARTICLE V

ORGANIZATION/ADMINISTRATION

Section 1. The Council of Regents (hereafter referred to as the Regents) shall be the executive body of the College and shall consider first all business and policies pertaining to the affairs of the College. The Council of Regents will consist of the elected officers (President, President-Elect, Past-President, Vice-President, and Treasurer), and 6 members elected at large by the College. The College of Regents will be elected by the Diplomates of the College excluding honorary, retired or disabled members.

ARTICLE VI

OFFICERS

Section 1. The elected officers of the College shall be the President, President-Elect, Vice-President, and Treasurer. These officers shall be voting members on the Council of Regents.

Section 2. The President-Elect shall automatically become President at the termination of his/her predecessor's term of office.

Section 3. Election of President-Elect, Vice-President and Treasurer will take place every two years at the Annual Business Meeting of the College. The officers shall begin their term of office immediately following completion of the annual business meeting in the year elections are held, or upon election by mail ballot if no quorum was present at the annual meeting.

Section 4. An Executive Secretary will be appointed for a three-year term by The Council of Regents. The appointed officer is not a voting member of The Council of Regents. The duties of the Secretary may be combined with another office at the discretion of the Council of Regents.

ARTICLE VII

COMMITTEES

Section 1. This organization shall have the following standing committees: Nominating, Credentials, Residency Training, Examination, Joint Committee on Training and Certification, Scientific, Recertification, Financial Affairs, and Appeals Committees. Additional committees may be specified by the Regents.

Section 2. The President, with the approval of the Regents, shall appoint the chairperson and members of all committees.

ARTICLE VIII

AMENDMENTS

Section 1. Proposed amendments to the Constitution shall be submitted to the Regents for study 90 days before a scheduled meeting of the College or the distribution of a mail ballot to the membership. Proposed amendments shall be distributed to the entire membership with a recommendation by the Regents at least 30 days prior to counting of a mail ballot or a voice vote of the Diplomates.

Section 2. An affirmative vote shall require that at least 1/2 (50%) of the members in good standing vote, and at least 3/4 (75%) of the members voting approve the proposal.

BYLAWS ARTICLE I

EXAMINATION AND CERTIFICATION

Section 1. The specific requirements, timelines, deadlines, and other details associated with the training, examination, and certification outlined in Article I shall be reviewed, revised, and published annually in the document “Residency Standards and Guidelines” by the Joint Committee on Training and Credentials.

Credential requirements dictate that each applicant, before he or she is declared an eligible candidate for examination, must:

a. Be a graduate of a college of veterinary medicine accredited or approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), or hold a certificate from the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates, or be licensed to practice in some State or Province of the United States, Canada or other country.

b. After graduating from a recognized school of veterinary medicine, complete one year of rotating internship or equivalent practice experience as determined appropriate by the Residency Training Committee.

c. Apply and be accepted by an approved Residency Training Facility and Residency Training Program. Institutions seeking approval of a residency training program must submit to the Residency Training Committee (by petition through the Executive Secretary prior to the onset of any training) a proposal that follows the Residency Standards and Guidelines and the published ACVECC and AVMA guidelines as found in the Advisory Board on Veterinary Specialties Policies and Procedures Manual.

d. Meet all training requirements as specified in the Residency Standards and Guidelines.

e. Provide the required documentary evidence of advanced competence in veterinary emergency medicine and critical care.

f. Obtain and submit a signed Statement of Residency Training Program Completion from their mentor.

g. Provide the ACVECC Executive Secretary with certification from their mentor that they have completed their training requirements by the specified deadline prior to the examination.

Section 2. Declaration of eligibility to take the certification examination:

a. After receiving notification that their credentials are accepted, applicants must apply to take the Certifying Examination to the ACVECC Executive Secretary on a form provided by the College, procured through written request by the applicant, and filed along with the prescribed application fee and required documents on or prior to the closing date for the next scheduled examination. Fees will not be refunded if the applicant is not eligible to take the examination.

b. Eligibility rulings are made by the Council of Regents. Applicants will be notified of results as specified in the Residency Standards and Guidelines.

c. The applicant is required to sign the Waiver, Release, and Indemnity Agreement.

Section 3. Examinations

a. Candidates approved by the Credentials Committee and Council of Regents, upon receipt of the prescribed examination fee by the stated due date, will be advised of the examination by the deadline specified in the Residency Standards and Guidelines.

b. Examinations will be given at least once annually.

c. Examinations will be prepared and administered by the Examination Committee.

d. A minimum passing score, which must be achieved on all parts of the examination, will be proposed by the Examination Committee and approved by the Council of Regents.

e. After failing a certifying examination, a candidate may continue to be eligible for future examinations if they remain on Active Status as defined in the Residency Standards and Guidelines, complete the ongoing requirements of the Residency Standards and Guidelines, have their credentials for examination accepted, and apply for the next examination.

f. The format and content of the examination will be determined by the Examination Committee. Objectives of the examination will be consistent with those stated in the Constitution for promoting excellence in emergency and critical care medicine.

g. A minimum passing score as proposed by the Examination Committee and approved by the Regents must be achieved on each part.

1. When taking the Certifying Examination for the first time, a candidate must take all parts of the examination to be considered for a passing score in any section.

2. All candidates sitting for an examination will be notified of the results of the examination by electronic mail on the same date, with official results sent via first class mail by the date specified in the Residency Standards and Guidelines.

3. Candidates failing all parts must retake the entire examination. Candidates failing a single part of the examination only need to retake that portion. All candidates retaking any part of the examination must pay the examination fee again and must officially notify the Executive Secretary by submitting a form provided by the College.

4. Candidates who have failed any part of the examination will, upon written request through the ACVECC Executive Secretary, receive a letter of clarification of deficiencies.

Section 4. Certification

a. Candidates must successfully pass the certifying examination.

b. Final approval for Diplomate status must be granted by the Council of Regents.

c. A certificate will be issued to the Diplomate by the Executive Secretary upon direction of the Council of Regents.

Section 5. Appeals

a. Candidates denied eligibility to sit for the Diplomate Certification Examination may appeal this decision by written petition to the Executive Secretary and shall include a statement of the grounds for reconsideration and appropriate documentation.

1. Upon receipt of an appeal, the Executive Secretary shall notify the President of the Council of Regents and the Chair of the Credentials Committee of the appeal. The President of the Council will activate the Appeals Committee to process the Appeal according to the procedures and timeline specified in the Residency Standards and Guidelines.

2. The Council of Regents will render a decision on the appeal upon the recommendation of the Appeals Committee and notify the petitioner of the decision by the deadline specified in the Residency Standards and Guidelines.

3. The petitioner may appeal the decision of the Council of Regents to the AVMA Advisory Board on Veterinary Specialties.

b. Candidates failing to pass the Diplomate Certification Examination may appeal this decision by the deadline specified in the Residency Standards and Guidelines.

1. The request for appeal must be made by written petition to the ACVECC Executive Secretary and shall include a statement of the grounds for reconsideration and appropriate documentation.

2. Upon receipt of an appeal, the Executive Secretary shall notify the President and the Chair of the Examination Committee of the appeal. The President of the Council will activate the Appeals Committee to process the Appeal according to the procedures and timeline specified in the Residency Standards and Guidelines.

3. The Appeals Committee shall review the appeal(s) and render the recommendation(s) to the Regents within 30 calendar days from the date the committee was appointed.

4. The Council of Regents will render a decision on the appeal upon consideration of the recommendations of the Appeals Committee and notify the petitioner of the decision by the deadline specified in the Residency Standards and Guidelines.

5. The petitioner may appeal the decision of the Council of Regents to the AVMA Advisory Board on Veterinary Specialties.

c. The procedure for the Appeal Process will be included with all application forms.

BYLAWS ARTICLE II

DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section 1. The President shall:

a. Preside over all meetings of the College and the Council of Regents.

b. He or she shall administer the affairs of the organization according to the articles of incorporation and Bylaws, and the policies enunciated by the Council of Regents.

Section 2. The President-Elect shall:

a. Automatically become President at the termination of his or her predecessor's term of office.

b. Assume the responsibilities of the President if the President is unable to perform the duties of his or her office.

c. Be an ex officio member of the Examination Committee.

Section 3. The Vice-President shall:

a. Perform the duties of the President-Elect in the latter's absence or inability to serve.

b. The Vice-President shall serve as chairperson of the Scientific Committee.

c. The Vice-President shall maintain responsibility for all aspects of any scientific meeting planned during his/her term, which may extend the term of service for this particular duty by up to 6 months beyond the end of his/her term.

Section 4. The Immediate Past-President, hereafter known as Past-President, is the retiring President. In case the President, President-Elect and Vice-President simultaneously are unable to perform the duties of President, the Past-President shall serve as acting President until the next regularly scheduled business meeting or until either the President, President-Elect or Vice-President are able to resume the duties of President.

Section 5. Treasurer shall:

a. Maintain the financial records of the organization consistent with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and prepare them for audit when requested.

b. Be the custodian of all assets of the College.

c. Pay all expenses of the College as directed by the Executive Secretary or Council of Regents.

d. Maintain a file on all vouchers and invoices accompanying them for a period of not less than five years.

e. Deposit all monies in the name of the College in a federally insured bank approved by the Council of Regents.

f. Turn over all funds, properties and records to his or her successor.

g. Present a report of the financial status of the College at each annual meeting of the Council of Regents and act at such other times as determined by the Regents.

h. Serve as Chairperson of the Financial Affairs Committee.

i. Carry out other duties as determined by the Council of Regents.

Section 6. The Executive Secretary shall:

a. Maintain the general records of the organization and file all required reports pertaining thereto.

b. Attend all meetings of the College and the Regents and all meetings of the Credentials Committee unless specified otherwise by the President.

c. Keep all original notes and minutes and records of all official meetings and sessions until the Regents approve their disposal.

d. Conduct mail ballots when required.

e. Coordinate correspondence and proposals regarding residency training programs and process applications for Diplomate Certification Examination.

f. Handle all correspondence on behalf of the College.

g. Present a report of the activities of the office at the annual meeting of Council of Regents and at such other times as determined by the Regents.

BYLAWS ARTICLE III

COUNCIL OF REGENTS

Section 1. The management and control of the business and professional affairs of the College shall be vested in the Council of Regents. The Council or its designated committees shall receive and consider for approval all applications, provide for the conduct of examination, and issue an appropriate certificate to those who successfully pass the examination and are approved for membership by the Regents. It shall consider and act upon: charges against members for alleged offenses against the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, charges of unprofessional conduct, and expulsion of members. The Council shall select the time and place of all meetings, determine the amount of the initiation and ancillary fees and dues, and generally govern the membership of the College. It shall direct the management of funds held by the College.

Section 2. The Council of Regents shall consist of the President, President-Elect, Vice-President, Treasurer, Past-President and six additional members-at-large elected by the College. Annually, two members-at-large will be elected for terms of three years. The ratio of large animal to small animal members-at-large will reflect the proportion of large animal and small animal diplomates in the College. A minimum of one member-at-large will be a large animal diplomate provided large animal diplomates comprise at least five percent of the total diplomates of the College. The Executive Secretary of the College shall be a non-voting member or the Council of Regents.

Section 3. Vacancies between elections occurring on the Council of Regents shall be filled by appointment by the Regents. Any member appointed to fill a vacancy shall hold the office until the expiration of the term in which the vacancy occurred.

Section 4. Meetings

a. The annual meeting of the Council of Regents shall be held just prior to the time and at the place designated for the Annual Business Meeting of the College. Special meetings may be called at any time by the President and must be called by him at the written request of not less than six members of the Council of Regents.

b. Each regent shall be given no less than five (5) days notice of the time and place of any special meeting and no less than thirty (30) days notice of the time and place of the regular meeting. Notification of meeting shall be given to each Regent by email, regular mail, or telegram at the Regent’s place of residence or business as it appears in the official records of the College.

c. Six voting members of the Council of Regents present in person shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business which may come before the meeting.

BYLAWS ARTICLE IV

COMMITTEES

Section 1. This organization shall have the following committees: Nominating, Residency Training, Credentials, Examination, Joint Committee on Training and Certification, Scientific, Recertification, Financial Affairs, and Appeals. Additional committees may be specified by the Regents, as deemed necessary.

Section 2. Standing and ad hoc committee members and chairpersons shall be appointed by the President and approved by the Regents. Terms of committee members shall overlap. The following shall apply to all committees unless otherwise explicitly stated:

a. If a committee member is unable to fulfill his or her term, a replacement shall be appointed by the President to fulfill the unexpired term.

b. A committee member may be appointed to a committee for not more than two consecutive terms.

Section 3. Nominating Committee

a. The Nominating Committee shall be composed of a chairperson and two members of the College. The chairperson shall be a prior term member of the committee.

b. The committee shall be appointed not less than six months prior to the election date.

c. The term of office is two years.

d. The Nominating Committee shall present a slate of officers and at-large Regent candidates composed of Diplomates of the College prior to the election as specified in Article VII Section 4 of the Bylaws. At least one qualified member for each position shall be presented by the Committee.

Section 4. Residency Training Committee

a. This Committee shall be composed of a chairperson plus at least four members of the College. Terms will be for a three-year period. A senior member of the Committee will be the Chairperson unless otherwise designated.

b. The duties of this committee shall be to establish the specific standards for training residents as outlined in the Residency Training Standards and Guidelines that is written and edited from time to time by the Joint Committee on Training and Certification. These duties include, but are not limited to:

1. Establish the detailed requirements for Residency Training Facilities and Residency Training Programs consistent with the Residency Training Standards and Guidelines.

2. Review, evaluate, and approve Residency Training Facilities such that all Programs are in compliance with the Residency Training Standards and Guidelines and meet the requirements of the College and the AVMA.

3. Develop the specific requirements under the Knowledge, Immersion, Experience, and Skills requirements of the Residency Training Standards and Guidelines. Provide this information through the Executive Secretary to all active residents and fellows, to all Residency Training Facilities, and to all prospective candidates and institutions requesting such.

4. Develop the specific requirements for the Benchmark requirements of the Residency Training Standards and Guidelines. Provide this information through the Executive Secretary to all active residents and fellows, and to all Residency Training Facilities.

5. Provide guidance and support to mentors, supervisors, and residency program directors according to Residency Training Standards and Guidelines and the standards and procedures adopted by the College and the AVMA.

Section 5. Credentials Committee

a. This Committee shall be composed of a chairperson plus at least four members of the College. Terms will be for a three-year period.

b. The duties of this committee shall be to monitor and report the performance of Mentors and Training Programs, to monitor the progress of Residents and Fellows, and to evaluate for final approval for examination the credentials of Residents and Fellows. These duties include, but are not limited to:

1. Provide through the Executive Secretary of the College information and application/registration forms to Residency Training Facilities for prospective residents or fellows.

2. Evaluate and verify eligibility of residents or fellows who have registered with approved Residency Training Facilities to begin residency training.

3. Forward approved applications to the Executive Secretary.

4. Establish the specific criteria for monitoring the performance of Mentors and Training Programs, as that performance relates to the successful training of residents and fellows and certification of new Diplomates.

5. Establish the specific criteria for reporting on the performance of Mentors and Training Programs so that prospective residents or fellows are well informed about the Programs to which they apply. Report this performance

6. Monitor and report on the performance of Mentors and Training Programs

7. Establish the specific criteria for monitoring the performance of Residents and Fellows consistent with the Residency Training Standards and Guidelines.

8. Monitor the performance of Residents and Fellows. Report to the Resident or Fellow, Mentor, Residency Training Facility, and the Regents any deficiencies in training or any concerns about the progress of a Resident or Fellow.

9. Evaluate and certify eligibility of applicants requesting examination by the College.

10. Notify the President and Executive Secretary of applicants who are not deemed eligible for examination and delineate the areas of deficiency to the applicant, mentor, and program director.

Section 6. Examination Committee

a. The Examination Committee shall be composed of a Chairperson and at least five members. Additional members may be appointed by the president as needed to achieve the goals of the committee as established by the president.

b. The President-Elect shall be an ex officio member of this committee. The immediate past chairman of the committee may also be designated as an ex officio member.

c. The chairperson shall be appointed on an annual basis with renewal of the position permitted for one additional year following initial appointment. He or she must have at least one year prior experience on the committee. The term of office for other members shall be three years. Members will be appointed for scaled terms such that two members are replaced each year.

d. The duties of this committee shall be to write, administer, score, validate, grade, determine the pass point for, and report on the Certifying Examination. These duties include, but are not limited to:

1. Preparation, administration, scoring, validation, and determination of a pass point for the Certifying Examination. The method of establishing the passing scores will be approved by the Council of Regents.

2. Report to the Council of Regents results of such examinations and make recommendations based on the proposed passing point.

3. Administer and monitor all portions of the examination with at least two members of this committee, as designated by the chairperson.

4. Provide a written summary of deficiencies in a letter of clarification through the Regents to all Candidates, Mentors, and Program directors following failure to pass the certifying examination.

5. Maintain and update the database of examination questions.

6. Upon appeal of a candidate, provide information to the Appeals Committee.

Section 7. Joint Committee on Training and Certification

a. The Chairman of the Joint Committee on Training and Certification shall be appointed by the President to serve a term of two years.

b. The remaining members of the Joint Committee on Training and Certification shall be comprised of the chairmen, vice-chairmen, and a third member (appointed by the President) from each of the Residency Training, Credentials, and Examination committees. The term of these committee members will coincide with their appointments on their respective committees.

c. The duties of this committee shall be to coordinate the activities of the Residency Training Committee, the Credentials Committee, and the Examination Committee. These duties include, but are not limited to:

1. Monitor the activity of the Residency Training Committee, the Credentials Committee, and the Examination Committee to ensure they are acting in a coordinated manner consistent with the Residency Training Standards & Guidelines.

2. To maintain and update the Residency Training Standards & Guidelines.

Section 8. Scientific Committee

a. The Scientific Committee is composed of the Vice-President, Treasurer, and three members of the College. Tenure for the Vice-President and Treasurer will be two years with the Vice-President serving as Chairperson. The other committee members will have three year terms, appointed in scaled terms as to replace one member each year.

b. The duties of the Committee shall be:

1. Coordinate all continuing education and research endeavors of the College.

2. Provide support to and consolidate efforts with the VECCS in publication of the Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care. Assist in establishing a reviewing board, set and maintain standards of format and content of the Journal.

3. Plan, organize, select speakers and conduct the annual scientific meetings of the College. Coordinate with the VECCS to assist in the organization of the annual International Symposium.

4. Select recipients of resident abstract awards at the annual International Symposium.

5. Oversee and insure the timely publication of all proceedings generated from ACVECC educational programs.

6. Review and evaluate all grant proposals for the ACVECC Research Grant in emergency and critical care medicine. Recommends recipient(s) to the Regents, and reviews the final research project report.

Section 9. Recertification Committee

a. This committee shall be composed of a chairman and at least two members of the college. Terms will be for three years.

b. The duties of this committee shall be to address the issue of member recertification when charged to do so by the President.

Section 10. Financial Affairs Committee

a. The Financial Affairs Committee shall be composed of the Treasurer, who will act as Chairperson, and two members of the College. The members will serve for two year terms and be appointed so as to have one replacement each year.

b. This committee shall prepare an annual budget and submit it to the Council of Regents for review and approval. The committee also will advise the Regents on dues, fees, expenditures, speaker honorariums, continuing education costs and other fiscal matters of the College.

Section 11. Appeals Committee

a. The Appeals Committee shall be activated by the President to address appeals as outlined in Article I section 5 of the Bylaws.

b. The Appeals committee may be charged by the President to review appeals that have no Bylaws direction.

c. The President shall appoint a temporary replacement, if necessary, for any member of this committee who has a positive or negative bias for an individual or group who has requested an appeal.

BYLAWS ARTICLE V

DUES, FEES, FISCAL MATTERS

Section 1. Dues for members of the College shall be established by the Council of Regents annually. Dues become payable on January 1st of each calendar year. Dues are delinquent March 1st and if not paid by May 1st, active membership in the College will be terminated but only after notification of members in question by registered mail, return receipt requested. Reactivation of membership may be done by petition through the Executive Secretary to the Council of Regents with payment of all delinquent dues.

Section 2. A resident’s Registration Fee shall be paid by each resident one time at the initiation of the residency training program and will be set by the Council of Regents. Fees will not be refunded.

Section 3. A Credentials Fee for application to become an eligible candidate to take the Diplomate Certifying Examination will be set by the Council of Regents annually. Fees will not be refunded.

Section 4. An Examination Fee will be set by the Council of Regents for all eligible candidates qualifying for examination each year. Examination fees will not be refunded.

Section 5. The Council of Regents shall approve the annual operating budget for the College upon recommendations by the Financial Affairs Committee.

Section 6. The fiscal year of the College shall be from January 1 to December 31.

BYLAWS ARTICLE VI

DISCIPLINE

Section 1. Repossession of Certificates. Certificates shall remain the property of the College and shall be repossessed when:

a. The issuance of such a certificate or its receipt violated provisions of the College's Constitution or Bylaws.

b. The Diplomate fails to maintain acceptable standards of competence in the practice of veterinary emergency and critical care as determined through investigation by the Council of Regents.

c. The Diplomate fails to pay dues within the calendar year. Reinstatement is contingent on approval by the Council of Regents, payment of all past dues and current dues in full.

d. The Diplomate is guilty of unethical conduct – Unethical conduct such as incompetence, fraud or other misconduct that discredits the College will be investigated. Such charges must be made in writing to the Council of Regents. If investigation reveals evidence warranting action, the accused will be notified in writing and given full opportunity to respond in writing and through a hearing before the Council of Regents. Disciplinary action may be recommended by the Regents and can be executed following an affirmative vote by majority of members of the College voting via electronic ballot.

Section 2. Withdrawal of privileges – Diplomates acting as representatives of the College do so as a privilege granted by the Council of Regents. This includes committee membership, residency program mentorship, residency program supervision, and other roles in which a Diplomate represents the interest of the College. The Council of Regents may revoke any of these privileges at any time for failure to represent the best interest of the College. If investigation reveals evidence warranting action, the accused will be notified in writing and given full opportunity to respond in writing and through a hearing before the Council of Regents. Disciplinary action may be executed following an affirmative vote by a two-thirds majority of members of the Council of Regents.

BYLAWS ARTICLE VII

CONDUCT OF BUSINESS

Section 1. The College shall meet annually at a site selected by the Council of Regents for the purpose of conducting and reviewing the business of the College. Additional meetings of the College shall be held if requested by the Council. Written notice to all Diplomates shall precede the meeting date by at least 90 days. The conduct of all meetings shall follow the procedures set forth in the current edition of Roberts Rules of Order when applicable and when they are not inconsistent with the Constitution and Bylaws of the College.

Section 2. Diplomates who are current in their dues are eligible to attend business meetings of the College and vote.

Section 3. A quorum for meetings of the College shall consist of thirty-three percent of the Diplomates eligible to vote.

Section 4. Election of Officers and Regents.

a. Election of officers shall take place biennially immediately prior to the Annual Business Meeting of the College via electronic or mail ballot. A proposed slate of officers shall be presented by the Nominating Committee to the Regents at least 90 days prior to the annual business meeting.

b. Election of at-large members of the Council of Regents will be held annually. Candidates for open positions will be presented by the Nominating Committee to the Regents at least 90 days prior to the annual business meeting.

c. Election shall be made by secret ballot unless a single candidate is nominated, in which case the vote may be taken by voice vote. A simple majority of votes shall be necessary to elect. If on any ballot of more than two candidates, simple majority of the votes is not attained, the candidate receiving the smallest number of votes shall be eliminated and the voting proceed until a majority is obtained. A tie vote with two candidates shall be decided by the President casting the tie breaking vote.

d. An electronic or mail ballot shall be submitted to the members at least 60 days prior to the Annual Business Meeting.

BYLAWS ARTICLE VIII

AMENDMENTS

Section 1. Proposed amendments to the Bylaws shall be submitted to the Regents for study ninety (90) days before a scheduled meeting of the College of the distribution of a mail ballot to the membership. Proposed amendments shall be distributed to the entire membership with a recommendation by the Regents at least thirty (30) days prior to counting of mail ballot or a voice vote of the Diplomates. An affirmative vote shall require that at least 1/2 (50%) of the members in good standing vote, and at least 3/4 (75%) of the members voting approve the proposal.

Revised 9/2007