Constitution & Bylaws
AVTDI Constitution
ARTICLE I
NAME
This organization shall be known as the Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Diagnostic Imaging (AVTDI) and hereinafter referred to as the “The Academy”.
ARTICLE II
INCORPORATION
Section 1
The Academy shall be incorporated under the laws of the state of Rhode Island as a not-for-profit organization organized exclusively for educational purposes, within the meaning of section (501) (c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding section of any future Federal Tax Code). Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, The Academy shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on by a corporation/organization exempt from Federal Income Tax under section (501) (c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code (or the corresponding section of any future Federal Tax Code).
Section 2
No part of the net earnings of The Academy shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to, its members, officers, or other private persons, except that The Academy shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of section (501) (c)(6) purposes.
Section 3
The term for which The Academy is organized shall be perpetual. However, if dissolution of The Academy should occur, all property shall be donated to the American College of Veterinary Radiology (ACVR). However, if the named recipient is not then in existence, or is no longer exempt from Federal Income Tax under section (501) (c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code (or the corresponding section of any future Federal Tax Code), or is unwilling or unable to accept the distribution, the assets of the Academy shall be distributed to the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), provided that NAVTA qualifies as exempt from Federal Income Tax under section (501)(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code (or the corresponding section of any future Federal Tax Code), and if NAVTA does not so qualify, the assets shall be distributed to an educational organization devoted to
veterinary medicine that is exempt from Federal Income Tax under section (501)(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code (or the corresponding section of any future Federal Tax Code), as selected by The Academy’s Board of Directors, referred to herein as the Council of Regents.
ARTICLE III
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
Section 1
MISSION STATEMENT:
To advance the education and professional recognition of credentialed veterinary technicians who display excellence and dedication to providing superior diagnostic imaging quality to the veterinary patient.
PURPOSE:
The Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Diagnostic Imaging exists to promote excellence in the discipline of diagnostic imaging. The Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Diagnostic Imaging will provide a process by which credentialed veterinary technicians/nurses may become recognized as a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in the field of diagnostic imaging (DI). The veterinary technicians who meet all requirements as a VTS-DI will demonstrate superior knowledge in scientifically and humanely based techniques of diagnostic imaging for all veterinary patients.
Section 2
OBJECTIVES:
a. Promote advancement and a standard of excellence of diagnostic imaging for those credentialed veterinary technicians.
b. Establish advanced levels of education and experience prerequisites leading to recognition of Diagnostic Imaging.
c. Examine and recognize credentialed veterinary technicians as specialized team members in Diagnostic Imaging. Designation will be: VTS-DI.
d. Provide continued professional development through mentorship of credentialed veterinary technicians/nurses and dissemination of knowledge relating to diagnostic imaging as it pertains to the veterinary profession.
e. Promote and maintain the professional relationship between the ACVR and other Academy specialties.
f. Promote the benefit of the diagnostic imaging veterinary technicians/nurses with advanced imaging knowledge and skills; not only to the veterinary patients, but to the industry we serve.
ARTICLE IV
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1
The members of the Academy shall be known as “Veterinary Technician Specialist in Diagnostic Imaging” (VTS-DI) where recognized.
Section 2
VTS-DI shall be further classified as one of the following:
A. Charter Member VTS-DI: veterinary technicians having achieved distinction in the field of veterinary diagnostic imaging and having qualifications far exceeding those proposed necessary for candidates taking the certifying exam. Charter members will be limited to the members of the Organizing Committee.
a. Charter status will be granted to organizing committee members at the conclusion of the first exam.
b. Hereinafter Charter VTS-DI will be referred to as Veterinary Technician Specialist in Diagnostic Imaging.
B. Active Member VTS-DI: a credentialed veterinary technician of high ethical and moral character who has fulfilled the requirements for certification as set forth in the Bylaws of the Academy.
C. Honorary Members VTS-DI: Honorary status may be conferred upon an individual who has made a substantial contribution to the development and progress in the field of Diagnostic Imaging.
a. The individual will receive a certificate and the title of “Honorary VTS-DI”.
b. Nominations for Honorary status must be made in writing by at least two (2) VTS-DI members to the Council of Regents. The awarding of Honorary status to an individual shall require approval by at least two-thirds (2/3) vote of the quorum present at the annual business meeting.
c. Honorary members shall have all rights and privileges of Academy members except the right to vote, hold office or attend regular business meetings of the Academy.
i. There shall be no more than two (2) honorary members recognized per calendar year.
D. Retired Member VTS-DI: Retired membership shall be an active VTS-DI member for a minimum of ten (10) years who has reached the age of sixty-two (62) and who is no longer actively engaged in veterinary medicine. Retired members will become non-due paying members with all rights and privileges afforded to an active member.
ARTICLE V
ORGANIZATION/ADMINISTRATION
Section 1
The Council of Regents (hereafter referred to as the Regents) shall be the executive body of the Academy and shall consider first all business and policies pertaining to the affairs of the Academy. The Regents will consist of the elected officers: The President, the President-Elect, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, the Immediate Past-President and Members at Large.
Section 2
Until charter members are seated, the business of the Academy shall be conducted by the Organizing Committee. This shall include ratification of the constitution and bylaws, election of officers and other matters that pertain to the organization and administration of the Academy. When the charter members are seated the initial slate of officers will be derived from the nominated by the original Organizing Committee members. The members of the Academy shall vote on this slate of officers.
Section 3
Following provisional recognition and the first examination, the Council of Regents, offices of President, President-elect, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, and Members at Large will be elected by the Academy members. The office of President will automatically become the Immediate Past-President. The initial Council of Regents will occupy their appointed offices for a term of two (2) years.
ARTICLE VI
OFFICERS
Section 1
The elected officers of the Academy shall be the President, President-Elect, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, and Members at Large. The position of Immediate Past-President shall also be an officer of the Academy. The President-Elect, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, Members at Large, and Immediate Past-President shall be voting members of the Council of Regents. The President shall only vote in the situation of a tie.
Section 2
The President-Elect shall automatically become President at the completion of the predecessor’s term of office. The President shall automatically become Immediate Past-President at the completion of his/her term as President.
Section 3
Election of the President, President-Elect, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, and Members at Large shall take place biennially (every two years) by mail or secure electronic ballot prior to the business meeting of the Academy. The officer shall begin their terms of office immediately following completion of the business meeting in the
year elections are held.
ARTICLE VII
COMMITTEES/TASK FORCES
Section 1
This organization shall have the following standing committees: Nominating, Credentials Approval, Examination, Re-Certification, Continuing Education and Financial Affairs Committees. The Regents shall have the authority to establish taskforces as needed in lieu of additional committees. Additional committee/task forces may be established by the President.
ARTICLE VIII
AMENDMENTS
Section 1
Proposed amendments to the Constitution shall be submitted to the Regents for review within ninety (90) days and no later than thirty (30) days prior to a scheduled meeting of the Academy, the distribution of a mail ballot or secure electronic ballot to the membership. Proposed amendments shall be distributed to the entire membership with a recommendation from the Regents at least thirty (30) days prior to a voice vote, the distribution of a mail ballot or secure electronic ballot.
Section 2
An affirmative vote shall require approval of at least half (1/2) of the members in good standing present at a meeting or at least three quarters (3/4) of the members voting by mail or email.
