Chapter VIII: Relations with the Public
Section 1. Board Approval of Public Policy Statements
Official public policy statements shall be approved by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members of the NYSAM BOD. To ensure that NYSAM public policy statements are in concert with current ASAM policy, NYSAM will, prior to issuing its public policy statements, follow prescribed ASAM procedures (send a copy of the statement to the ASAM Executive Vice President, Public Policy Committee Chair, and the Regional Director, to be placed on the President’s weekly conference call agenda). The Chapter President, Chair of the ASAM Public Policy Committee and the Regional Director will participate in the conference call discussion and make a decision ). The same process must occur even if ASAM has not taken a public policy position or released a public policy statement on an issue as ASAM already may have taken a particular legislative position on a specific topic for which there is no public policy statement.
Section 2. Public Statements in the Name of NYSAM
No member of NYSAM shall make public statements in the name of NYSAM, without prior consent of the Board of Directors. Individual members may mention their membership in public statements, or scientific publications, but shall state that their views do not necessarily represent those of NYSAM.
Chapter IX: Finances
Section 1. Annual Dues
On the recommendations of the Finance Committee, the Board of Directors shall establish dues for various classes of membership. Dues shall be uniform and equal within each class, but dues may be different for each class. Dues shall be reviewed annually for possible adjustment.
Section 2. Other Sources of Revenue for NYSAM
- Publications for NYSAM
- Voluntary contributions, including bequests, legacies, and gifts
- Income from conference fees, programs, or other meetings
- Government contracts and grants
- Other means approved by the Board and aligned with ASAM State Chapter Policy.
Section 3. Use of Funds
All of the income, revenue and earnings of NYSAM shall be held, used, managed, devoted,
expended, and applied at the discretion and judgment of the Board of Directors, to carry out the objectives and purposes of NYSAM, and without profit directly or indirectly to any member or officer of NYSAM; however, agents, contractors, and representatives of NYSAM who may be selected and appointed from the members of the Board of Directors may be paid such reasonable salaries or other compensation as independent contractors as the Board of Directors shall, from time to time, determine.
Section 4. Audit
The Treasurer shall provide to the Board of Directors an audited financial statement, as required by New York State law or requested by the Board.
Section 5. Contracts
The Board of Directors, except as otherwise provided in the Bylaws, may authorize any officer, agent, or agents to enter into any contract or execute any instrument in the name, or on behalf of, NYSAM. Such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. Such a contract shall first be reviewed by the Finance Committee. Unless authorized by the Board of Directors, no officer, agent, or member shall have any power or authority to bind NYSAM by any contract or engagement, or to pledge NYSAM’s credit, or to render NYSAM liable for any purpose, or to any amount or obligation.
Section 6. Dispensation of Assets at Dissolution
In the event that NYSAM should dissolve its corporate status, any and all of its assets shall be remitted to the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM).
Chapter X: Amendments
Any member of the Board of Directors or any 5 active members in good standing may propose one or more amendments to the bylaws. Proposed additions, deletions, and changes shall first be submitted in written form to the Board of Directors for their review. With an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members of the Board of Directors at any duly constituted NYSAM Board Meeting, proposed amendments will be approved. After a bylaws amendment is approved, the amendment will be sent to the NYSAM general membership for a 30-day comment period. The Board of Directors will then vote whether to reaffirm its initial vote in consideration of the comments received from NSYAM general membership during the comment period.