At its meeting on July 20, 2026, the NYSAM Board of Directors approved a proposed amendment to the NYSAM Bylaws (Chapter I, Membership – Associate Members section). Consistent with Article VIII of the NYSAM Constitution, we are now submitting this amendment to the active membership for ratification by email vote.
Purpose of the Amendment
The proposed change aligns NYSAM’s Associate Member eligibility criteria with the current language in the ASAM National Bylaws. It removes the detailed, profession-specific list of eligible roles and replaces it with ASAM’s broader, objective standard based on professional activity and good standing.
This update:
- Ensures consistency with ASAM National’s unified membership model
- Removes any unintended barriers created by an enumerated list of professions
- Continues to require that applicants hold a professional license or credential, devote at least 25% of their professional time to relevant work with individuals at risk for or with addiction, remain in good standing in their discipline, and submit required dues and documentation
Privileges for Associate Members remain unchanged.
Proposed Revised Language
6) Associate Members
Section 1. Associate Member Eligibility
The ASAM BOD shall, subject to the minimum requirements for eligibility as herein provided below, determine the privileges and requirements for membership to the Associate Member and shall be the sole judge of the qualifications of applicants for membership.
Section 2. Associate Member Application for Membership
Individuals who hold a professional license or credential and have devoted at least 25% of their professional time over the past year to teaching, research, clinical care, or recovery support involving individuals who are at risk for, or have, an addiction. All applicants must be in good standing within their discipline. All applicants shall submit the required dues and documentation of certification. Classes and privileges of membership are defined in the ASAM National Bylaws.
b) Associate Member Privileges
Associate members shall receive complimentary subscriptions to the electronic newsletter and online Journal, receive discounted rates on products and programs, and have access to the ASAM Career Center. Classes and privileges of membership are defined in the ASAM National Bylaws. Associate Members may serve as non-voting members on committees.
Associate members may not vote in elections or hold elected positions.
(The previous subsection a) listing specific eligible professions is deleted in its entirety.)
How to Vote
Please click the link in the email sent to you to vote no later than Friday, August 21, 2026 with one of the following responses:
- YES – I approve the proposed amendment
- NO – I do not approve the proposed amendment
Per the NYSAM Constitution, the amendment will be ratified if at least two-thirds (2/3) of the members whose responses are received by the deadline vote in the affirmative. Only votes received within the 30-day window will be counted.
If you have questions about the proposed language or the voting process, please contact the NYSAM staff at info@nysam-asam.org.
Thank you for your continued engagement and for helping NYSAM maintain bylaws that are clear, consistent with national standards, and inclusive of the many professionals who contribute to addiction medicine in New York.