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Bylaws

IMLAS Bylaws - as amended 16 September 1994

Article 1 - Name and Location

  1. The Society shall carry the name International Musculoskeletal Laser Society (IMLAS).
  2. IMLAS is registered in Neuchâtel, Switzerland and observes the regulations as provided for by Swiss laws.
  3. Its principal office is in Kassel, Germany. The address is as follows:
    IMLAS-Office, c/o The Spinal Foundation, Sunnyside, Highfield Road, Congleton, Cheshire CW12 3AQ U.K.

Article 2 - Objective, Purpose and Funding

  1. IMLAS is an international, non-profit, non-political, unbiased and undenominational association without intent to profit.
  2. The foremost objective of IMLAS is to support further development and improvement of laser techniques in medicine, especially in the musculoskeletal system by means of:
    • defined research programs, publications, information exchange, collection and summary of results (experimental and clinical).
    • education of members through meetings, lectures, courses, debates, congresses and other events, also through news-letter and establishment of a library to be held at the disposal of members and other interested persons.
  3. The objectives shall be organized and supported by the following material means:
    application fees, membership fees, admission fees, proceeds of activities, enterprises owned by the association, donations, bequests and other contributions.
  4. The Society's fiscal funds may only be used according to the IMLAS bylaws and objectives. Members may not receive financial benefits from the Society. Resigned members have no financial claim.
  5. No person may receive funds through the Society that do not accord to IMLAS bylaws or that are excessive.

Article 3 - Membership

  1. Membership Categories:
    • Physician - Fellowship (board certified or equivalent) active, possess the right to vote
    • Physician - Associate (non-certified) active, possess the right to vote
    • Technical (engineers, technicians in research institutes, universities, non-commercial institutes) active, possess the right to vote
    • Industrial (individual industrial persons) not active, non-voting, advisory
    • Corporate (sponsoring industrial firm) not active, non-voting, advisory, supportive
    • Student - not-active, non-voting
    • Honorary - not-active, non-voting, advisory
  2. Membership in the Society is dependent upon the candidate adequately demonstrating compliance with the requirements for membership and shall be contingent upon continued compliance with the bylaws, such rules and regulations as may be promulgated by the Society and payment of Society dues.
  3. Membership ends with resignation, expulsion or death. A member not in default in payment may at any time file in writing with the Secretary his or her resignation which shall be effective at the end of the fiscal year.
  4. Membership can be suspended or canceled if said member is engaged in unethical or unprofessional conduct or in a course of conduct otherwise contravene to the objectives of the Society or if said member has not paid his or her dues after being admonished twice.
    A unanimous Vote by the Board of Directors determines suspension or expulsion of a member. The member has the opportunity to make a statement before action is taken against him or her.
  5. Reinstatement is possible after one year. The Board of Directors decides on whether membership is renewed or not.
  6. All decisions are to be sent by registered post to said member.
  7. In special cases, e.g. economic hardship, an applicant ormember may apply for reduction in fees. Proof of economic status is required. These cases will be considered and reviewed by the Board of Directors.

Article 4 - Society Organs

  1. The Society's organs are:
    • Board of Directors
    • Membership Body (The General Assembly)

Article 5- Board of Directors

  1. The Board of Directors shall consist of:
    • Executive Committee
    • Advisory Committee
    • Honorary Advisory Committee
    • Scientific Committee
    • Committee of National Delegates
  2. The Executive Committee shall consist of:
    • President Vice-President(s)
    • Treasurer
    • General Secretary
  3. The Advisory Committee shall consist of: Experienced persons who are industrial and corporate members of the Society. Said committee will advise and sponsor the activities of IMLAS, e.g. as a Laser Advisory Council. Its officers shall be nominated by the Executive Committee.
  4. The Honorary Advisory Committee shall consist of : Retired officers who have a consolatory purpose without the right to vote. Its officers shall be nominated by the Executive Committee.
  5. The Scientific Committee shall consist of : Active and voting members of the Society, foremost experienced scientists, physicians and engineers. Said committee will coordinate research programs. Its officers shall be nominated by the Executive Committee. Confirmation of Office will be made during the General Assembly.
  6. The Committee of National Delegates shall consist of : Active and voting members who will act as an IMLAS representative for his or her nation. Each nation with IMLAS members will have one or more delegates. Its officers shall be appointed by the Executive Committee. Confirmation of Office will be made during the General Assembly.

Article 6 - The Executive Committee

  1. The Society shall be represented publicly and judicially by at least two members of the Executive Committee.
  2. The Executive Committee members are voted into office by the Membership Body at the General Assembly and hold their position for a length of two years. Re-election is possible.
  3. In case of resignation, said officer must submit a declaration of resignation in writing to the Executive Committee.
  4. If an officer resigns for whatever reason before his or term is complete, then a replacement until term completion shall be voted into office by the Executive Committee.
  5. The Executive Committee is subject to the Society's Bylaws.
  6. The Executive Committee deals with the Society's administerial business and transactions:
    • Organization of annual congresses Financial reports: Annual profit and expenditure estimates Convocation, preparation of the General Meeting and of Special Meetings Administration of IMLAS assets Membership management (admission, cancellation and suspension)
    • Employment management of IMLAS employees
  7. The Executive Committee meeting shall be convoked by the President or Vice-President.
  8. At Executive Committee meetings, a quorum shall be formed, if all its officers have been informed and at least half of them are present.
  9. At Executive Committee meetings, the President has the Chairmanship, unless impeded. The Vice-President then acts as Chairman.
  10. At Executive Committee meetings, resolutions shall be passed by majority vote; At a draw, the Chairman has the casting vote.

Article 7 - The Membership Body / The General Assembly

  1. The General IMLAS Assembly shall be held once a year.
  2. A special meeting will be held, when one third of all members apply in writing to the Executive Committee for a meeting. The application must include reasons and purposes for the meeting.
  3. The time and place of the General Assembly and Special Assemblies shall be designated by the Executive Committee and announced in writing at least six weeks prior to the date so fixed. The written summons must include the agenda with main topics of business.
  4. Motions concerning the agenda must be submitted to the Executive Committee in writing no later than four weeks prior to the date so fixed.
  5. All members are entitled to take part in the General Assembly. Only active members have the right to vote. A quorum shall be formed if one quarter (25%) of the members with voting rights are present or by ballot.
  6. At the General Assembly active members may vote over society dues, elect officers, Bylaw changes, and all other topics of business, as listed in the agenda, foremost:
    • Receival and approval of the financial report and closing account. Vote on budgetary motions. Election, appointal, removal of Officers. Vote on admission fees, membership fees. Honorary awards. Vote on Bylaw changes.
    • Receival and approval of the scientific report
  7. At the General Assembly all members have the right to vote and to be voted into office who are not in default in payment.
  8. At the General Assembly elections and resolutions are determined by a two thirds majority vote of members with the right to vote.
  9. At General Assembly the President has the Chairmanship, unless impeded and will be represented by the Vice-President.

Article 8 - Fiscal Year

  1. The fiscal year of the Society shall be the calendar year.

Article 9 - Membership Dues and Application Fees

  1. Each member is obligated to pay the application fee and the annual Society dues. The Board of Directors shall establish the annual dues for each category of membership within the Society. All dues shall be due and payable on or before the last day of each calendar year for the following year, or, for new members, within three months of the date of admission. At the time an individual is elected to membership, he shall pay dues for the entire year in which he shall be elected, except that any individual who becomes a member after November 1st in any year shall commence paying dues for the following year.

Article 10 - Society Dissolution

  1. The dissolution or final liquidation of the Society can only be decided through a Special Meeting, called for only to this purpose. 4/5ths of the membership body must be present. A threefourths majority vote is necessary for a quorum. If a resolution can not be made, then a 2nd special meeting 14 days later shall be called and in which, without regard to membership attendance, the members shall have a quorum.
  2. In the event of dissolution or final liquidation of the Society, all of it's assets remaining after payment of it's obligations have been made or provided for, shall be distributed to and among such corporations, foundations, or other organizations operated exclusively for scientific and educational purposes consistent with those of the Society as shall be designated by the Board of Directors.

Article 11 - The Bylaws

  1. The Bylaws shall be submitted to the General Assembly. The Bylaws will come into effect at incorporation of the Society.
  2. The Bylaws can be amended by the Membership Body.

Created: 14 January 2001
Latest Revision: 22/05/2003

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