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Bylaws of the Minnesota Occupational Therapy Association
Article I. Name, Affiliation, Publications
Section 1.01 Name. The organization shall be called the Minnesota Occupational Therapy Association, Inc., herein after referred to as the State Association or MOTA.
Section 1.02 Affiliation. MOTA shall be affiliated with the American Occupational Therapy Association, herein after referred to as AOTA, through representation in the Representative Assembly compliant with the rules and regulations set forth in the Bylaws of the American Occupational Therapy Association.
Section 1.03 Publications. The official publications shall be the MOTA Newsletter, the MOTA Membership Directory, the MOTA Website, and the MOTA Executive Board Handbook published by the State Association.
Article II. Mission Section
Section 2.01 The Mission of the State Association shall be to:
(a) Enhance the professional development of its members,
(b) Promote the profession of occupational therapy, and
(c) Advocate for the provision of occupational therapy services across all practice arenas, populations and geographic locations in Minnesota.
Section 2.02 MOTA is a member driven organization. Membership and participation are voluntary, and essential to the ongoing success of the organization. MOTA seeks to be responsive to the professional, educational, communication, and political needs of its member
Article III. Membership Section
Section 3.01 Classifications. The membership of this association shall be divided into five classifications with those members whose interest in this association prompts them to support it with larger contributions called sustaining members in their classifications.
(a) Occupational Therapist
(b) Occupational Therapist Assistant
(c) Occupational Therapy Student
(d) Associate Member
(e) Honorary Member Section
Section 3.02 Qualifications.
(a) Occupational Therapist: Any individual initially certified to practice as an OT or licensed or regulated by a state, commonwealth, district or territory of the United States to practice as an occupational therapist and who has not had that certification, license or regulation revoked due to disciplinary action shall be eligible to be an Occupational Therapist member.
(b) Occupational Therapy Assistant: Any individual initially certified to practice as an OTA or licensed or regulated by a state, commonwealth, district or territory of the United States to practice as an occupational therapy assistant and who has not had that certification, license or regulation revoked due to disciplinary action shall be eligible to be an Occupational Therapy Assistant member.
(c) Occupational Therapy Student: Any individual enrolled in an occupational therapy educational program that is accredited, approved or pending approval or accreditation by the Association and that is located in the United States or in a state, commonwealth, district or territory of the United States shall be eligible to be a Student member.
(d) Associate Member: An individual or organization interested in promoting occupational therapy but who is not eligible for another membership classification.
(e) Honorary Member: An individual who has performed distinguished service to the field of occupational therapy and whom the State Association's Executive Board elects to honor.
Section 3.03 Rights and Duties of Members
(a) An occupational therapist member may:
1) Vote on all issues pertaining to the State Association.
2) Hold office when elected, be appointed chair of a committee, or serve on committees when appointed, subject to the qualifications established by the guidelines of the particular office or committee.
3) Receive the State Association Newsletter, Membership Directory of the State Association and routine mailings.
4) Access the Members Only section of the MOTA Website and Listserve.
5) Attend and participate in all regular and called meetings of the State Association.
(b) An occupational therapy assistant member may:
1) Vote on all issues pertaining to the State Association.
2) Hold elected office, be appointed as a chair or committee member, subject to the guidelines for the particular office or committee.
3) Receive the State Association Newsletter, Membership Directory of the State Association and routine mailings.
4) Access the Members Only section of the MOTA Website and Listserve.
5) Attend and participate in all regular and called meetings of the State Association.
(c) An occupational therapy student may:
1) Serve on committees when appointed, subject to the qualifications set by the guidelines for the particular committee.
2) Receive the State Association Newsletter and routine mailings of the State Association, and purchase Membership Directory of the State Association.
3) Access the Members Only section of the MOTA Website and Listserve.
4) Attend and participate in all regular and called meetings of the State Association.
(d) Associate members may:
1) Serve on committees when appointed, subject to the qualifications set by the guidelines of the particular committee.
2) Receive the State Association Newsletter, Membership Directory of the State Association and routine mailings.
3) Attend all regular and called meetings of the State Association.
(e) Honorary members may have the privileges consistent with their membership classification for which they are eligible.
Section 3.04 Good Standing. Members in "good standing" shall:
(a) Not have had certification, license, or regulation revoked due to disciplinary action.
(b) Pay all dues and assessments as set forth by Article XIV of the MOTA Bylaws.
(c) Conduct themselves in accordance with the Standards and Ethics established by the American Occupational Therapy Association.
Article IV. Meetings of the Membership of the State Association
Section 4.01 Annual Business Meeting. The annual business meeting of the members shall be held at a time and place designated in an official publication of the State Association with at least thirty (30) days notice to members.
Section 4.02 Special Meeting.
(a) Special meetings of the members may be called at any time by the President, three (3) voting members of the Executive Board or by one-third of the voting membership.
(b) Only such business as indicated by the call for a special meeting may be conducted at the meeting.
Section 4.03 Quorum.
(a) Business meetings. Twenty-five (25) voting members present in person shall constitute a quorum at the business meeting.
(b) Board Meetings. Majority of the voting members of the Executive Board shall constitute a quorum at the Board’s regular meetings.
(c) Special meetings of the Board. Majority of the voting members present shall constitute a quorum at a special meeting of the Board.
(d) Special meetings of the membership. Twenty-five (25) voting members present in person shall constitute a quorum at a special meeting of the membership.
Section 4.04 Voting.
(a) Business or special meeting. At any business or special meeting all voting shall be done in person only and each individual voting member shall have one vote.
(b) Board meeting. At any board meeting each voting member shall have one vote. If circumstances warrant, a voting member may designate a proxy voter, by written notification to the Secretary of the Executive Board.
Article V. Executive Board
Section 5.01 Name. The management body of the State Association shall be the Executive Board.
Section 5.02 Composition. The Executive Board shall consist of nine voting members and an unspecified number of non-voting members including the chairs of committees, task forces and coordinators as may be determined by the Board.
Section 5.03 Voting Members. The voting members of the Executive Board shall be President, three Vice Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer, the AOTA Representative, the Regional Coordinator and the Representative-at-Large or their proxy.
Section 5.04 Non-voting members. The members of the Executive Board with voice but without vote shall be the Chairs of the committees, task forces, and coordinators who serve at the request of the Executive Board.
Section 5.05 Quorum. A majority of voting board members of the Executive Board shall constitute a quorum, providing at least two officers: President, President-Elect/Past President, Secretary, Treasurer, and/or Treasurer-Elect or Past Treasurer are present.
Section 5.06 Terms of Office.
(a) Voting members of the Executive Board shall serve elected or appointed terms as designated in these Bylaws.
(b) No member of the Executive Board shall serve more than 3 consecutive terms
(c) Chairs of committees, task forces and committees shall serve at the request of and for the designated time appointed by the President or other Board members.
(d) Vacancies on the Executive Board may be filled by appointment of the Board.
(e) The Executive Board may disqualify Board members for repeated failure to perform assigned duties by a two-third majority. Vacancies so caused shall be filled by Executive Board appointment for the remainder of the term.
Section 5.07 Presiding Officer. The President of the State Association shall be the presiding officer of the Executive Board.
Section 5.08 Duties. The Executive Board shall:
(a) Manage the affairs and funds of the State Association.
(b) Have the power and authority to perform functions, establish policy, and take positions not inconsistent with the Bylaws.
(c) Act on all matters which require immediate attention, with subsequent report at the next business meeting of the State Association.
(d) Refer any major policy changes to the membership for ratification. This can be at a membership meeting of the State Association with advance notice or by written/electronic vote.
(e) Create such special committees as may be deemed advisable or terminate the existence of committees no longer necessary.
(f) Report to the membership all action taken or funds expended by the Executive Board.
Section 5.09 Meetings.
(a) The Executive Board shall meet as deemed necessary by the President on a regular schedule which is publicized to the membership prior to the meetings.
(b) Special meetings of the Executive Board may be called by the President or upon recommendation of any three voting Executive Board members. No business other than that specified may be transacted at that special meeting. (c) Minutes of the Executive Board meetings shall be made public to the MOTA membership.
Section 5.10 Employees/Paid Consultants
(a) Employees or paid consultants shall be retained by MOTA based on furthering the mission and goals of the State Association.
(b) Employees or consultants may include but are not limited to Administrative Support Services, Lobbyists, and Quality Management Coordinator.
(c) Duties. Employees or paid consultants shall report directly and be accountable to the presiding officer of the Executive Board. The Executive Board shall define the duties and objectives and fix the compensation of all employees and/or paid consultants.
Article VI. Officers
Section 6.01 Officers. The officers of the State Association shall be President, Treasurer, and Secretary.
Section 6.02 Eligibility for Office.
(a) Occupational therapist members are eligible for any office, subject to the additional qualifications stated in these Bylaws, provided they shall have:
1) Been an active member of the State Association for one year prior to nomination.
2) Consented to serve if elected.
3) In the case of the office of President, shall have served as a voting or non-voting member of the Executive Board.
(b) Occupational therapy assistant members are eligible for any office. They may serve in capacities in accordance with the qualifications stated in these Bylaws provided they shall have:
1) Been an active member of the State Association for one year prior to nomination.
2) Consented to serve if elected.
3) In the case of the office of President, shall have served as a voting or non-voting member of the Executive Board.
(c) Officers shall hold only one elected or appointed position at a given time.
Section 6.03 Duties and Responsibilities. The duties and responsibilities of Officers shall be as listed in the MOTA Executive Board Handbook.
Section 6.04 Terms of Office.
(a) Officers shall be elected by the MOTA membership as prescribed by these Bylaws.
(b) Officers shall assume office on the first day of July following their election.
(c) The President shall serve a term of two years commencing in even numbered years.
(d) The Treasurer shall serve a term of two years commencing in odd numbered years.
(e) The Secretary shall serve a term of two years commencing in even numbered years.
(f) Filling vacancies:
1) In the temporary absence of the President, one of the Vice-Presidents shall temporarily fulfill the duties of the Presidency.
2) The Executive Board shall fill by appointment for the remainder of the term any permanent absence for any vacancy in office positions.
Article VII. Representation in the AOTA Representative Assembly
Section 7.01 Credentials. The credentials of candidates for Representative and Alternate Representative shall be approved by the AOTA Credentials review and Accountability Committee of the Representative Assembly prior to the election.
Section 7.02 Eligibility and Election.
(a) A Representative shall be an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant member in good standing of the AOTA and MOTA.
(b) The Alternate Representative shall have the same qualifications as the Representative.
(c) Representative and Alternate Representative shall be elected by vote of the occupational therapist and occupational therapy assistant members of the AOTA.
Section 7.03 Duties and Responsibilities.
(a) Duties of the Representative and Alternate Representative shall be those outlined in the Bylaws of the AOTA and the MOTA Executive Board Handbook.
(b) Responsibilities and date of election shall conform to the stipulations of the AOTA Bylaws.
Article VIII. Divisions and Vice-Presidents
Section 8.01 Divisions. The Three Divisions of the State Association shall be:
(a) A Vice-President for Professional Development shall be appointed by the President (or elected by the membership) in odd numbered years for a term of two years.
(b) A Vice-President for Promotion shall be appointed by the President (or elected by the membership) in even numbered years for a term of two years.
(c) A Vice-President for Advocacy shall be appointed by the President (or elected by the membership) in odd numbered years for a term of two years.
(d) Eligibility. Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants, who have been members of MOTA for at least one year shall be eligible to serve as Vice-Presidents.
(e) Duties and Responsibilities. The duties and responsibilities of the Vice-Presidents, Committees, Task Forces, and Coordinators shall be listed in the MOTA Executive Handbook.
Article IX. Representative-at-Large
Section 9.01 Representative-at- Large. There shall be one Representative-at-Large elected by the membership of MOTA
Section 9.02 Eligibility. Occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant members in good standing shall be eligible to serve as Member-at-Large.
Section 9.03 Terms of Office. The Member-at-Large shall serve a term of office of two years commencing in even numbered years.
Section 9.04 Duties and Responsibilities. The duties and responsibilities of the Representative-at-Large shall be as listed in the MOTA Executive Board Handbook.
Article X. Districts
Section 10.01 Definition. Districts of MOTA are designated geographic areas established by members residing in the area to promote the activities of the State Association and the interests of the therapists in that locale.
Section 10.02 District Coordinator.
(a) The activities of the Districts of MOTA shall be coordinated by the District Coordinator, who shall be elected or appointed by the Chairs of the Districts and shall serve as a voting member of the Executive Board for a term of two years.
(b) A map of each of the District’s boundaries shall be maintained by the District Coordinator of the State Association.
(c) This interest should be expressed in writing to the Executive Board with the signatures of at least ten (10) occupational therapist and/or occupational therapy assistant members in good standing.
(d) Approval of the majority of the members of the Executive Board shall be necessary to establish a district association.
(e) A District Association of MOTA that does not comply with the duties and responsibilities of a District as listed in the MOTA Executive Board Handbook may be disbanded by a majority vote of the Executive Board.
Section 10.03 Membership in a District Association of MOTA. Any member in good standing of the State Association is eligible for membership in the district association.
Section 10.04 Officers of District Associations of MOTA
(a) Officers of each district shall include, but not be limited to Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. These officers will be elected or appointed by the district association members.
(b) Occupational therapist and occupational therapy assistant members in good standing are eligible for all offices in the Districts.
(c) Officers of the District Associations of MOTA shall fulfill the duties and responsibilities as listed in the MOTA Executive Board Handbook.
Section 10.05 Meetings.
(a) Meetings shall be scheduled by the officers of the district.
(b) A minimum of three meetings shall be called annually in order to remain recognized as a district association.
(c) At least one of the officers of the district shall be present at each meeting.
Section 10.06 District Dues and Reimbursement.
(a) Each district has the option of collecting dues, the amount of which shall be determined by the district with approval by the Executive Board of the State Association.
(b) The State Association may provide financial support for activities of the districts. The method and manner of financial support shall be determined by the Executive Board of the State Association.
Article XI. Committees and Task Forces
Section 11.01 The committees and task forces of the State Association shall be listed in the MOTA Executive Board Handbook and the Bylaws
(a) Chairs of these committees and task forces shall be appointed by the Officers or Vice-Presidents.
(b) The Executive Board shall have the power to create such additional committees and task forces as it shall deem advisable.
(c) Members of the committees or task forces shall be appointed by the Chairs of the committees or task forces.
Section 11.02 Purpose and duties of committees and task forces shall be as listed in the MOTA Executive Board Handbook.
Article XII. Nomination and Elections
Section 12.01 Nominations.
(a) A slate of nominations for the officers to be elected shall be prepared by the Nominating Committee at least two months prior to the election.
(b) The composition of the Nominating Committee and the procedures relative to nominations shall be described in the MOTA Executive Board Handbook.
Section 12.02 Elections.
(a) Regular Elections. The Nominating Committee shall distribute a ballot to the voting members of the State Association at least one month prior to the beginning of the term for the elected office (or before the first day of June each year).
(b) Special Elections. Special elections may be held to fill vacancies on the Executive Board at the discretion and direction of the Executive Board.
Article XIII. Standards and Ethics
Section 13.01 Standards and Ethics. The State Association shall abide by the standards and ethics of the American Occupational Therapy Association as approved by its Representative Assembly. All members and components of the State Association shall be bound by these standards and ethics as published in an official publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association.
Article XIV. Dues and Fees
Section 14.01 The Executive Board shall recommend changes in membership dues. The membership shall vote on any proposed changes at a business meeting of the State Association or though a ballot.
Section 14.02 Annual dues shall be payable by a date established by the Membership Division of the State Association. Late payment of dues shall include a late fee recommended by the Membership division and approved by the Executive Board.
Article XV. Fiscal Year
Section 15.01 The fiscal year of the Minnesota Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. shall be established and subject to change in accordance with the current fiscal climate and to the financial benefit of the State Association.
Article XVI. Amendments
Section 16.01 These Bylaws may be amended by a majority of the vote cast, provided that: (1) there is a quorum present or ballots are distributed to all members in good standing, and (2) written notice of the proposed Bylaws vote including all proposed changes, was sent to each member at least one month prior to the vote.
Section 16.02 Within 30 days following an affirmative vote, revised Bylaws with the dates of adoption shall be filed with the Secretary of the State Association and if appropriate, with AOTA.
Section 16.03 When substantial changes have been made in the Bylaws, the Executive Board shall determine a method for making a complete revision available to the membership.
Article XVII. Parliamentary Authority
Section 17.01 Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised, shall be the parliamentary authority for procedures not covered elsewhere in these Bylaws.
Section 17.02 References: Official Documents of AOTA held by the MOTA Executive Board Secretary
Approved: May 16, l981 Implemented: July 1, l992. Amended: May 1985 and June 1994; Reviewed March 1998; Amended: November 2003 and March 2005.
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