Bylaws

The Hispanic Neuropsychological Society Membership ByLaws

Article I: Name

The name of the organization shall be the Hispanic Neuropsychological Society, hereinafter referred to as “HNS” or the “Society.” The terms “Hispanic” and “Latino/a/x” will be used interchangeably throughout this document. The terms “Executive Committee” and “Board of Directors” are used interchangeably.

Article II: Mission/Objectives

The Hispanic Neuropsychological Society (HNS) is an independent non-profit scientific and professional membership organization dedicated to the advancement of science, evidence-based practice, education/training, and policies related to cultural neuropsychology within Latinx, Spanish-speaking, and other culturally/linguistically diverse populations across the lifespan.

The specific objectives of the HNS are the following:

1) To promote the competent practice of neuropsychology with Spanish-speaking populations.

2) To encourage, facilitate, and actively promote the dissemination of clinical and research information for the practice of neuropsychology with Hispanic populations at a national and international level.

3) To actively promote networking and collaboration among its members regarding the use of appropriate instruments and normative data for the assessment of Hispanics.

4) To remain an independent and autonomous society in order to work collaboratively with existing neuropsychological organizations, both in the U.S. and abroad.

5) To positively impact the training of current neuropsychologists and neuropsychology trainees at all levels working with Hispanic populations via networking and mentoring, as well as providing support for research opportunities to improve the existant knowledge base.

Article III: Membership

The membership of the HNS shall be composed of individuals with demonstrated clinical or research interest in neuropsychology with Hispanics and cultural neuropsychology more broadly. All members of the HNS shall be subject to the Bylaws of the Society and to any subsequent revisions or amendments.

Section 1. Classes of Membership

There shall be seven types of membership in the Society, including Fellow, Professional Member, International Member, Associate Member, Student Member, Affiliate Member and Institutional Partners. Qualification for election to each level of membership status requires meeting the following criteria:

Fellow Members: A Professional member in good standing for at least five years with at least 10 years post-doctoral experience who has made a significant contribution to the science and/or practice of neuropsychology as it relates to the Hispanic/Spanish-speaking individuals or cross- cultural community is eligible for nomination to Fellow status. Fellows are recommended to the Membership and Elections Committee, which then acts on the recommendation.
Professional Members: Evidence of completion of academic coursework in assessment and/or remediation of neuropsychological conditions and hold a doctoral degree in psychology or an M.D. in neurology with specialization in neurobehavior from an accredited university or medical school. They shall have worked in a setting where such knowledge is applied for a minimum of 3 years, 2 of which must be postdoctoral. Professional members must hold a license or certificate to practice at the independent level in one’s state or province.
International Member: Individuals are required to hold the terminal degree and license that allows them to practice as an independent practitioner in their country.
Associate Members: Individuals who are interested in neuropsychological issues pertaining to Hispanic or Spanish-speaking population and hold a terminal master’s degree in psychology or a related discipline and may or may not hold a license for independent practice are eligible for Associate status. This category also includes those individuals who hold a doctoral degree in psychology or a related discipline but do not meet criteria to be a member at the Professional level.
Student Members: Individuals enrolled full or part-time in a course of study leading to a graduate degree in psychology from an accredited university are eligible for Student status. Persons working on their post-doctoral hours are considered student members. This includes international student members.
Affiliate Members: Individuals whose training and experience preclude them from other levels of membership, yet are interested in neuropsychological issues pertaining to Hispanic/Spanish- speaking individuals and wish to be formally associated with the Society may be Affiliate members. These individuals do not have formal/professional training in psychology or neuropsychology. They may be interested lay individuals.
Institutional Partners: Institutional partners consist of academic and corporate entities. There are two subcategories of institutional partners: (a) Academic and (b) Corporate:

o Academic Partners: Psychology or related programs of study / training programs with an interest in expanding the field of Hispanic/cultural neuropsychology, in general.
o CorporatePartners:A corporate member shall be a business interested in the field of Hispanic/cultural neuropsychology. Corporate members may note this status in their publications only so long as they do not represent this membership as indicating any form of quality assurance or endorsement, approval in any form of their activities, or as any indicating of special status of their activities or programs.

Section 2. Rights of Membership

Fellow, Professional, Associate, International, and Student members in good standing shall have full voting privileges, and can be members of committees. Fellow and Professional members may hold elected office.

There will be one Student representative and one Student Representative-Elect on the Executive Committee. Except for the Student Representative and Student Representative- Elect on the Executive Committee, Student members may not hold office. However, students may be members of committees and have voting privileges.

Affiliate members may not have voting privileges or hold elected office. They may be members of committees.

Institutional Partners shall have no voting privileges and will not have the right to hold office or be members of a committee. They can, however, be called to assist a committee as long as there are no conflict of interests.

Section 3. Election to Membership

Applicants shall complete a membership application, together with sponsorship forms and other supporting data as requested by the Membership and Elections Committee. The Membership and Elections Committee, along with the Executive Committee will review each completed application and determine eligibility of the applicant for admission to the association. An affirmative vote by the majority of those on these committees will be required for election into the Association. In the event a candidate’s application is rejected, the candidate will be apprised in writing of the specific reason for the rejection. The applicant may appeal in writing directly to the Membership Committee for reconsideration with additional information. The Membership Committee will issue a summary of the issues and forward such application to the Executive Committee who will issue a final decision on the matter during their regular meeting.

Membership status will be effective upon receipt of appropriate dues, if any dues are required, and will take effect for a one-year period, at which time renewal of membership will be required.

Section 4. Renewal of Membership

Yearly renewal of membership by the executive secretary will be automatic except when otherwise directed by the Executive Committee for one of the conditions stipulated under Section 5 of Article III (Membership).

Section 5. Expulsion from Membership

Any category of member of the Society may lose their membership status for one of the conditions outlined below. Charges of possible violations will only be entertained by the Executive Committee and/or Board if such charges are submitted in writing to one of the members of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee will then refer the charges to the entire Board, which will confidentially investigate the validity of the charges. The charged member will be given the opportunity to meet with the Board prior to any final decision which could result in expulsion of that individual.

Exhibit conduct which in any way tends to injure the Association, or to affect adversely its reputation, or which is contrary or destructive to the objectives of HNS.
Violations of the American Psychological Association’s ethical standards of psychologists.
Conviction of a felony.
Two consecutive years of non-payment of dues.

Section 6. Resignation from Membership

Members may resign from membership status at any level by submitting in writing their wish to terminate participation in the Association.

Section 7. Reinstatement

Members who are not in good standing because of resignation will be eligible for reinstatement upon written request to the Membership Committee. Members who are not in good standing because of nonpayment of dues will be reinstated upon payment of dues.

Article IV: Voting Privileges

Section 1. Voting Rights

Each voting member in good standing shall be entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote of the members. A member may vote by proxy executed by write-in vote executed by the member or his/her duly authorized attorney in fact or in person. No proxy shall be valid after 3 months from the date of this execution unless otherwise provided in the proxy.

Article V: Dues & Finances

Section 1. Annual Dues

The dues will be required from each member of the HNS, in an amount to be set by the membership during the annual business meeting. The revenues from such dues will be used to support all legitimate business expenses of the organization necessary for its efficient operation. The fiscal year of the Association will be from January 1st through December 31st.

Section 2. Dues Statements

Annual accounting of the finances of the HNS will be made public by the Treasurer to the membership during the official annual meeting. Dues are to be established by the Board of Directors and will be noticeably printed in the official publications of the Society. Any increase in dues must be passed by 2/3rds votes of the Executive Committee. Before the end of the fiscal year the Treasurer shall bill each member by mail or e-mail for forthcoming annual dues.

Section 3. Dissolution

In the event that the Association is dissolved, any remaining funds are to be dispersed to a cause/organization that promotes the specific objectives of the Society, or as voted by the majority of the membership and ratified by the Executive Committee at the time of dissolution.

Article VI: Executive Committee

Section 1. Officers

The Officers shall be the President, President Elect, Immediate Past-President, Secretary, Treasurer, two Members-At-Large, a Student Representative, and Student Representative- Elect.

The duration of office terms will be two years, except for the President-Elect, Immediate Past- President, Student Representative-Elect, and Student Representative, which will be one-year terms.
Except for the Treasurer, Secretary, and Members-At-Large, who may serve two consecutive terms holding their particular office, no officer may serve two consecutive terms.
Except for the Secretary who may fulfill the duties of Treasurer, no person may hold more than one office at the same time.
The President Elect will, unless otherwise decided by the Executive Committee and/or members, automatically assume the position of President. Likewise, the President will take office as the Past-President once the two-year term has completed.
The Secretary may fulfill the duties of the Treasurer. When this is the case, the Executive Committee may invite another elected member serving in a supportive committee (e.g., Communications) to form part of the Executive Committee and thus serve as the deciding vote, during the time such vote is necessary. The Executive Committee will also invite the elected Student Representative at its discretion to their meetings, and such person will have voting power.

Section 2. Governance

The HNS shall be governed by the Executive Committee composed of the above mentioned elected officers (Section 1 of Article VI). The Committee will be responsible for representing the HNS to external persons and institutions and for conducting the business of the organization during the period of time between annual meetings. The Executive Committee will be jointly responsible to the membership for the conduct of the organization’s affairs, and will make an annual report to the membership during the annual business meeting.

Section 3. Election of Officers

Members of the Society may nominate prospective officers for the Executive Committee. Self-nominations will be accepted. Nominations may occur during the annual business meeting, via email, upon request by the Membership and Elections Committee (Call for Nominations), or in writing (addressed to Membership and Elections Committee). Officers shall be elected by majority vote from eligible members of the Society. Voting may occur at the annual meeting (in person, or via proxy), or via email survey conducted by the Membership and Elections Committee.

Section 4. Qualification for Officers

All Officers must be members of the Society in good standing, for at least two (2) years. The Student-Elect should either have been a member for one year, or has demonstrated active and meaningful participation in HNS activities. The Student-Elect must be in good standing.

Section 5. Duties of Officers Officers of the Association will conduct their assigned duties as outlined below.

President: The President shall be the principal executive officer and, with the approval of the Executive Committee, shall in general supervise and control all the business and affairs of the society. The President shall, when present, preside at all meetings of the membership and of the Board of Directors. The President may sign, with the President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer or any other appropriate officer of the society thereunto authorized by the Executive Committee, any deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts or other instruments that the Board of Directors has authorized to be executed, except in cases where the signing and execution thereof shall be expressed and delegated by the Board of Directors or by these bylaws to some other officer or agent of the Society, or shall be required by law to be otherwise signed or executed; and in other duties as may be prescribed by the
Executive Committee from time to time. The President shall be a Member Ex-Officio of all committees and a voting member of the Board of Directors.
President-Elect: The President-Elect shall assume all of the duties of the President in his/her temporary absence or disability. The President-Elect may also take the office of President in case the President cannot fulfill the duties of their office for the remaining term of office. In such case, a suitable replacement for the position of President-Elect will be elected by the Executive Committee by majority vote. The President-Elect shall be a voting member of the Board of Directors.
Treasurer: The Treasurer shall be responsible for the funds of the Society. He/she shall maintain accurate account of these funds and accurate records of any financial transactions and status of the Society. Financial status and record of any and all financial transactions shall be made available to the Executive Committee at any time and shall be reported to the Members of the Society at large during the official annual business meeting of the Society. Financial status and recorded transactions shall also be made available within a reasonable amount of time to any Member of the Society who makes such request in writing to the Executive Committee. The Treasurer shall be a voting member of the Board of Directors.
Secretary: The Secretary shall keep record of all proceedings of meetings of the Society and of the Executive Committee. He/she shall provide summaries of all official meetings of the Society. Summaries shall be presented to the Executive Committee and to any Member of the Society who requests such summary. The Secretary is also responsible for safekeeping or cause to be kept all documents and papers which come to his/her possession as may be necessary. The Secretary may also perform the duties of the Treasurer. The Secretary shall be a voting member of the Board of Directors.
Past-President: The Past-President will be present at the meetings of the Executive Committee and will provide support to the newly elected members of the Executive Committee. The Past-President shall be the person who served as President during the most recent election term and will be a voting member of the Board of Directors.
Members-at-Large: The Members-at-Large will be present at the meetings of the Executive Committee. They will assist in the general operation of the Society and its business and affairs with duties including, but not limited to, the coordination and execution of the activities of Committees. The Members-at-Large shall be voting members of the Board of Directors.
Student Representative: The Student Representative (SR) will be present at the meetings of the Executive Committee. The SR is responsible for the operation of the HNS Student Association, which supports the mission and goals of HNS for trainees. The SR is a voting member of the Board of
Student Representative-Elect: The Student Representative-Elect (SRE) will be present at the meetings of the Executive Committee. The SRE will support the mission of the HNS Student Association and assist the SR. The SRE is a non- voting member of the Board of Directors, and contributes student perspective and opinion.

Section 6. Administrative Staff

The HNS Executive Committee shall appoint an Administrative Director and shall have the discretion to hire staff to assist with administrative duties.

Administrative Director: The Administrative Director shall oversee the operational aspects of the Society. This includes financial and administrative functions. As such, the Administrative Director will be present on all Society meetings, for consultation and oversight, as indicated. The Administrative Director works closely with the Society’s Treasurer on all matters pertaining to operational issues. Further, the Administrative Director works with the Executive Committee to create and clarify guidance documents, regarding general business practices. This includes a plan for the business, strategic planning, and internal policies and procedures, as necessary. The Administrative Director can chair and serve on committees, as appropriate. Currently, this is a volunteer, unpaid position. The Administrative Director shall be directly accountable to the President when the Executive Committee is in recess. The appointment term of the Administrative Director will be at the discretion of the Executive Committee, but shall be no less than 3 years.
Administrative Assistant(s): The Administrative Assistant will report directly to the Administrative Director and provide support with various clerical and organizational tasks at the discretion of the Executive Committee. This is a paid position and salary is at the discretion of the Executive Committee.

Section 7. Compensation

Officers of the Executive Committee shall receive a $500 per year stipend to attend in- person Executive Committee meetings ($250 per meeting they attend). With that exception there is NO other compensation from HNS for their services, including honorariums. This provision shall not, however, prevent an officer to be reimbursed for reasonable costs and expenses incurred in connection with performance of his/her duties as Officer, as approved in advance by the Executive Committee.

Section 8. Conflict of Interests

No Officer of the association shall deal with him/herself or any other Officer in a manner which represents a conflict or potential conflict with the interests of the association. Officers may recuse themselves from voting or any discussions that may cause a potential conflict of interest. Conflict of Interests statements will be gathered by the Secretary at the start of a calendar year for all Officers, Committee/Task Force Chairs, and the Administrative Director. These statements are reviewed and approved by the Members of the Executive Committee, or at the first Executive Meeting or conference call thereafter.

Section 9. Termination

Members of the Executive Committee may resign their duties at any time during the duration of their term. Executive Committee members may be asked for their resignation by another Committee Officer at any time if there is just cause to suspect the violation of any of the conditions stipulated under Section 5 of Article III (Membership) or when their actions have been clearly harmful to the interests of the Society. The official removal of any individual from the Executive Committee will require two-thirds majority vote from members of the Society that are present at the annual meeting or two thirds majority mail system vote (via email or postal service).

Article VII: Meetings of the Association

Section 1. Annual Business Meeting

The Executive Committee of the HNS shall be jointly responsible for scheduling and conducting an annual business meeting. The annual business meeting will likely take place during the week of the annual meeting of the National Academy of Neuropsychology, which is usually held in October or November. A second meeting may also be held during the week of the annual meeting of the International Neuropsychological Society (INS), which usually takes place in February. These meetings will also be made available via virtual platform should they not be able to occur in person. Minutes will be posted to the website.

Section 2. Additional Meetings

Other meetings and conferences may be scheduled throughout the year at the discretion of the Executive Committee depending upon the needs and customs of the organization. The Executive Committee is responsible for holding a minimum of four Executive Committee meetings per year. Such meetings may be conducted in person or by phone conference. The Executive Committee will also hold 2 in-person meetings to be held during the week of the annual meeting of the National Academy of Neuropsychology and during the week of the annual meeting of the International Neuropsychological Society, or in venues the Executive Committee sees fit. Any number of Directors present at any meeting may adjourn the meeting.

The presence in person or by phone conference of the majority of the members of the Board of Directors will constitute a Quorum. Unless otherwise required by the Bylaws, the law, or standard rules of order, the votes of a majority of those present and voting shall be sufficient to pass upon business of the Society.

There shall not be voting by proxy or in absentia with the exception of the Student Representative Elect voting on behalf of the Student Representative when the Student Representative is not present.

The Board of Directors shall be authorized to carry on the business of the Society by electronic or regular mail ballot between meetings. In such instance, it shall require a majority vote of the Board of Directors to pass upon any business of the Society except for those issues that require a larger majority as required by these Bylaws.

Section 3. Rules of Order

The annual business meeting and additional meetings called by the Executive Committee shall be conducted in accordance with standard parliamentary procedure.

Article VIII: Committees

Section 1. Executive Committee

The Executive Committee composed of elected officers shall be the governing body of the Society. The elected Officers of this committee, terms, conditions and responsibilities of such Officers are stipulated in Sections 1-9 of Article VI (Executive Committee).

Section 2. Standing Committees

The Officers of the Executive Committee will appoint chairs for each committee for 3-year terms. The respective committee chairs, in consultation with the Executive Committee will determine additional membership for each committee. With the exception of Institutional Partners, any member of the Association in good standing can be a member of a standing or special committee. Corporate members may assist a committee as long as there is no conflict of interests. Committees will conduct such business as is appropriate to their respective areas of responsibility, as determined by the Executive Committee, members of each individual Committee and/or the members of the Society. All action recommendations by committees are to be approved by the Executive Committee. The creation of permanent standing committees shall require an amendment of the Bylaws. The following shall be the standing committees of the Society:

1) Membership and Elections Committee. This Committee shall examine applications and determine the eligibility of prospective HNS members. The Committee may conduct investigation for each applicant as it deems necessary or proper, including investigating any allegations of ethical misconduct. The Committee shall also review applications of HNS members who wish to apply for Fellow Member status and make recommendations to the Executive Committee for approval of such members. The Committee will oversee the Nominations and Elections process. The chair of the Membership and Elections Committee will be a member of the Executive Committee.
2) Communications Committee. This committee is in charge of the creation and distribution, with the approval of the Board, of the official communications of the Society. This Committee shall organize and maintain the electronic publications of the Society, including maintaining the HNS website and all social media.
3) Mentorship and Education Committee. The mission of this committee is a) To encourage Spanish speakers to become neuropsychologists; b) To encourage neuropsychologists to develop competency in the assessment of Spanish speakers; c) To mentor HNS members the attainment of board certification; and d) To provide mentoring opportunities to HNS members.
4) Awards Committee. Purpose of the Awards Committee is to centralize the management of awards.
5) Liaison Committee. The mission is to serve as an initial and consistent point of contact between HNS with other national and regional Neuropsychology organizations in order to: a) Facilitate clear lines of communication between the leadership of HNS and other Neuropsychology organizations; b) Develop strategic partnerships; c) Provide resources and consultation on sociocultural and linguistic issues in neuropsychology; d) Promote inter-organizational collaboration. The chair of the Liaison Committee will be a member of the Executive Committee.
6) Conference Committee. Is tasked with organizing the HNS conference.
7) Science Committee. The mission is to broaden the scientific impact of HNS by
promoting scientific rigor within research and practice as it relates to research about cultural factors in the science of neuropsychology in Hispanics/Latinos and other underrepresented groups in order to promote ethical research and competent evidence based clinical neuropsychology practice.
8) Social Justice and Advocacy Committee: To improve accessibility
of neuropsychological/psychological evaluations and education among Latino populations with neuropsychological conditions in and outside of the United States. To advocate for equitable and culturally sensitive neuropsychological/psychological services for Latino and underserved populations.

Section 3. Special Committees and Task Forces

Ad hoc committees and task forces may be established by recommendation of the Executive Committee and ratification by a majority of members present in the annual business meeting. Ad hoc committees and task forces may also be established or assigned by the Executive Committee throughout the year, between annual business meetings. Ratification by majority vote of all voting members of HNS will occur via postal mail or electronic mail. Such committees and task forces will be appointed on a time-limited basis to carry out specific tasks without requiring an amendment of the Society’s Bylaws.

Article VIII: Adoption of Bylaws and Amendments

Section 1. Adoption of Bylaws

Upon initial adoption of the Bylaws by the Society Membership, the Secretary shall date and certify a copy of the Bylaws. These will be maintained in the official records of the Society. A copy of the Bylaws will be provided with any amendments to all Members of the Society present at the annual business meeting. The Bylaws may be sent in advance of the annual business meeting via electronic mail or postal service. These will also be provided to subsequent new Members of the Society.

Section 2. Amendments

Amendments to the Bylaws may be proposed by any member of the organization during the Society’s annual business meeting. Before they can take effect, such proposed amendments will require ratification by 2/3rds of all members in good standing who respond to a mailed referendum sent via e-mail or standard mail. Proposed amendments may also be ratified by members who are present during the annual business meeting of the association, provided that 2/3rds of all members of the Society are present at this meeting.

Article IX: HNS Student Association

Section 1. Purpose

The purpose of the HNS Student Association is to support the goals and mission of HNS as it relates to trainees and to increase visibility and awareness of HNS activities within its student members. The Student Representative (SR) and the Student Representative-Elect (SRE) will function as liaison members between students and the HNS Executive Board and the chair of the Mentoring and Education Committee. The HNS Student Association will also provide training, mentorship, and leadership opportunities for students to further their professional development. The HNS Student Association will function in accordance with their approved bylaws and governance documents.