SEMP Bylaws

Membership is open to professionals with substantial involvement or interest in emergency medicine pharmacotherapy. The following categories shall be established:

• Full Members: Voting members who devote at least 50% of their professional duties to emergency medicine pharmacy, toxicology, or related research/consultancy, and who meet one of the following criteria: completion of a PGY2 residency in emergency medicine or toxicology; or the equivalent of at least 3 years (within the last 7) practicing at least 50% in emergency medicine; or hold a Board Certification as an Emergency Medicine Pharmacist (BCEMP), Diplomate of the American Board of Applied Toxicology (DABAT), or an equivalent credential as determined by the Membership Committee.
• Associate Members: Non-voting members with significant interest or contribution in emergency medicine pharmacy who do not meet Full Member criteria. Appeals for upgrading membership may be submitted for Board review.
• Trainee-Associate Members: Students, residents, fellows, or post-doctoral candidates engaged in programs related to emergency medicine.
• Emeritus Members: Retired members who submit a letter of intent to retire from active practice; such members shall enjoy full membership privileges (except holding Board office) at a reduced dues rate.

Membership may be voluntarily withdrawn or terminated for cause by a 75% vote of the Board, following a minimum of 30 days' written notice. Grounds for termination include, but are not limited to, criminal conduct, conduct unbefitting of the organization, or actions that materially harm SEMP's reputation or mission. Dues shall not be refundable.

Membership shall not be denied or limited on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status.

The Board of Directors may authorize the establishment and recognition of student chapters affiliated with SEMP at accredited institutions offering relevant programs. The Board of Directors shall have the authority to develop and approve policies and procedures governing the formation, requirements, privileges, responsibilities, and potential dissolution of such student chapters.

An annual meeting of the membership shall be held (in-person, virtual, or hybrid) for the purpose of conducting business, presenting reports, and reviewing strategic progress. Notice of the meeting shall be provided by mail, email, or other electronic means.

Special meetings shall be called by the President. Notice must state the date, time, location (or virtual access information), and the specific purpose, provided at least five (5) and no more than sixty (60) days in advance.

A Nominating Committee shall be appointed in accordance with SEMP policies to solicit, vet, and present nominations for Board and committee positions. All nominations must be submitted in writing with the nominee's consent.

Voting on any matter shall be conducted in person or electronically over a minimum period of 10 business days. Ballots shall be securely tabulated.

Only Full Members shall have the right to vote and hold office.

Elections shall be conducted in accordance with established procedures. Newly elected officers shall assume office on November 1st following the election, unless otherwise directed by the Board.

The Board of Directors shall manage SEMP's affairs, determine dues, oversee governance, direct professional strategy, and administer all property and financial assets in accordance with law and these bylaws.

The Board shall consist of seven members: the President, President-Elect, Immediate Past President, Secretary, Treasurer, and two Members-at-Large.

• President: Presides at meetings, prepares an annual report, and appoints committees. (One-year term)
• President-Elect: Assumes the President's role in their absence and succeeds the President. (One-year term)
• Immediate Past President: Immediate Past President shall serve as a non-voting advisory member to the Board and shall perform the duties prescribed by the Board.)
• Treasurer: Oversees financial management and reporting. (Two-year term)
• Secretary: Records minutes and handles official communications. (Two-year term)
• Members-at-Large: Represent the general membership and ensure diverse perspectives. (Two-year term)

For the initial Board of Directors, the office of Immediate Past President shall not be filled. Following the completion of the first full term, upon succession of the President by the President-Elect, the Board shall establish the office of Immediate Past President as a non-voting advisory role to ensure continuity of governance.

Board members may serve no more than two consecutive terms in the same role, unless unanimously approved by the Board. A one-year hiatus is required before re-election to the same position.

A Board Member may be removed for cause by a vote of at least five other Board members. Resignations must be submitted in writing and become effective upon receipt, unless a later date is specified. Vacancies shall be filled by special election if the remaining term exceeds six months; otherwise, vacancies shall be appointed by the existing Board.

Board members and officers shall be indemnified to the maximum extent permitted by law for actions taken in good faith on behalf of SEMP, excluding cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

The Board shall appoint an Executive Director who is responsible for the day-to-day management of SEMP. The Executive Director shall implement Board policies, oversee staff, manage operational expenditures within the approved budget, and serve as the primary liaison between the Board and external stakeholders. The Executive Director shall serve at the pleasure of the Board, and their performance shall be reviewed annually.

The initial Board of Directors shall be selected and approved by the founding members of the Society. This initial Board shall serve until the first election is conducted pursuant to Article V of these bylaws. The composition of the initial Board shall conform to Section 2 of this Article, with the exception that the position of Immediate Past President shall remain vacant until the conclusion of the first President's full term.

The Board shall meet regularly (at least quarterly) at a time and place designated by the President. A majority of voting members constitutes a quorum.

Special meetings may be called by the President or at the written request of at least two Board members, with notice provided by electronic means.

SEMP shall maintain standing committees—with charters approved by the Board—including, but not limited to, the Membership Committee; Communications & Digital Strategy Committee; Education & Conference Planning Committee; Practice & Advocacy Committee; Research Committee; External Relations Committee; Awards & Recognition Committee; Strategic Planning Committee; and International Outreach Committee

Committee Chairs shall serve one-year terms with a designated Vice-Chair who shall assume the Chair's role in the following term, ensuring continuity and leadership development.

SEMP may establish additional advisory boards, such as an International Advisory Board, to provide non-voting counsel on global outreach, emerging trends, and long-term strategy.

The Board may form temporary task forces or working groups to address specific initiatives, with clearly defined objectives and reporting requirements.

Annual membership dues shall be set by the Board. Proposed changes to the dues structure shall be circulated to all membership categories with a minimum 30-day comment period prior to any vote by the membership.

Dues will be competitively structured (e.g., Full Membership at approximately $150/year) with discounted rates for residents, trainees, and international members to foster broad participation. The Board, in consultation with the Membership Committee, shall be responsible for establishing and maintaining the tiered due's structure.

The Treasurer shall prepare an annual financial report, presented at the Annual Meeting. A comprehensive annual report, including financial performance, membership metrics, and strategic progress, shall be distributed to all members.

SEMP shall establish and maintain a reserve fund to cover 6–12 months of operating expenses. The Board shall also explore grants and sponsorship opportunities to support strategic initiatives.

An annual strategic review shall be conducted by the Board. This report will summarize key performance indicators, membership growth, event outcomes, and progress on strategic initiatives, and will be distributed to the membership.

The fiscal year of the Society shall be January 1st through December 31st.

These bylaws may be amended by a two-third vote of the Full Members via electronic or in-person ballot that are present. Proposed amendments must be communicated in writing to the Full Membership at least 30 days in advance of any vote.

All proposed bylaw amendments shall be circulated to the Full, Associate, and Affiliate Membership categories, with a 30-day period allowed for comments and feedback prior to any vote by the Full Members.

Following the 30-day comment period, the Board of Directors shall review the proposed amendments and any member feedback. The Board shall then approve or reject the amendments by a majority vote. Notice of any approved bylaw changes shall be distributed to all voting members within 30 days.

Approved bylaw amendments shall take effect immediately upon