WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN LOCAL SECTIONS AND ADLM SECTIONS?
Local Sections are:
- regionally organized groups of the Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (formerly AACC) members.
- independent corporate entities.
- sections that were formed prior to the the AACC bylaws change in July 2016.
ADLM Sections are:
- regionally organized groups of ADLM members.
- any new section formed moving forward.
- internal units of ADLM (similar to Divisions).
CAN A LOCAL SECTION BECOME AN ADLM SECTION?
Yes. Local Sections have the option to dissolve and to re-form as an ADLM Section.
ARE LOCAL SECTIONS REQUIRED TO BECOME ADLM SECTIONS?
No. Local Sections have the option to dissolve and re-form as an ADLM Section. All new sections that are formed will be formed as ADLM Sections.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BECOMING AN ADLM SECTION?
- Increased time to focus on program content and development.
- More opportunities for professional growth for volunteer leaders.
- Significant reduction of administrative responsibilities:
- ADLM Sections will not have checking accounts
- ADLM Sections will not sign contracts or any legal agreements.
- ADLM Sections will no longer file a Report of the Treasurer. Section leadership will submit an annual budget, similar to ADLM Divisions.
- ADLM Sections will not file separate state or federal taxes.
- ADLM Sections will not be required to file annual or bi-annual state corporation commission reports.
- ADLM Sections do not need to maintain separate bylaws.
HOW DOES A LOCAL SECTION DISSOLVE AND BECOME AN ADLM SECTION?
Local Sections must dissolve as a corporation and terminate its independent legal status. Corporations are regulated under state law, so the dissolution process can vary.
- The Local Section’s should follow the dissolution guidelines set in their bylaws or regulations outlined by the state in which the Local Section is incorporated.
- ADLM staff will assist Local Sections with the process.
- Once dissolved, the Local Section must transfer funds remaining in their treasury to ADLM.
- ADLM will hold and track the funds for the newly formed ADLM Section.
DOES THE FUNDING STRUCTURE CHANGE FOR SECTIONS THAT REMAIN LOCAL SECTIONS?
No. Local Sections that choose to operate as independent entities will continue to receive ADLM allotments once a year after meeting all the funding requirements, such as IRS reporting, election of officers and submission of annual and treasurer’s reports.
WHAT IS THE FUNDING STRUCTURE FOR ADLM SECTIONS?
- ADLM Sections will submit a budget in a manner similar to all other ADLM programs, including ADLM Divisions. Budgets must include all anticipated expenses for educational programs as well as items such as awards and travel grants.
- As part of the overall ADLM annual budget process, all programs and budgets are presented to the Finance Committee for funding consideration and to the Board of Directors for approval.
HOW WILL THE FUNDING STRUCTURE CHANGE FOR LOCAL SECTIONS THAT BECOME ADLM SECTIONS?
Local Sections that dissolve and become ADLM Sections will continue to receive their annual allotments.
- Programs that are in excess of the allotment will be paid by drawing down funds transferred to ADLM in the Local Section’s name.
- Once those funds are depleted, as part of the overall ADLM annual budget process, programs exceeding the annual allotment will be presented to the Finance Committee for funding consideration and to the Board of Directors for approval.
- ADLM Sections may also pursue sponsorships or charge registration fees as needed to offset program costs.
- As with other ADLM programs, unused funds from ADLM Sections will remain with ADLM for general ADLM/ADLM member use in future years. This does not include the separate Local Section treasuries brought over upon dissolution. This applies to the annual allotments for ADLM Sections only.
WHAT IS THE GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE OF AN ADLM SECTION?
- ADLM Sections are required to elect ADLM Section officers.
- ADLM Sections are not required to prepare Bylaws. ADLM will provide standard policies and procedures.
- ADLM Sections will not file a Report of the Treasurer.
- ADLM Section leadership will submit an annual budget.
IS THERE A DEADLINE FOR A LOCAL SECTION TO BECOME AN ADLM SECTION?
Local Sections are encouraged to explore transitioning during 2017. There is no deadline for Local Sections to become ADLM sections.