1.1. The name of this organization shall be The Nevada Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Inc. (NSHA),
hereinafter called the Association.

2.1. The purposes of this Association shall be:
1. To encourage basic scientific study of the processes of individual human communication with special
reference to speech, language, hearing, and related disorders;
2. To promote high standards and ethics for the academic and clinical preparation of individuals entering the
discipline of human communication sciences and disorders;
3. To promote the acquisition of new knowledge and skills for those within the discipline;
4. To promote investigation, prevention, and the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of human
communication and related disorders;
5. To foster improvement of clinical services and intervention procedures concerning such disorders;
6. To stimulate exchange of information among persons and organizations, and to disseminate such
information;
7. To inform the public about communication sciences and disorders, related disorders, and the professionals
who provide services;
8. To advocate on behalf of persons with communication and related disorders;
9. To promote the individual and collective professional interests of the members of the Association.

3.1 Categories and Eligibility
The membership categories of the Association shall consist of Active, Associate, Affiliate, Life and Student.
3.1.a. Active members must hold (1) a doctorate or (2) a master’s degree with major emphasis in
speech/language pathology, audiology, or speech, language or hearing science; or (3) a master’s degree and
present evidence of active research, interest, and performance in the field of human communication, and
must reside in or be employed in Nevada. Active members shall have all the privileges of the Association.
3.1.b. Associate members shall be any interested persons holding a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in
speech-language pathology, audiology, or speech-hearing sciences; persons not residing or employed in
Nevada; or any interested persons who subscribe to the purposes and bylaws and other rules of this
Association. Associate members shall have all privileges, except voting and holding office.
3.1.c. Life members shall be persons meeting the qualifications for active membership who have attained
the age of sixty-five (65) and 10 consecutive years of membership or have been a member for a total of 15
years (not consecutive) and age 65. Life members have all privileges of the Association, without payment
of annual dues, but with a onetime Life Membership fee, as determined by the Board of Directors.
3.1.d. Student members shall be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program with major emphasis in
Speech Pathology, Audiology, Speech and Hearing Science, Education of Hearing Impaired, or
Communication Disorders Program in an accredited program. Student members shall have all privileges of
the Association except voting and holding office.
3.1.e. Corporate Contributing members shall include businesses, organizations, corporations, etc. wishing
to support the work of the association through corporate contributions. The amount required for corporate
contribution membership shall be determined by the Board. In addition to reduced advertising and
convention vending fees, Corporate Contributing members shall have all privileges of the Association
except voting and holding office.
3.1 f All members, including voting and non-voting (i.e. associate, student) agree to abide by the Code of
Ethics of the Association.
3.2. Nondiscrimination Policy
The Association shall not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender
identification, sex, sexual orientation, or handicapping condition. All programs and activities of the Association
shall be conducted in furtherance of this policy.
3.3. Application for Membership
Applicants for membership shall submit a written or electronic application with evidence meeting the
requirements as set forth in section 3.1 above. Applications shall be submitted to the Association
Treasurer, accompanied by the appropriate fees. Membership shall become effective when the applicant is
notified in writing.
3.3.a. Members shall agree to abide by the Code of Ethics of the American Speech- Language- Hearing
Association. (Article X)
3.4. Privileges of Membership
All members shall be privileged to attend and participate in all meetings of the Association, and to receive
publications issued by the Association.
3.5. Termination of Membership
3.5.a. Members who violate the Bylaws or Code of Ethics may, upon recommendation of the Board of
Directors, be dropped from membership by a majority vote of the Board.
3.5.b. Membership is terminated when dues are in arrears for more than 60 days from July 1st.
3.5.c. Members may be reinstated to membership by application to the Association and payment of current
year’s dues and any reinstatement fee as determined by the Board.

4.1. Annual dues for members shall be determined by the Board of Directors. The amount of dues for Student
members shall be less than for Active and Associate members. The amount of dues for Corporate Contributing
members shall be determined by the Board. Membership dues cover the period from July 1 to June 30 and are due
July 1 for each such year.

5.1. The Board of Directors shall consist of all of the elected officers of the Association. The elected officers shall
consist of the President, President-Elect, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.
5.1.a Non-voting, Ancillary Board Members of the Board shall include the State Education Advocacy
Leader (SEAL), State Advocates for Reimbursement (STAR) and/or State Advocates for Medicare Policy
(StAMP), Advisory Councilor(s) for Audiology and Speech Pathology.
5.2. Duties of the Board of Directors and Ancillary Board Members
5.2.a. The Board of Directors shall be responsible for administering the affairs of the Association. It
shall:
1. Request and receive reports from Officers and Committees
2. Create and disband special committees
3. Supervise all financial affairs and authorize expenditures of the funds of the Association.
4. Determine and notify the members of the amount of annual dues and other fees as may be
appropriate and desirable
5. Elect from its membership a President Pro-tem to serve until the next election of the Association in
the event that the Offices of President and Vice President/President-Elect are vacated simultaneously
6. Formulate and recommend to the Association such policies and practices as will best serve and advance
the purposes of the Association.
5.2.b. The Ancillary Board members shall be responsible for gathering and sharing information to members
from their respective ASHA network. These positions are appointed by the Association President.
1. SEAL- advocacy on education issues
2. STAR- create advocacy strategies and share skills with the state association
3. StAMP- advocate for Medicare coverage and reimbursement of audiology and speech-language
pathology services in the states
4. Advisory council: ASHA members from NV elected, roles include identifying, discussing and ranking
issues of concern of ASHA members and advising the ASHA Board of Directors on these issues for
consideration as the ASHA engages in strategic or forward thinking.
5. All Ancillary Board members shall participate in 75% of their network meetings and report to Board of
Directors on a regular basis.5.3. Board Meetings
5.3.a. The Board shall meet at least two times annually and additionally as necessary.
5.3.b. A quorum of the Board shall consist of three Board of Director members and actions of the Board
unless otherwise specified in these bylaws shall be taken upon a majority vote of the Board of
Directors members present.
5.3.c. Board meetings shall be open to attendance by all NSHA members. Members can obtain
information concerning scheduled board meetings by contacting the Secretary.
5.3.d. The latest edition of Robert’s Rules of Order will govern meetings. NSHA will purchase the latest
edition of Robert’s Rules of Order.
5.4. Duties of Elected Officers
5.4.a. The President shall:
1. Preside at all business meetings of the Association
2. Convene and preside over the meetings of the Board of Directors
3. Appoint Chairs and members of Committees as specified in Article VII.

4. Appoint members to fill vacated offices, subject to ratification by majority of the Board of Directors
present
5. Represent and promote the interests of the association.
6. Be a second signer on checks along with Treasurer or Secretary as designated by the Association’s bank.
7. Must be an active member in good standing.
8. Engage in statewide SLP/ A advocacy not based on practice setting and/ or geographic region.
5.4.b. The President-Elect shall:
1. Succeed to the Presidency after the President’s term of office
2. Perform the duties of the President in the President’s absence
3. Succeed to the office of the President when a vacancy occurs to complete the unexpired term of the
predecessor and to serve the succeeding Presidential term also
4. Serve as Chairperson of the Nominating Committee
5. Serve as a member of the Convention Committee
6. Perform the duties of the Vice President in the Vice President’s absence.
7. Attend all business meetings of the Association in person, or via technology.
8. Must be active member and in good standing.
5.4.c. The First Vice President shall:
1. Perform the duties of President-Elect in the President-Elect’s absence
2. Succeed the office of President-Elect when a vacancy occurs
3. Chair the Convention Committee.
4. Committee chair as determined by the board.
5. Liaison with Ancillary Board members and other committees.
6. Attend all business meetings of the Association in person, or via technology.
7. Must be active member and in good standing.
5.4.c. The Second Vice President / Membership Chair shall:
1. Co-Chair the Convention Committee.
2. Keep an updated list of paid members.
3. Contact members regarding renewal/reminders.
4. Member award recognition.
5. Head recruiting/membership drives.
6. Complete membership correspondence (e.g. Due dates; registration instructions, etc.) via email, social
media, website, newsletter, etc.
7. Must be active member and in good standing.
8. Attend all business meetings of the Association in person, or via technology.

5.4.d. The Secretary shall:
1. Record and file the minutes of the business meetings of the Association and the Board of Directors.
2. Disseminate meeting minutes to board members within two weeks of the meeting date.
3. Disseminate necessary information to the membership.
4. Conduct and keep a record of the official correspondence of the Association.
5. Notify the membership of meetings of the Association and election results.
6. Be a second signer on checks along with President as designated by the Association’s bank.
7. Must be active member and in good standing.
8. Attend all business meetings of the Association in person, or via technology.

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5.4.e. The Treasurer shall:
1. Collect dues and other monies payable to the Association, issue receipts, sign checks (as required by the
Association’s bank) and drafts for disbursements of the Association’s funds, and maintain a complete
record of the Association’s financial accounts.
2. Receive approval from majority of the Board of Directors present for all contracts and for all financial
matters exceeding $250.00.
3. Submit a statement of the Association’s financial accounts at each business meeting of the
Association and at such other times as the Board of Directors may require.
4. Maintain financial records as required by the Internal Revenue Service for maintaining tax-exempt
status, and file necessary reports and/or tax returns.
5. Comply with all corporate filing requirements of the Nevada Secretary of State (SilverFlume).
6. Close all financial records at the end of the fiscal year (June 30th).
7. Draft an annual budget of the association to be voted on by the Board of Directors prior to the beginning
of each fiscal year (July 1st).

5.5 Geographical Representation of Elected Officers and Ancillary Board Members
5.5.a. Representation from all regions of Nevada.
In order to ensure representation from northern, southern, and frontier regions of the state, Directors/
Officers may be elected from the eligible members residing or employed in any region. Statewide
representation is the goal and should be the goal of the Association.
5.5.b. Alternating Officer Representation
1. The President-Elect may assume the office of President upon the completion of the term of office of the
preceding President. The President shall be from alternating geographic areas each term.
2. Whenever possible, the Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer may be from the same geographical
area as the President and may alternate at election year. If, however, nominees were unavailable, the
geographical area may alternate.
3. Whenever possible, the President -Elect may be from the opposite geographical area as the
President and may alternate at the election year. If, however, nominees were unavailable, the
geographical area may alternate.
4. The President may appoint someone from any geographical area if a nominee is not available to fill one
of the aforementioned positions.
5.6 Qualifications
5.6.a. All members in good standing, as specified in Article III, Section 1, shall be eligible to hold any
office.
5.6.b. A member shall not hold two offices of the Association concurrently. (Exception 5.4.a.)
5.7. Terms of Office
5.7.a. All terms of office shall be two years. Terms of office commence July 1 of every election year.
5.7.b. A director or officer may be removed from office before expiration of a term of office, for cause, by
unanimous vote of the directors other than the affected party. “Cause” shall be as defined in the
Articles of Incorporation, as amended.

6.1. Officers of the Association shall be elected by mail or online ballot at least two months (60 days) prior to the
beginning of their term of office.
6.2. The Chairperson of the Nominating Committee, the President-Elect or Vice President in the absence of the
President-Elect shall prepare and distribute to the membership ballots specifying the offices for which elections are
being held, and listing the nominees for each office. Election will be by majority vote of ballots returned to the
President-Elect or Vice President within 21 days of the distribution. In the event of a tie vote, a second ballot will
be distributed with the names of the two candidates receiving the most votes.
6.3 In the case of an emergency; officers may be appointed by President for vacated or unfilled position(s).

7.1. Standing Committees will conduct such business matters of the Association as delegated to them by the
President. Committees are responsible to the President; their activities are subject to review by the Board of
Directors.
7.1.a. Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee shall consist of the President-Elect as Chair, and two association members
appointed by the Chair. Nominations may be submitted to this committee by any member. The committee
shall nominate one or more members for each office for which an election is to be held. Nominations shall
be submitted to the membership at least two months (60 days) prior to the beginning of their term of office.
A brief biographical sketch of each candidate shall accompany the ballot. Candidate must be a current
member in good standing.
7.1.b. Convention Committee
The Convention Committee shall consist of the Vice President, who shall chair the committee. Other
members shall include the President-Elect and other members as appointed by the Chair. The Convention
Committee shall have general responsibility for the professional program of the annual convention and for
such other convention matters as may be assigned to it. It shall prepare a program of the convention and
distribute it to the membership prior to the convention. Dates, location and convention budget must be
approved by the Board of Directors.
7.1c NV/NSHA Coalition to Address Personnel Shortages in Special Education and Related Services;
The NV/NSHA shall serve as a sub-committee of the Association. The two (2) Co-chairs are members of
the Association and work directly with the Association, Nevada Department of Education (NVDOE) and
other agencies to fulfill the Goal and Mission of the Coalition.
7.1d ASHA Approved CE Administrator
The CEU Administrator shall consist of one person who is in charge of interacting with the various
agencies in which NSHA obtains continuing education hours and credits. They shall submit all
applications with appropriate fees and maintain all CEU records. When a change in personnel involves
replacement of the ASHA CE Administrator (i.e., the person charged with overseeing the ASHA Approved
CE Providership), the Provider must notify ASHA's Continuing Education Board (CEB) in writing. The
new CEA's term does not become effective until the CEB approves the request and the individual
completes an orientation. The ASHA CEB does charge for additional ASHA Approved CE Administrator.
NSHA’s CEU provider approval was based on an agreement to meet and maintain the CE Provider
Approval Requirements developed by the ASHA CE Board. It is the responsibility as the CE
Administrator to meet these required practices and follow the policies and procedures that are described in
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the ASHA CEB Manual this includes the new requirement as of 7/1/2012 concerning transparency in
course planning, delivery and marketing.
7.2. Ad Hoc, Task Force, and Special Committees are those committees assigned to carry out specific tasks of the
Organization and cease to exist upon the completion of the specified tasks.
7.2.a. Any Ad Hoc, Tasks Force or Special Committee may be established by the President with the
approval of a majority of the Board of Directors.
7.2.b. Ad Hoc, Tasks Force and Special Committee shall be coordinated by the President or any board of
Director and report to the Board at regular intervals.

8.1. The Association may hold a convention annually or via technology at a time to be decided by the Convention
Committee. The regular business meeting of the Association will be held in conjunction with the annual
convention. The location may alternate every two years between the geographic regions of Nevada as defined in
Article V, Section 5 so as to correspond with the term and region of the President. Regular business meetings may
alternate in the same manner. Additional business meetings and other activities may be held at the discretion of the
Board of Directors.
8.2. In case of emergency, the Board of Directors, by a majority vote, shall be empowered to postpone the regular
business meeting. In such case, the Board of Directors shall transact all business that would ordinarily be brought
before the meeting.

9.1 The State Association newsletter (NSHA News) previously distributed twice annually will cease to be published
and distributed by mail. The Board of Directors may authorize the issuance of such other publications as desirable
or necessary to serve the needs of the Association. Whenever possible, publications will be electronically
distributed to members of the Association via the Association website.
9.2 The State Membership Directory will no longer be published via printed or by electronic means. Board
members, Committee Chairs, NSHA Liaisons to ASHA organizations may request labels, lists, or other
database materials regarding membership at any time.
9.3 The Association will sell one printed set of addresses of its current members in mailing label format only and
sent through the mail. (no phone or email) The Association will sell labels to individuals, profit and non-profit
organizations, making allowances for members who indicate on their membership application form that they do not
want their names to appear on such lists. These names must be removed before the labels are sold. (See the policies
and procedures manual for fees.)

10. 1. The Association shall adopt the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Code of Ethics
defining standards of professional conduct for its members. The title for the Code of Ethics shall be Nevada
Speech-Language-Hearing Association Code of Ethics. Alleged violations will be investigated by an Ad Hoc
Committee, Article VII, Section 2.

11.1. The Honors of the Association may be presented to individual(s) by a majority of the Board of Directors.
These honors shall be conferred in recognition of distinguished contributions to the Association or to the field of
speech-language pathology, or speech and hearing science, and are the highest honors of the Association.
11.1.a. Distinguished Service Award
The Distinguished Service Award recognizes outstanding service by one and/or two NSHA
members to the Association, or to the speech-language and/or hearing profession. Nominations
will be accepted from the Association members.
11.1.b. Louis M. DiCarlo Clinical Achievement Award from the American Speech-Language-Hearing
Foundation (ASHF)
The Association recognizes the distinguished contributions to the field of Speech, Language and
Hearing. Each year this Association shall nominate one individual from within the state to receive
the annual ASHF [Psi Iota Xi] Clinical Achievement Award. This award recognizes demonstrated
contributions to the advancement of knowledge in clinical practices in Speech-Language
Pathology and Audiology within the past two or three years. The Louis M. DiCarlo Award for
Outstanding Clinical Achievement will be chose from among the State’s Clinical Achievement
Award winners. The Board of Directors will nominate one or two candidates each year who
fulfill the ASHF guidelines.
11.1.c. Frank R. Kleffner Clinical Career Award
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation requests nominations each year for the
Frank R. Kleffner Clinical Career Award. This award is to be made to an individual in
recognition of outstanding contributions to clinical science and disorders over a twenty-year
period or longer. Nominations will be accepted from the Association members by March 1.

11.1.d. Roland J. Van Hattum Award
This award by ASHF is presented to an individual in recognition of exemplary commitment and
contribution to the delivery of audiology and/or speech-language pathology services in a school
setting. Nominations will be accepted from the Association members according to ASHF
guidelines and timelines.
11.1.e President’s Award
This is award is presented by the President of the Association. This award is designed to give
special recognition to an individual (e.g. executive board member, committee chair, or member of
the association) who has provided exemplary service to the association or to the fields of Speech-
Language Pathology, Audiology, Deaf Education or Speech and Hearing Sciences.

12.1. Amendments to these by laws may be initiated by the Board of Directors or by a written proposal, signed by
at least ten members and submitted to the Board. In either case, in order for the amendment(s) to be
approved, the Board must vote to submit the proposed amendment(s) to the members for approval and
recommend that the amendment(s) be approved.
12.2. The proposed amendment(s) to the bylaws shall then be submitted by the Board to the membership for
approval. Upon a favorable vote of a majority of members, either: (1) at a meeting of the members; or (2) by a mail
or online ballot, counting votes received by the Board’s designee within twenty-one days of the distribution of
ballots by the Board to voting members, the amendments shall be effective.

13.1. The State Convention registration fee will be waived, in lieu of an honorarium, travel costs and per diem, for
members of NSHA who are invited speakers at the State Convention, if said presenters reside in excess of seventy-
five miles from the Convention site.
13.2. A portion of the annual dues will be used to cover travel expenses and per diem for a NSHA representative
(SEAL, STAR, StAMP) to attend the Network Advocacy meetings (ASHA convention, ASHA connect).
13.3. Members of the Board of Directors shall be reimbursed for travel and per diem costs according to the current
state rate for attending Board of Directors meetings. The member shall reside more than 75 miles from the location
of the Board meeting to meet the reimbursements guidelines.
13.4. The President of the Association shall receive travel and per diem expenses to attend the biannual Council of
State Association Presidents (CSAP) meetings. In the absence of the President, a designee by the President shall
attend and the same reimbursements apply.
13.5. The representative(s) to the Advisory Council (SLP, AUD) meetings and the SEAL, STAR, StAMP
representative shall submit a written summary of their activities to the members of the Association. This summary
shall be published in the NSHA newsletter and/or on the NSHA website quarterly.
13.6 All members of the Board of Directors, the representative to the SEAL, STAR, and/or StAMP shall be an
active member in good standing with the Association.

13.7 Travel expenses and per diem in the amount of $1000 will be paid to the President or designee per trip for
attendance at the Council of State Association Presidents (CSAP) meetings. Travel expenses and per diem in the
amount of $1000 will also be paid to the SEAL, STAR, and/ or StAMP or designee for attendance at one of the two
yearly ASHA Advocacy Network Meetings. Reimbursements for any amount over $1000 per trip must be
preapproved by the Board. Reimbursements will be made after travel has been completed and within sixty (60) days
of original receipts submitted to the Treasurer. Please refer the Policy and Procedure manual for more information
on this topic.
13.8 The SEAL, STAR, and/or StAMP will be appointed by the President of the Association.