Local chapter update: Writing chapter bylaws? Use this resource!

Each local chapter and networking group varies in its formality, but as a chapter matures and becomes more formalized, establishing bylaws becomes a vital step to ensure the chapter’s longevity and stability.

Most importantly, bylaws are the framework for connections between the members and the leadership team. It is a public document, and all members should have access to it. For ACDIS local chapters, it should contain information regarding the relationship with the national ACDIS organization, as outlined in the Official ACDIS Local Chapter Agreement Form. Remember, the members have a say in the local association and the process for member participation is through access to the bylaws, voting rights, and the opportunities provided by the leadership team, for instance, conferences with continuing education credits.

Like any endeavor, drafting chapter bylaws takes a concerted effort and it may require some help from a dedicated subcommittee within the chapter. Though ACDIS doesn’t require chapters to use bylaws, doing so can provide both the chapter’s leadership and membership a sense of ownership over their group’s efforts, and ensure that the chapter has a firm foundation for future chapter leaders’ success.

To see examples of bylaws and further advice, read this resource from the Local Chapter Leadership Toolkit.

The following is a list of upcoming events for ACDIS local chapters! Visit your local chapter’s webpage on the ACDIS site for additional information about upcoming meetings. To join a chapter if you haven’t already or to update your chapter contact information/affiliation, click here.

June:

• The Illinois ACDIS chapter meets Wednesday, June 19, 2024, 12–1 p.m., via webinar. The program is titled, “CDI Jeopardy 3.0,” and will be presented by Mini Bijo, RN, MSN, CCRN, CCDS, CDIP. For information, contact Emilie Navidad-McDermid (enavidad@uic.edu).
• The Northwest ACDIS chapter meets Wednesday, June 26, 2024, 12–1 p.m., via webinar. The program is titled, “Impellas: Getting to the Heart of the Matter,” and will be presented by Alicia Pinsonneault, BSN-RN, CRCR, CCRN. For information, contact Jenny Taylor (baumertj@slhs.org).

July:

• The Central Pennsylvania ACDIS chapter meets Friday, July 12, 2024, via webinar for its third quarterly meeting. For information, contact Courtney Spangler (cspangler4@wellspan.org).
• The South Carolina ACDIS chapter is posting a webinar for members-only available from Monday, July 15, to Sunday, July 21, 2024, on their website. The program is titled, “Social Determinants of Health - Quality of Care Implications,” and will be presented by Donisia C. Lee, RN, BSN, CCDS, CCS. For information, contact Rebecca Sandifer (Rebecca.Sandifer@prismahealth.org).
• The Virginia ACDIS chapter meets Friday, July 26, 2024, 11:50 a.m. to 1 p.m., via webinar. The program is titled, “The Role of AI in CDI,” and will be presented by Michael Gao. For information, contact Amanda Palacios (amanda.palacios@rivhs.com).

August:

• The Florida ACDIS chapter meets Saturday, August 2, 2024, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., in person. For information, contact Peggy Hickman (peggyhickman40@gmail.com).

Fall 2024:

• The Virginia ACDIS chapter meets Friday, September 6, 2024, at 12:30 p.m., via webinar. The program is titled, “Understanding the Intricacies and Implementation Strategies of Developing an Outpatient CDI Program,” and will be presented by Sandra Love, RN, CCDS, CCDS-O, CPC, and Joanne Wilson, RN, CCDS. For information, contact Amanda Palacios (amanda.palacios@rivhs.com).
• The Indiana ACDIS chapter meets Friday, September 20, 2024, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. in person at The Forum Event Center in Fishers, IN. For information, contact Sara Booker (indianaacdis@gmail.com).
• The Georgia ACDIS chapter meets Friday, December 6, 2024, via webinar for its fourth quarterly meeting. For information, contact James Doster (james.doster@atriumhealth.org).