The House of Delegates is ACOEM’s legislative branch, making recommendations to the ACOEM Board of Directors concerning policy matters affecting the College.
These policy issues take the form of resolutions. Created in October 1966, the House usually meets twice a year — at the spring American Occupational Health Conference (AOHC) and as of 2009, at ACOEM HQ in the fall with an option for remote participation electronically at the fall meeting only.
House officers are the speaker, speaker-elect, and recorder, each serving a one-year term.
Representation
The House consists of delegates — representatives from ACOEM component societies and sections, as well as direct members representing international members not within a component. Components and sections elect or appoint delegates. Direct delegates are appointed by the Speaker of the House.
The number of delegates from components is based on a formula as determined by the ACOEM Board of Directors (see ACOEM Bylaws, Article XI, Section 2.). Each section with 50 or more members as well as the Residents and Recent Graduates section are entitled to one delegate.
House of Delegates Work Groups
The House is made up of eight standing work groups:
- Clinical Practice (CP)
- Components & Sections (CS)
- Credentials (CR)
- Education & Conferences (EC)
- External Affairs (EA)
- Internal Affairs (IA)
- Members (MB)
- Scientific Affairs (SA)
These groups of physician delegates and their chairmen are appointed by the Speaker of the House to consider resolutions and create work group reports. Work groups are encouraged to remain active throughout the year, primarily through electronic interaction.
Resolutions
A resolution is a motion — presented in writing — for action by the House. Resolutions may be submitted by members, component societies, sections, the Board of Directors, House officers, or ACOEM councils, committees and task forces. Resolutions must be submitted to the Speaker at least four weeks in advance of the next House meeting, allowing the assigned work group time to study the resolution in preparation for the meeting.
Later resolutions may be presented up to the time that the meeting starts but will be discussed at that meeting only if a simple majority of the delegates agree to consider it. Resolutions are voted on by the entire House of Delegates, and the Speaker submits passed resolutions as action items at the next Board of Directors meeting.
Contact
Lucy Free
Director, Governance
847-818-1800, ext. 1373