Cardiac Patient Family Advisory Council

Bylaws

Terms

Two-year minimum. No limit to years involved. Members will consist of patients, parents and caregivers of child/children with Cardiac diagnoses who attend Children’s Mercy for care and/or treatment or have received care and/or treatment at Children’s Mercy in the last 2 years.

Application Process

Every June the PFAC is officially opened to new members. After all applications are received and reviewed, the council will then vote to fill available seats. In the event the council needs to fill seats during the year, the council will source new or existing applications outside of June. Children’s Mercy staff are non-voting members unless they have a child who is a cardiac patient at Children’s Mercy.

Membership

Membership will be based on the number of children (patients) represented. Two parents of the same patient (or of the same child) will count as one member. Parents can alternate meetings as long as one of the parents is present at the PFAC meeting.

Size

Goal is to have at least five active members and no more than12 members.

Attendance

Consistent and active attendance is vital to the purpose of the Council. Each member is strongly encouraged to attend and participate in all Cardiac PFAC meetings and conference calls. Council members are required to attend 65% of the meetings within a 12-month period either in-person or via phone/videoconference. It will be assumed all members will be in attendance. If a member cannot attend, out of courtesy for the group, he/she will notify the Co-Chairs as soon as possible via phone/email. Meetings are subject to be canceled or rescheduled if majority of members are unavailable. A quorum of 50% either in person or electronically (or a combination) is required to vote on issues. All decisions that require a vote need a simple majority to pass.

Non-participating members

If members miss four meetings in a row (eight months) the PFAC will open the position to new parents immediately; PFAC Co-Chairs will send them a message alerting them to their removal from the Council, however they can apply again in the future if an opening exists. We simply want to involve as many "active" members as possible.

Officer Elections

Council members can nominate themselves or other members for leadership roles. Officer elections will begin in June 2019. Elections will be held every 2 years.

Co-Chairs

Organize and lead meetings, including defining agenda and action items. The Co-Chairs will be the Cardiac PFAC representative at official meetings when needed.

Member Expectations

 
The council will serve as an action oriented group, with expectations of time investment outside of the meetings. However, it is important to note that this council will not meet the needs and capacity of a Support group.

Members will:

• Serve as an advisory resource to administration and staff of the Heart Center and its programs.

• Advocate for research, education, and clinical programs to improve the quality and accessibility of care.

• Assist in the development and review of educational materials.

• Respectfully listen and tactfully discuss ideas, issues and concerns.

• Respect the privacy and confidentiality of other council members, Cardiac patients/their families and all staff.

Finalized July 2017