Skip to main content

Bylaws for NICU Patient Family Advisory Council

Application process


In order to achieve a diverse representation and work towards our mission the Council has created an application process for potential members.

  1. Prospective members shall complete the application and be interviewed by the Chairperson prior to being invited to join the NICU PFAC unless referred by Children’s Mercy Staff.

  2. Upon acceptance, members must complete a background check, an orientation to Children’s Mercy policies and expectations, and an orientation to the NICU PFAC.

Size


The council will strive for membership of no less than 8 family members and no more than 21 family members at any given time. Children’s Mercy staff are non-voting members. 

Terms 2 years

 

  1. At the end of each term, active NICU PFAC members who have met membership qualifications will be invited to serve another term.

  2. Active NICU PFAC members participate in a minimum of 50% of the meetings per year and communicate regret to the NICU Parent Support Program Coordinator.

  3. NICU PFAC members may serve 2 consecutive terms.

  4. NICU PFAC members wishing to terminate their membership must provide written notice to the NICU Parent Support Program Coordinator.

Members will consist of parents and caregivers of child/children who have received services at Children’s Mercy Intensive Care Nursery.

Attendance

 

  1. The NICU PFAC shall adopt a schedule of regular monthly meetings and biannual onsite meetings.

  2. Meeting notification, minutes, and correspondence will be facilitated and provided to all NICU PFAC members and staff by the NICU Parent Support Program Coordinator. Meeting minutes will be distributed at least seven (7) days before the next meeting.

  3. Staff representatives of Children’s Mercy and guests wishing to attend the NICU PFAC meetings shall make requests of the staff member to be placed on the agenda.

  4. Child care will be provided during monthly meetings. Child Life must be notified at least five (5) days before the meeting to make appropriate arrangements.

  5. A quorum consists of five attending members for the transaction of business at any meeting.

Officer elections


Council members can nominate themselves or other members for leadership roles. Elections will be held every June as terms will be limited to a year with a one-time renewal option.

Children’s Mercy staff member


Organize and lead meetings, including defining agenda and action items.

Co-chair


The co-chair will be the 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.

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

  • Assist in the development and review of educational materials.

  • Re ectfully listen and tactfully discuss ideas, issues and concerns.

  • Respect the privacy and confidentiality of council members, their families and all staff.

  • Actively participate with expectations of time investment outside of the meetings.

Children’s Mercy has the right to dismiss any member for lack of respect or confidentiality to the council, Children’s Mercy staff and patients.

Any articles of these Guidelines may be added, deleted, or amended by majority of the vote of at least 2/3 of the council.

Children's Mercy Kansas City   /    About Children's Mercy Kansas City   /    Advisory Boards   /    NICU Patient Family Advisory Council   /   Bylaws for NICU Patient Family Advisory Council