Florida Mental Health Counselors Association Board of Directors Manual
History of the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association
To understand FMHCA’s history, it is necessary to know a little about how the organization relates to several other groups.
At the national level, the American Counseling Association (ACA) is an umbrella organization for several professionals related to counseling (mental health counseling, school psychologists, and others). In addition, ACA has divisions in each state that mirror the national structure, such as the Florida Counseling Association (FCA).
The American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) was organized in 1976 (cofounded by Floridian Jim Messina) as a division of ACA. Two years later (1978), the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association (FMHCA) was chartered as a state affiliate of AMHCA, and just as AMHCA was a division of ACA, FMHCA was a chapter of FCA. Stuart Young was FMHCA’s first President (1978-1979).
From the beginning, FMHCA has served the mental health counseling profession in Florida by monitoring and influencing legislative activity, offering educational opportunities, and serving as a medium for professional networking at the local, state, and national levels.
As an example of legislative involvement, recall that mental health counseling is a licensed profession in Florida and as such is governed by the provisions of the 491 Florida Statutes. An important part of FMHCA’s history is the proactive role it took in bringing about a major change in this law back in the 90s. Formerly, FS 491 was a “Title Act” (one could not call themselves a “Mental Health Counselor” unless licensed by the state). Due largely to the efforts of FMHCA members and its lobbyist, FS 491 became a “Practice Act” (one cannot practice the arts and skills required of a mental health counselor unless licensed by the state). This change was beneficial to the consumer of mental health counseling services.
Another example of the important role FMHCA has played legislatively over the years is in modifying the Baker Act to permit LMHCs to invoke its provisions when necessary. Formerly, when an LMHC client demonstrated a threat to himself/herself, the practitioner had to call on a psychologist, clinical social worker, or the police to make an involuntary commitment to a treatment facility. After many years of fruitless effort, the laws were finally changed, thanks to FMHCA, to provide LMHCs to make involuntary commitments directly.
Currently (since 2011), FMHCA is ably represented in Tallahassee by Corinne Mixon of the legislative consulting firm of Rutledge Ecenia, P. A which works closely with FMHCA’s Government Relations Committee.
As for providing educational opportunities, FMHCA has organized an outstanding state-wide conference since 2012. This conference is now regarded as one, if not the most outstanding statewide conference for mental health professionals associated with AMHCA.
Organizationally, FMHCA was a local affiliate of FCA for its first 17 years. However, in 1997 it separated from FCA, forming a non-profit corporation with 501(c)(6) status under provisions of
the IRS. This gave FMHCA control over its own affairs, including its database as well as its income and expenses. Perhaps the most valuable benefit of separation was that it increased the professional identity of its members.
FMHCA Office Information
Address: 2101 Vista Parkway, Suite 250 West Palm Beach, FL 33411
Phone Number: 561-228-6129
Executive Administrator Laura Giraldo: office@FLmhca.org
Executive Director Diana Huambachano: Diana@FLmhca.org
Board Member Expectations
Your interest in serving on the FMHCA Board of Directors is greatly appreciated. Your commitment to the FMHCA and our profession is greatly appreciated. Before agreeing to run for the FMHCA Board, it will be beneficial to understand the responsibilities of board members. The subsequent discussion examines participation requirements, the FMHCA Board's schedule, particular board responsibilities, and reimbursement policies. We hope you find this information helpful as you deliberate this crucial choice.
Board Participation Meetings Board Meetings
The current and incoming Board of Directors shall meet at the Annual Conference. Thereafter the Board of Directors shall meet monthly on a regular schedule. There may also be special meetings called by the president or by two officers of the Board. Except as otherwise specified in these bylaws, meetings of the Board shall be conducted by internet meeting services designated by the Board. These electronic meetings of the Board shall be subject to all the rules adopted by the Board, or by the Society, to govern them, which may include any reasonable limitations on, and requirements for, Board members’ participation. Any such rules adopted by the board shall supersede any conflicting rules in the parliamentary authority but may not otherwise conflict with or alter any rule or decision of the Society. An anonymous vote conducted through the designated Internet meeting service shall be deemed a ballot vote, fulfilling any requirement in the bylaws or rules that a vote be conducted by ballot.
a) Regular meetings. The Board shall set scheduled meetings to conduct the business of the Association. The time, date, and place of the next meeting shall be included in the minutes of each meeting and shall be posted in the Board Member Forum.
b) Special meetings. Notice of the date, time, and place of any special meeting of the Board of Directors shall be given at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the meeting. Notice shall be communicated in person, by telephone, e-mail, mail, private carrier, or other form of communication. Notice of any regular or special meeting need not describe the purpose of the meeting unless required by law.
c) TheAnnual Membership Meeting. Ameeting of the membership will take place annually. The agenda for such meeting will include a review of the association’s activities and accomplishments in the past year, financial report, legislative activities, and ratification of any bylaws changes previously approved by the Board of Directors. The Annual Membership Meeting will be called to order at theAnnual Conference when held,
otherwise by electronic media. The quorum at theAnnual Membership Meeting will be the members present. Notice of the date and time and method of attending the annual meeting will be sent to all members by email where possible, otherwise by notice in FMHCA’s magazine.
d) Quorum/Authority Requirements.Any actions to be taken by the board (including the adoption of new policies, actions involving any member(s) of the Board of Directors or anyAssociation officers, e.g., President, Vice President, Executive Director, etc.), require that a quorum of no less than a majority of the entire Board of Directors must first be present at any special meeting in order for such policies or actions to be proposed, discussed, voted upon and passed by the Board of Directors.Any such actions against Board Member(s) orAssociation officer(s) shall only be passed upon a majority vote of such a quorum.
e) Voting by the Membership: Given that FMHCAmembers are located throughout the State of Florida and FMHCAholds one state-wide convention per year, the need may arise where FMHCAneeds its membership to vote on an issue. FMHCArelies on electronic voting to fulfill this need. An issue, resolution, or action requiring a vote of the membership will be conducted via electronic means. The issue, resolution, or action may be approved by a simple majority of those members who respond to the electronic survey. The membership will have 7 days to vote on the issue. At the end of the 7 days, the voting will be concluded and tabulated. The outcome will be made known to the membership.
Sample Schedule
Currently, the FMHCA board meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 8:00 am. It is required that you attend the GoToMeeting and have audio and camera access from your device.
The Board also will meet in person at the FMHCA annual leadership retreat and FMHCA conference in February.
Board Member Agreement
I, __________, understand that as a member of the FMHCA board, I have a legal and ethical responsibility to ensure that FMHCA does the best work possible in pursuit of its goals. I believe in the purpose and mission of the association, and I will act responsibly and prudently as its steward.
Board Member Responsibilities
As a board member I agree to the following as part of my responsibilities:
I will maintain my AMHCA membership in good standing without lapses.
I will be fiscally responsible as I carry out my duties as a board member.
I will make myself aware and knowledgeable regarding our budget and finances and will take an active part in review, approving, and monitoring the budget.
I will attend at least 75% of board meetings, teleconferences, committee meetings, and special events. To the best of my ability, I will attend all board meetings, be available for phone or email consultation, and serve on at least one board committee.
I am responsible for knowing and overseeing the implementation of policies and procedures.
I accept and will follow FMHCA bylaws, fiscal policies, and operating policies and procedures.
I will actively promote FMHCA in a positive manner.
I will interpret the association’s work and values to the community, represent the association, and act in good fair, and in a manner that upholds the best interests of FMHCA
I agree to treat my fellow board and association members with respect. When conflict occurs, I promise to respectfully disagree and work for a resolution that is in the best interest of FMHCA.
I understand that FMHCA board members have a fiduciary duty to conduct themselves without conflict to the interests of FMHCA. In my capacity as a board member, I understand that I must subordinate personal concerns, individual business, third-party, and other interests to the welfare and best interest of FMHCA to avoid conflicts of interest.
I will stay informed on matters that affect clinical mental health counselors and the business of FMHCA and will participate in discussions and decisions to further the mission of FMHCA.
I will ask questions and request information.
I will participate in and take responsibility for making decisions on issues, policies, and other board matters.
I will work in good faith with staff and other board members as partners toward the achievement of our goals.
I will perform my duties to the best of my ability as an active member of FMHCA. If unable to fulfill my commitment I will engage in discussion with the board President and/or Executive Director at the earliest possible time._________(initial)
Board Member Code of Ethics
• As a board member I will be held to the American Mental Health Counselors Association Code of Ethics.
• I will alert the board President and Executive Director if I have a conflict of interest during any board discussion and considering recusing myself from that discussion and abstain from voting as needed.
• I will not divulge any information on any official or unofficial matter from FMHCA Board meetings that are to be held in confidence. ________(initial)
• I have read and understand this board member agreement and all its components and agree to abide by these standards and commitments.
FMHCA Organization Chart
FMHCA Board Terms
• President-2-year term
• President Elect: 2-year term
• Past-President:2-year term
• Secretary: 2-year term
• Treasure: 2-year term
• Northwest Region Director: - 2-year term
• Northeast Region Director: - 2-year term
• Southwest Region Director: - 2-year term
• Southeast Region Director: - 2-year term
Roles & Functions: Board of Directors
a) Duties of the President: The president shall be a fully licensed clinician. It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all meetings of the board members and to supervise the association’s affairs between meetings of the board. The President shall be responsible to appoint all committee chairpersons and approve committee assignments. The president shall also serve as an ex-officio member of all committees and shall be notified of all meetings. In the absence of the president or if the president is unable to act, another Board member shall perform the duties of the president, agreed upon by majority vote of
the Board. When so acting, the interim president shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the president.
b) Duties of the President-Elect: In the absence of the President or if the President is unable to act, the President-Elect shall perform the duties of the President. When so acting, the President-Elect shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the president. The President-Elect shall prepare to assume the presidency by becoming familiar with the duties and responsibilities of the Association and by assisting the President in the performance of his or her duties. The President-Elect shall succeed to the Presidency upon the expiration of his or her term as President-Elect.
c) Duties of the Past-President: The president shall become Past-President upon the expiration of his or her term as president.
d) Duties of the Secretary. The secretary shall keep the records of the current activities of the association and its board members, shall issue all notices of meetings in compliance with these bylaws or as required by law, and shall be custodian of the association’s corporate records in tandem with the FMHCA Office.
e) Duties of the Treasurer. The Treasurer's name will be on FMHCA's bank account. The Treasurer will be given the use of Treasurer@FLMHCA.org as long as they hold the office of Treasurer and will be copied on all correspondence related to financial matters and shall provide oversight of the financial matters of FMHCA. In the unlikely event a new accounting firm needs to be retained, the Treasurer will assist in that process.
f) Duties of the Regional Directors. The regional directors are to be the voice on the regional level for FMHCA concerning all of the association activities for its membership including: Chapter Relations and Chapter Formation, Membership, Education, Conferences, Legislation and Ethics. They are to encourage members in their respective Regional District to fully engage in the Membership, Committees , Conference Attendance and Legislative activities of FMHCA so that the entire state has its voice in the policies, procedures and activities of the FMHCA. Regional Directors will be allowed to form their own committees. Their committee members do not need to be approved by the FMHCA Board of Directors. The Committee members will fulfill roles or tasks given to them by the Regional Director.
g) Executive Director. The Executive Director and/or other staff as deemed necessary by the Board of Directors. The Executive Director shall be, in all actions, responsible to serve at the Board of Directors meetings as a non-voting member. The Executive Director and staff shall receive and disburse funds in accordance with the budget requirements and as specified by Association. The Executive Director shall ensure that monthly treasury reports are provided to the Treasurer and the President. The administrative functions of the Association shall be performed by the Executive Director and staff as deemed necessary by the Board of Directors. This position will be a salaried staff position, employed by and directly responsible to the President and the Board of Directors of the Association. The Executive Director operating within the policies of the Board of Directors will be responsible for the general operation of the central office and Association activities, employment and termination of staff as necessary to effectively carry out the work of the Association, and any other duties which may be prescribed by the President and/or Board of Directors.
Functions of Officers
Functions: The functions of the Board of Directors include:
a) conducting, managing, and controlling the business of the association through the adoption of policies and programs;
b) acting on the reports of committees, task forces, networks, coordinators and others responsible to the board;
c) review the job descriptions and evaluate the job performances of the executive office on an annual basis;
d) approve contracts prepared by the executive office;
e) granting or denying charters of new local chapters;
f) leading lobbying efforts;
g) revoking local chapter charters for non-compliance with FMHCA bylaws;
h) implementing annual leadership training activities at the state or local level;
i) exercising such other functions as may be necessary or desirable in the best interests of the association while not in conflict with the FMHCA bylaws.
FMHCA Bylaws
The Florida Mental Health Counselors Association's bylaws outline the organization's organizational and operational structure. All Board of Directors, Advisory Board, and staff members ensure that all policies, programs, procedures, and activities adhere to the bylaws.
Changes to the bylaws are permissible with a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors. The amendments are authorized and take effect upon passage. The membership is informed of bylaws modifications at the first Annual Meeting of the Membership following passage for ratification.
Where the bylaws are silent on pertinent issues, Robert's Rules of Order govern.
This Board of Directors manual will always be a work in progress, subject to change by the Board of Directors, just as the bylaws are always susceptible to review and revision.
FMHCA Code of Ethics
FMHCA adopts the American Mental Health Counselors Association’s code of has its own. See: http://www.amhca.org/about/codetoc.aspx