Bylaws of The American Association of Neurological Surgeons
Foreward: The Harvey Cushing Society was founded in 1931 and became incorporated on June 6, 1956. The Bylaws for conducting the Society’s business were adopted at the meeting of the Society in April of 1960. The first revision to the Bylaws was made in 1963. The organization has been restructured, broadening its concept to represent neurosurgery both nationally and internationally. There have been changes in the name of the organization, in composition of the Board of Directors and in other areas including membership classifications and committee structure. These have required extensive changes in the Bylaws over the years.
AANS Code of Ethics
The AANS Code of Ethics was established for neurosurgeons as guidelines in medical and professional relationships. This code is a statement of ideals, commitments and responsibilities of neurosurgeons to patients, their families, other health professionals, insurers, society and themselves. It thus may be considered as one of the measures used to evaluate a member’s maintenance of good professional standing and to evaluate qualifications for membership by applicants. Breaking any tenet of the code may subject a member to a formal sanction by the AANS.
AANS Professionalism Policy: Meetings and Courses
The AANS policies regarding harassment, non-discrimination and professional behavior at meetings and courses have been established as guidelines setting forth expected and accepted behaviors for AANS members. These policies are a statement of ideals, commitments and responsibilities of members of the association with regard to fellow members, other health professionals and AANS staff. Compliance with these policies is required to maintain a member’s good professional standing within the AANS. The failure to comply with these policies may subject a member to professional discipline.
Corporate Relations and Conflicts of Interest
For the purpose of technical innovation, neurosurgeons are necessary collaborators with industry. However, the collaborative relationship between neurosurgeons and industry must be structured to avoid the pitfalls of improper inducements or incentives.
The AANS requires leadership positions to disclose potential conflicts of interest and offers guidelines on both conflicts of interest and corporate relations.
AANS GOVERNANCE CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY
GUIDELINES ON NEUROSURGEON-INDUSTRY CONFLICT OF INTEREST
GUIDELINES FOR CORPORATE RELATIONS
AANS Professional Conduct Program
The AANS Professional Conduct Program was established in 1983 to provide a forum and due process procedures to evaluate complaints lodged by one AANS member against another and to make recommendations to the AANS Board of Directors for action (dismissal or sanctions) on such complaints.
Complaints are filed due to perceived violations of the AANS Code of Ethics or the AANS Rules for Neurosurgical Medical/Legal Expert Opinions Services, according to the published guidelines of the AANS Professional Conduct Committee.
PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT PROGRAM OVERVIEW
RULES FOR NEUROSURGICAL MEDICAL/LEGAL EXPERT OPINION SERVICES
AANS PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT COMMITTEE PROCEDURAL GUIDELINES
AANS Social Media Guidelines
The AANS Social Media Guidelines were established to guide neurosurgeons in their digital interactions, encompassing patient education, marketing, branding, networking, and public perception of the association and the neurosurgery specialty. These guidelines serve as a comprehensive framework for responsible engagement on social media, ensuring that members uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethics in their online activities. These guidelines are intrinsically tied to the AANS Code of Ethics, reinforcing the ideals, commitments, and responsibilities outlined in the code. Following these guidelines helps members maintain good professional standing within the AANS.
