Members Approve Addition of 501 -c -6 – Bylaws Change Expands Horizons for AANS

In response to the increasing number of political and legislative issues affecting neurosurgeons, the Board of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) recommended a bylaws change that allows a companion organization to form and operate under Section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code. Members approved the bylaws change this summer by mail-in ballot.

This action broadens the association’s functionality from that of an entity whose primary purpose is education and research, organized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, to an entity that additionally has the freedom to coordinate political activities and sponsor major income generating programs, organized under Section 501(c)(6).

The association now functions seamlessly as two organizations in one. The 501(c)(6) serves as the umbrella organization, while many activities and functions, education and research among them, remain under the 501(c)(3). Appropriately, and to capitalize on the positive name recognition of AANS, the new 501(c)(6) entity assumed the name “American Association of Neurological Surgeons.” The 501(c)(3) entity adopted the name “American Association of Neurosurgeons.” However, both entities share identical leadership and membership. While there are many subtle benefits to the change, it is nevertheless functionally transparent.

Materials that outlined the proposed revision to the AANS Bylaws were mailed to members before the 2003 AANS Annual Meeting in April. Revisions to the proposal then were presented at the AANS Business Meeting, which took place during the Annual Meeting. Following the meeting, ballots were sent to all voting members. In order to be counted, ballots had to be returned by June 30. On July 1, it was announced that members had overwhelmingly approved the change in the AANS organizational structure.

Copies of the revised AANS Bylaws, including those for both the 501(c)(6) and the 501(c)(3) entities, are available on the 2003-04 AANS Membership Directory CD-ROM, sent to all AANS members in October. The bylaws are available on the AANS Web site, www.AANS.org/about/aansbylawspdf.pdf, and the bylaws booklet can be requested from the AANS by phone, (888) 566-AANS, or fax, (847) 378-0600.

Susan M. Eget is AANS associate executive director.