About WOCNCB^®

[Mission Statement] [Purpose] [Job Analysis] [ABNS Accreditation] [NCCA Accreditation]
[Statement of Nondiscrimination Policy] [Certification Philosophy]
[Credentials Offered by the WOCNCB^®] [Policies and Procedures] [Bylaws] [Home]

WOCNCB^® Mission Statement

Promoting the highest standard of consumer care and safety by providing credentialing in the areas of wound, ostomy, continence and foot care nursing.

WOCNCB^® Purpose

The purpose of WOCNCB^® shall be:

• to set, maintain, and evaluate national standards for certification and re-certification in wound, ostomy and continence care nursing.
• to promote the certification program for wound, ostomy and continence nursing practice.
• to encourage continued professional growth in specialized nursing practice.
• to provide formal recognition of individuals who meet the certification requirements.
• to provide identification of nurses who have achieved certification in WOC nursing to employing agencies, the public and other healthcare professionals.

Job Analysis

A summary of the most recent Job Analysis survey conducted in November 2005 is now available. Click here to view.

WOCNCB^® Accredited by ABNS

The WOCNCB^® has earned ABNS' accreditation status of the following certifications: CWOCN^®, CWCN^®, COCN^®, and CCCN^® in March 2006. Accreditation status is granted for five years.

ABNS, the only accrediting body specifically for nursing certification, is the standard setting body for nursing certification programs. ABNS sets a very stringent and comprehensive accreditation process. WOCNCB^® provided extensive documentation demonstrating that it has met the 18 ABNS standards of quality. Using the analogy that ABNS is to nursing certification organizations that JCAHO is to hospitals is appropriate.

What does this mean for those interested in becoming certified or those already certified? It means that a nationally recognized, accrediting body has determined that the CWOCN^®, CWCN^®, COCN^®, and CCCN^® credentials are based on a valid and reliable testing process. It means that the structures in place to administer the examinations meet and even exceed the standards of the certification industry from a legally defensible perspective.

For further information about ABNS and the accreditation process, visit their website at www.nursingcertification.org.

WOCNCB^® Re-Accredited by NCCA

The wound, ostomy, and continence certification programs are now re-accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). Accreditation by the prestigious NCCA assures that the WOCNCB^® has met the most stringent and rigorous standards for issuing its credentials. By meeting these standards, the WOCNCB^® helps to ensure safe and expert practice of wound, ostomy and continence nursing. Compliance must be demonstrated every six years and is a benchmark for certifying bodies to achieve.

Additionally, the WOCNCB^® believes that NCCA accreditation assures that

• The validity and integrity of credentials issued by the WOCNCB^® are unquestionable and of the highest caliber.
• Fair and equitable standards have been met for each certificant who is certifying or recertifying.
• WOC certificants have earned credentials that are esteemed and valued among their peers, other medical professionals and employers.

The WOCNCB^® is proud of the hard-earned NCCA re-accreditation, and we hope our certificants share our pride.

Statement of Nondiscrimination Policy

The WOCNCB^® does not discriminate among certificants on any bases that would violate any applicable laws.

Certification Philosophy

The WOCNCB^® endorses the concept of voluntary, periodic certification. WOCNCB^® certification focuses specifically on the individual and is an indication of current knowledge in a specialized area of nursing practice. Certification provides formal recognition of wound, ostomy and/or continence (WOC) nursing knowledge.

The objectives of the WOCNCB^® certification program are to promote excellence in wound, ostomy and/or continence nursing by:

1. Recognizing formally those individuals who meet all the requirements of the WOCNCB^®.
2. Encouraging continued professional growth in the practice of wound, ostomy and/or continence nursing.
3. Establishing and measuring the level of knowledge required for certification in wound, ostomy and/or continence nursing.
4. Providing a standard of knowledge required for certification, thereby assisting the employer, public and members of health professions in the assessment of the Wound, Ostomy and/or Continence Care Nurse.

Credentials Offered by the WOCNCB^®

• CWOCN^® - Certified Wound, Ostomy, Continence Nurse
• CWCN^® - Certified Wound Care Nurse
• COCN^® - Certified Ostomy Care Nurse
• CCCN^® - Certified Continence Care Nurse
• CWON™ - Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse
• CFCN^® - Certified Foot Care Nurse
• CWOCN-AP™ - Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse - Advanced Practice
• CWCN-AP™ - Certified Wound Care Nurse-Advanced Practice
• COCN-AP™ - Certified Ostomy Care Nurse-Advanced Practice
• CCCN-AP™ - Certified Continence Care Nurse-Advanced Practice
• CWON-AP™ - Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse-Advanced Practice

Policies and Procedures

I - POLICY

The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification Board (WOCNCB) supports and endorses the concept of voluntary, periodic certification for all wound, ostomy, continence and foot care nurses. Certification is one component of credentialing and is a process by which a non-governmental agency or organization grants recognition of knowledge to an individual who has met certain predetermined standards specified by that agency or organization. Certification is an indication of current proficiency in a specialized area of practice. Certification in wound, ostomy, continence, or foot care nursing provides formal recognition of achievement.

II - FUNCTION

The Function of the WOCNCB is to:

1. Establish criteria for eligibility for certification.
   
   
2. Supervise the development, administration and evaluation of the credentialing program.
   
   
3. Monitor congruency between the credentialing process and current WOC practice by conducting periodic job analysis/role delineation studies.
   
   
4. Charter Standing Committees for the purpose of enhancing the credentialing process.
   
   
5. Conduct administrative duties such as:
• Reviewing contractual relationships.
• Conducting elections.
• Developing and approving budgets.
• Managing financial assets.
• Reviewing Bylaws, Policies and Procedures, and Committee Charters.
• Developing strategic and marketing plans.
• Managing the credentialing and review process.
• Maintaining NCCA accreditation.

III - CREDENTIALS OFFERED BY WOCNCB

1. Certified Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurse (CWOCN^®) and Certified Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurse-Advanced Practice (CWOCN-AP™) are the only officially trademarked designations for certification in the tri-specialty of wound, ostomy and continence practice.
   
   
2. The only officially trademarked designations for certification in an individual specialty are:
   
   
• Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN^®)
• Certified Wound Care Nurse - Advanced Practice (CWCN-AP™)
• Certified Ostomy Care Nurse (COCN^®)
• Certified Ostomy Care Nurse- Advanced Practice (COCN-AP™)
• Certified Continence Care Nurse (CCCN^®)
• Certified Continence Care Nurse- Advanced Practice (CCCN-AP™)
• Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON™)
• Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse- Advanced Practice (CWON-AP™)
• Certified Foot Care Nurse (CFCN™)

IV - TESTING CONTRACT

The contract between the WOCNCB and the testing company shall contain a description of the company's responsibilities to the WOCNCB.

V - MANAGEMENT CONTRACT

The WOCNCB negotiates a contract with a management company for the purpose of managing the day-to-day operations of the WOCNCB. The Board will evaluate the performance and renegotiate the management company contract on an annual basis, in accordance with the terms of the contract.

VI - CONFIDENTIALITY

1. It is the policy of the WOCNCB to keep all records and proceedings completely confidential, unless an exception is made for particular items authorized by the Board.
   
   
2. Each member of the WOCNCB must sign a confidentiality statement, which will be retained by the management company.
   
   
3. The WOCNCB will report the examination scores only to the individual who took the examination unless a signed release of information form is provided.
   
   
4. The WOCNCB will release only aggregated statistics, e.g., the number of nurses who sit for certification, the number who achieve certification, and the pass rates of the various candidate groups.
   
   
5. The WOCNCB will distribute a Summary of Certification Examination Results, by school, to each WOC Nursing Education Program after each examination quarter.
   
   
6. Applicants' questions concerning examination results shall be referred to the WOCNCB or testing company.
   
   
7. Only the WOCNCB testing company and management company may access the complete records of scores.

VII - CONFLICT OF INTEREST

1. The WOCNCB adheres to a strict Conflict of Interest Policy (Appendix 1), which Board and Committee members must sign upon joining the Board or a Committee of the Board.
   
   
2. Board and Committee members, in addition to candidates for positions on the Board or Committees, must sign a Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement (Appendix 2) annually, or whenever a real or potential conflict of interest arises that must be disclosed.
   
   
3. Process for the resolution of a conflict of interest:
   
   
   1. The President has the primary responsibility for ensuring compliance with the Conflict of Interest Policy.
   2. Any Board or Committee member may notify the President about a potential or actual conflict of interest.
   3. The President shall follow the Conflict of Interest Policy to ensure removal of the potentially conflicted member from the transaction at issue, or, if the President is conflicted, shall report the conflict of interest to the Credentialing and Review Chair, who shall take the lead on the issue.
   4. When any member reports an actual or potential conflict of interest the entire Board shall be notified.
   5. The resolution of the actual or potential conflict of interest shall be determined according to the circumstances with the understanding that it is the Board's goal to maintain as much disclosure as possible and to minimize conflicts of interest whenever possible, according to the guidelines set forth in the Conflict of Interest Policy.

VIII - CERTIFICATION

1. To be eligible for initial certification as a Wound, Ostomy, and/or Continence Nurse, the candidate must:
   
   
   1. Hold a current unencumbered license as a registered nurse.
   2. Hold a baccalaureate degree.
   3. Complete and file an application for the desired specialty certification examination(s).
   4. Pay the required fee.
   5. Complete one of the following:
      • A WOC Nursing Education Program that is accredited by the WOCN. The Nursing Education Program must be accredited at the time of graduation, OR
      • A graduate-level program in nursing with documentation of graduate clinical course work equivalent to two semester hours in each specialty for which certification is sought, OR
      • Fifty (50) Contact Hours (CEU) and 1,500 clinical experience hours over the last five years within each specialty for which certification is sought.
   
   
   
2. To be eligible for initial certification as a Foot and Nail Care Nurse, the candidate must:
   
   
   1. Current RN license, and either #2 or #3:
   2. Completion of formal foot and nail program including five hours didactic; three hours of clinical practice with direct foot and nail care, or
   3. Completion of experiential pathway including five hours CE; three hours of clinical practice (under supervision of expert).
   
   
   
3. To be eligible for initial certification as an Advanced Practice Wound, Ostomy, and/or Continence, the candidate must:
   
   
   1. Hold a current RN license. (A copy of the current license must be submitted with your application.)
   2. Possess current entry-level WOCNCB^® certification. (A copy of your certification certificate must be submitted with your application.)
   3. Have graduated from a WOCN program. Program must be currently accredited by the WOCN Society or have been accredited at the time of candidate's graduation. (A copy of certificate or letter verifying completion must accompany application.)
   4. Have completed a Graduate level NP or CNS program. (A copy of diploma and transcripts must accompany application.)
   5. Upon approval of certification via portfolio, individuals receive their CWOCN-AP credential. Certification must be re-established every five years.
   
   
   
4. To be eligible for *recertification with active credential, the candidate must:
   
   
   1. Hold a current unencumbered license as a registered nurse.
   2. Hold current credential(s) as a CWOCN^®, CWOCN-AP™, CWCN^®, CWCN-AP™, COCN^®, COCN-AP™, CCCN^®, CCCN-AP™, CWON™, CWON-AP™, and/or CFCN™,
      
      
   * Recertification may be obtained by either examination or the Professional Growth Program (PGP).
   
   
5. To be eligible for certification when credentials have expired (by examination only - the PGP option is not available for candidates with expired credentials):
   
   
   1. Must meet requirements described above for initial certification (VII-A).
   
   
   
6. Credentials are valid for a five-year period and expire on the last day of the month of expiration.
   
   
7. Failure to successfully complete recertification will result in an expired credential. Individuals may no longer use the WOCNCB certification designation.
   
   
8. Board members, WOC Exam Committee members, Foot and Nail Exam Committee members, PGP Committee members, and paid Reviewers are not required to recertify during their tenure and are granted an automatic two-year extension of their certification upon completion of their term.

Disciplinary Action

The Credentialing Review and Appeals Committee has the authority to enforce disciplinary action for:

1. Falsification of the application or application materials.
   
   
2. Obtaining or attempting to obtain certification or recertification by fraud or deception.
   
   
3. Knowingly assisting another person or persons in obtaining or attempting to obtain certification or recertification by fraud or deception.
   
   
4. Use of expired credentials or falsification of credentials or any other WOCNCB documents.
   
   
5. Unauthorized possession and/or distribution of proprietary WOCNCB testing or examination materials to include copying and/or reproduction of any part of the WOCNCB examination questions or problems.
   
   
6. Unauthorized use of any of the registered trademarks owned by WOCNCB. These include the corporate logo, the designations CWOCN^®, CWOCN-AP™, CWCN^®, CWCN-AP™, COCN^®, COCN-AP™, CCCN^®, CCCN-AP™, CWON™, CWON-AP™, and/or CFCN™, as well as the masthead design for the Board's Bulletin newsletter.
   
   

When the WOCNCB becomes aware of an incident that may fall into one of the preceding categories, the WOCNCB will begin a structured investigation to determine whether or not any disciplinary action is necessary.

Individuals who wish to report a credentialing violation may send a letter of complaint to:

WOCNCB Credentialing and Review and Appeals Committee
555 East Wells Street, Suite 1100
Milwaukee, WI 53202-3823

Only signed, written complaints will be considered for investigation by the committee. Anonymous correspondence will not be acted upon.

The WOCNCB will protect the confidentiality of those who provide information to every possible extent. However, the WOCNCB will become involved only in matters that can be factually determined, while providing the charged party with every opportunity to respond in a professional and legally defensible atmosphere.

A review process is in place to address credentialing violations. It is designed to give the individual alleged to have committed a violation of WOCNCB policies a fair opportunity to refute the allegation and/or explain the situation fully before any action is taken by the committee.

The Credentialing Review and Appeals Committee shall proceed in accordance with the following steps for each violation that is brought to their attention:

1. Notice of Investigation. The Credentialing Review and Appeals Committee chair shall notify the charged party in writing of the alleged violation. The individual shall be given an opportunity to respond in writing to clarify the matter or provide other pertinent information.
   
   
2. Hearing Decision. Based upon the individual's response to the committee chair's inquiry about the complaint, the committee will meet by conference call to determine whether or not the complaint appears to have merit and whether or not it falls within the scope of the committee's responsibilities. The committee will then determine if an official hearing, in which testimony may be presented by the charged party and others, will be conducted. If the committee decides the charge is unwarranted, the complaint will be dropped and the individual notified that no action will be taken by the WOCNCB.
   
   
3. Hearing Notice/Information Gathering. If the complaint appears to have merit and is within the purview of the committee, the charged party will be notified by certified mail that a formal hearing will be conducted via a conference call, teleconference or face-to-face meeting. The specific violation alleged to have been committed will be identified and the charged party shall be given 30 days in which to provide information to the committee regarding the complaint. The charged party may also request that a hearing not be conducted. At the same time, the WOCNCB may contact other individuals about the matter and gather information to help the committee decide if a violation of WOCNCB policies has occurred. The charged individual will have the right to review the information and to be present, and/or represented by legal counsel, at the formal hearing. All travel expenses for the charged individual and his/her attorney will be the responsibility of that individual. The WOCNCB also has the right to be represented by legal counsel during the hearing.
   
   
4. Formal Hearing. All information gathered during the investigation or provided by the charged party will be reviewed by the committee. Any personal testimony from the individual or other witnesses will be taken during the hearing must be sworn, and a transcribed record of the proceeding will be made.
   
   
5. Case decision. Based upon the record of the hearing, including all information submitted by the charged party, the Credentialing Review and Appeals Committee will determine whether or not the individual has violated WOCNCB policies and, if so, will determine the appropriate disciplinary action. Written notice of the committee's decision will be provided to the individual by certified mail.

   If the Credentialing Review and Appeals Committee determines the individual is not in violation of WOCNCB policies:

   • The charged party will be notified by certified mail and no further action will take place.

   If the Credentialing Review and Appeals Committee determines the individual is in violation of WOCNCB policies:

   • The charged party will be notified by certified mail of the decision and shall have the opportunity to appeal (see below for Appeal process).
     
     
   • Unless the charged party appeals the committee's decision, his/her credential shall be revoked for a minimum of two years, with the committee will determining the length of time the credential will be in revocation. During the revocation period the individual may not apply for any of the WOCNCB's credentials.
     
     
   • Unless the charged party appeals the decision, the committee shall determine if the charged party's employer should receive notification of the credential revocation.
     
     
6. Appeal. Upon receipt of the notice of the Credentialing Review and Appeals Committee's decision, the charged party will have 30 days to file a written appeal of the decision to the WOCNCB. When an appeal is made, the voting members of the Board, minus the Credentialing Review and Appeals Committee Chair, review the record of the case and determine whether to affirm or modify the committee's decision. It is the responsibility of the individual charged with the policy violation to initiate the appeal process.

   If the voting members of the Board, minus the Credentialing Review and Appeals Committee Chair, disagree with the committee's ruling to revoke the credential:

   • The charged party will be notified by certified mail and no further action will take place.
     
     

   If the voting members of the Board, minus the Credentialing Review and Appeals Committee Chair, agree with the committee's ruling to revoke the credential:

   • The charged party will be notified by certified mail of the decision.
     
     
   • The charged party's credential shall be revoked for a minimum of two years, with the committee will determining the length of time the credential will be in revocation. During the revocation period the individual may not apply for any of the WOCNCB's credentials.
     
     
   • The committee shall determine if the charged party's employer should receive notification of the credential revocation.

Criteria for Extension of Certification Period

A limited certification extension may be granted until the next testing opportunity at the discretion by the WOCNCB President for emergency situations, which include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Death or serious illness of a family member.
2. Personal illness or injury.
3. Unavoidable natural disaster.
4. Active military duty outside the United States.

A request for extension of certification must be submitted in writing, and in advance of the expiration of the credential, to the WOCNCB President. The President will seek counsel from the Board as necessary.

IX - WOC and FC EXAMINATION DEVELOPMENT AND REVIEW

1. The testing company and Examination Committees meet twice a year, or as deemed necessary by the Board, to develop examinations and determine passing standards for each examination. A Board liaison, appointed by the President, oversees the work of the Examination Committees.
   
   
2. It is the responsibility of the testing company, under the direction of the WOCNCB, to construct examinations of multiple-choice items for each specialty examination. Examinations are constructed based on the content outline and the weighting of each section as specified and approved by the WOCNCB.
   
   
3. The WOCNCB, in consultation with the Examination Committees and the testing company, will periodically:
   
   
   1. Review aggregate examination results.
      
      
   2. Conduct a job analysis survey every three to five years or as the Board deems necessary.
      
      
   3. Review test specifications (e.g., content outlines and item-complexity distribution).
      
      
   4. Review items included in each of the examinations.
      
      
4. Members of the Examination Committees are prohibited from participating in the development or implementation of any certification review materials or course sessions. This prohibition is in effect throughout the time the individual is on the Board or Examination Committees, and for a period of two years thereafter.

X - EXAMINATION ADMINISTRATION RULES AND REGULATIONS

The Rules and Regulations for the examination are included in the current Candidate Examination Handbook, prepared by the Board and printed/distributed by the testing agency.

XI - STANDING COMMITTEES

The standing committees of the WOCNCB are:

• WOC Examination Committee and the
  FC Examination Committee
  Purpose: The WOC and FC Examination Committees, with the assistance of the testing company, develop items for the examination that are consistent with test specifications.
  
  
• Nominations Committee
  Purpose: The Nominations Committee compiles a slate of candidates for the purpose of filling vacant Board positions.
  
  
• Marketing Committee
  Purpose: The Marketing Committee works with the assistance of the management company to plan and implement marketing strategies to assist certificants in marketing their credential and to attract future certificants to this credential.
  
  
• Professional Growth Program Committee
  Purpose: The PGP Committee is responsible for ongoing evaluation of the process and specifications of CWOCN^® and CFCN™ recertification, and AP certification and recertification, by the PGP pathway. The committee works with the WOCNCB's management company to process and review applications by the WOCNCB via the PGP pathway.
  
  
• Credentialing Review and Appeals Committee
  Purpose: The Credentialing Review and Appeals Committee conducts structured investigations of all formal notifications of credentialing violations presented to the WOCNCB and determines appropriate disciplinary action when necessary.

Each standing committee has a Charter that is reviewed by the Board on an annual basis.

XII - BOARD MEETINGS

1. The Board holds two face-to-face meetings annually.
   
   
   • Agenda items at the Spring meeting may include, but are not limited to: Review of general guidelines, opportunities for product enhancement or development, marketing strategies, the examination process, and Conference planning.
     
     
   • Agenda items at the Fall meeting may include, but are not limited to: Review of the budget, investments, contractual relationships, orientation of incoming Board members, and Board evaluation.
     
     
   • Bylaws, Policies and Procedures and Committee Charters are reviewed annually.

XIII - TRAVEL AND MEETING EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT

1. Covered expenses for WOCNCB Board and standing committee meetings include the following:
   
   
   1. Coach-class, roundtrip airfare, or mileage at the currently reimbursed rate for members traveling by automobile.
      
      
   2. Ground transportation.
      
      
   3. Lodging - Reimbursement is based on single occupancy for the WOCNCB, all committee members and management company representatives. Room sharing is optional, and the meeting coordinator should be notified in order to make arrangements.
      
      
   4. Parking.
      
      
   5. Approved audio visual expenses.
      
      
   6. Reasonable meal expenses and gratuities.
      
      
2. All Board and Committee members are expected to contribute to cost-effective use of WOCNCB funds by:
   
   
   1. Making travel arrangements as soon as possible following notification of meeting dates and location, and at least 21 days prior to travel.
      
      
   2. Utilizing the lowest cost travel arrangements within reasonable limits.
      
      
3. All Board and Committee members are expected to file travel expense reports within 90 days of the meeting and attach receipts to the report.
   
   
4. All Board members will be issued a telephone card which is to be used only for WOCNCB related business.
   
   
5. Board-related postage and mailing expenses should be filed on a WOCNCB expense report.
   
   

XIV. ELECTRONIC BALLOTING

To be valid, electronic voting by the Board on issues of significance, e.g., amendments to the Bylaws, must:

• Have 100% of the Board participating in the vote.
• Be unanimous.

Bylaws

ARTICLE I. NAME

The name of this corporation shall be the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification Board (hereinafter referred to as WOCNCB or the Board.) The offices are located at 555 East Wells Street, Suite 1100, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202-3823.

ARTICLE II. MISSION

The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification Board is a professional organization dedicated to promoting the highest standard of consumer care and safety by providing credentialing in the areas of wound, ostomy, continence (WOC) and foot care (FC) nursing.

ARTICLE III. PURPOSE

The purpose of WOCNCB shall be to:

• Set, maintain, and evaluate standards for certification and re-certification in wound, ostomy, continence (WOC) and foot care (FC) nursing.
  
  
• Establish, administer, and continuously evaluate the certification process to recognize competency in wound, ostomy, continence, and foot care nursing practices.
  
  
• Provide formal recognition of individuals who meet the certification requirements.
  
  
• Ensure the integrity of the credentialing program by investigating notifications of violations.
  
  
• Promote the certification program for WOC and FC nursing practice.
  
  
• Encourage continued professional growth in specialized nursing practice.
  
  
• Provide identification of nurses who have achieved certification in WOC and FC nursing to employing agencies, the public and other healthcare professionals.
  
  
• Explore and develop new areas of interest to the certification board, including evaluating trends in specialty healthcare practice nationally and internationally.

ARTICLE IV. WOCNCB RELATIONSHIP TO WOCN

The WOCNCB and the Wound Ostomy & Continence Nurses Society (WOCN Society) are separate organizations with separate charters, bylaws and mission statements. Neither Board answers to or is subordinate to the other Board. The WOCN membership represents an important healthcare consumer group for the WOCNCB. Therefore, communication between the two organizations is ongoing.

ARTICLE V. BOARD MEMBERS

Section 1. Composition of Board and Eligibility Requirements

The Board shall consist of:

1. Nine voting members, including:
   • Eight WOCNCB-certified RNs who collectively represent all specialty areas.
   • One public member who represents the interests of the healthcare consumer* and whose skills and attributes contribute to board governance and strategic planning.

   * The Certification Board (WOCNCB) uses the term "consumer" to define a broad range of individuals using our services. These include:

   • Patients and families
   • Regulatory agencies
   • Other health professionals
   • Employer
   • WOC and FC nurse clinicians
   
   
2. The outgoing President:
   • To serve as a non-voting member for a one-year term immediately following the completion of his/her term as President.
   
   
3. Past board member(s) as needed:
   • To serve as non-voting member(s) in a support capacity.

Eligibility requirements include:

1. Current WOCNCB credentials (except for the public member).
2. Skills and attributes required for board governance as defined by the Nominations Committee.
3. E-mail and Internet capabilities.

Anti-Discrimination Policy:
Board members will not be discriminated against on bases that would violate any applicable laws.

Section 2. Term of Board Membership

1. Voting Board members are elected for staggered four-year terms with the exception of the public member who is appointed for a two-year term.
   
   
2. No Board member may serve more than two consecutive terms.
   
   
3. Newly elected Board members will begin an orientation at the Fall Board Meeting. Elected terms will begin on January 1.
   
   
4. The non-voting Past President shall serve a one-year term

Section 3. Election to the Board

1. Board members, with the exception of the public member, shall be elected by WOCNCB certificants via mail or electronic ballot.
   
   
2. WOCNCB certificants shall have until the printed deadline on the ballot to postmark, fax or electronically submit their ballot.
   
   
3. Candidates receiving the highest number of votes from the ballots returned shall win the election.
   
   
4. Election results will be published in the newsletter, "The Board's Bulletin," and posted on the WOCNCB website.

Section 4. Appointments to the Board

1. The public member is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Board.

Section 5. Unfulfilled Term

1. Members of the Board who are unable to fulfill the term of their service may be replaced by appointment of the President with majority approval of the Board.
   
   
2. In the event the President is unable to fulfill the term of presidency, the Board will elect a successor to fulfill the term.

Section 6. Duties of Voting Board Members

Board members shall:

1. Conduct business according to the mission and purpose of the WOCNCB.
2. Develop and administer the certification programs.
3. Fulfill their duties according to "Board Member Job Descriptions" as outlined in Article VII.

Section 7. Conflict of Interest

1. The WOCNCB adheres to a strict Conflict of Interest Policy. (See Policy Manual page 7.)
   
   
2. Each member of the WOCNCB Board or committees shall sign a Conflict of Interest Policy Agreement upon joining the Board and a Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement annually. (See Policy Manual.)

Section 8. Finances

1. There are no WOCNCB dues.
   
   
2. The fiscal year shall be January 1 to December 31.
   
   
3. Each summer, the Financial Officer, with the assistance of the management firm, will prepare a budget, including a line-item justification, for presentation to the Board at the next in-person meeting.
   
   
4. A conference-call meeting may be required to review and discuss the line items.
   
   
5. WOCNCB will hold one year's operating expenses in a cash reserve account.

ARTICLE VI. OFFICERS

Section 1.

1. Members of the Board shall elect the WOCNCB President.
   
   
2. Election of the President shall take place in the second quarter of the calendar year.
   
   
3. The election will be held by secret ballot and the individual receiving the majority vote will assume the office of President.
   
   
4. The term of office shall be two years and begin on January 1.
   
   
5. The two-year term of office shall take precedence over the four-year term as a Board member.

Section 2.

1. The members of the existing Board shall elect the Financial Officer.
   
   
2. The election of the Financial Officer shall take place in the second quarter of the calendar year.
   
   
3. The term of office shall be two-years and begin on January 1.

ARTICLE VII. BOARD MEMBER JOB DESCRIPTIONS

The duties of the Board members shall be such as are implied by the respective titles except as otherwise stated in these Bylaws, and the following specific duties:

1. President:

   The President shall be responsible for the supervision of the day-to-day operations of the WOCNCB in accordance with its Bylaws and Policy and Procedures.

   The WOCNCB President's specific responsibilities are to:
   1. Preside over Board meetings/conference calls.
      
      
   2. Serve as an ex-officio member of all committees.
      
      
   3. Act as the liaison with the WOCNCB testing agency.
      
      
   4. Initiate and respond to all official WOCNCB correspondence.
      
      
   5. Direct the management firm to facilitate Board activities.
      
      
   6. Authorize non-budgeted expenditures not in excess of $1,000.
      
      
   7. Oversee the participation and performance of Board members.
      
      
   8. Perform other duties as necessary to the office of the President.
      
      
   9. Monitor completion of annual Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statements.
      
      
   10. Ensure board member adherence to Conflict of Interest Policy.
       
       
2. Past President:

   The Past President shall assist the President in performing duties and serve in an advisory capacity to the Board.

3. Financial Officer:

   The Financial Officer shall be in charge of the WOCNCB funds and financial records, present financial reports to the Board as requested by the President, and work closely with the management firm to manage the organization's funds.

   The Financial Officer's specific responsibilities are to:
   1. Attend all WOCNCB meetings and participate in all WOCNCB conference calls.
      
      
   2. Prepare an annual budget.
      
      
   3. Oversee accounting procedures.
      
      
   4. Oversee income collection.
      
      
   5. Oversee disbursements and investments.
      
      
   6. Oversee the external auditing process.
      
      
   7. Report to the Board on financial status of the organization.
      
      
   8. Perform other duties as assigned by the WOCNCB President.
      
      
   9. Assist Committee Chairs with preparing committee budgets each year.
      
      
4. Board Members:

   Each Board Member is responsible for contributing to Board governance and strategic planning.

   Board Members' specific responsibilities are to:
   1. Monitor and evaluate candidate eligibility for the WOCNCB certification.
      
      
   2. Supervise the testing company and Examination Committees in evaluating examination results.
      
      
   3. Review and revise examination content outlines periodically so that they continually reflect current WOC and FC practice.
      
      
   4. Transact the general business and affairs of the WOCNCB including the review of bylaws, policies, procedures, finances, contractual relationships and marketing.
      
      
   5. Participate in all WOCNCB conference calls.
      
      
   6. Attend all WOCNCB meetings by complying with the WOCNCB Attendance Policy Statement (Appendix Three).
      
      
   7. Maintain confidentiality of the certification process.
      
      
   8. Comply with the Conflict of Interest Policy and sign annual Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement.
      
      
   9. Serve as chairperson or committee member during special projects as appointed by the President.
      
      
5. Public Member:
   The Public Member is a Member of the Board with voting privileges and by his/her membership represents the interests of the healthcare consumer.

ARTICLE VIII. CONFIDENTIALITY

The WOCNCB and members of its committees and employees shall keep all records and proceedings completely confidential, unless specifically authorized by the President.

ARTICLE IX. MEETINGS

Section l.
Two face-to-face meetings will be held annually: one meeting in the Spring and one in the Fall.

Section 2.
Conference calls shall be scheduled by the President or any three members.

Section 3.
A quorum consists of five voting members.

Section 4.
At the discretion of the President and with the approval of the Board, Board members or staff may be requested to attend additional meetings to represent the WOCNCB's interests.

ARTICLE X. COMMITTEES AND APPOINTMENTS

The President may create and appoint ad hoc committees as deemed necessary. The President will appoint the chair of standing and ad hoc committees. Non-members of WOCNCB may serve on committees.

The standing committees are:

• WOC Examination
• Foot Care Examination
• Nominations
• Professional Growth Program
• Marketing
• Credentialing Review and Appeals
• Experiential / Graduate Pathway

Each standing committee will have a written statement of charter to include purpose, authority and responsibility. Each appointed person will be responsible for overseeing the designated activity.

ARTICLE XI. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

The current edition of Robert's Rules of Order shall govern the proceedings of WOCNCB in all cases not provided for in these Bylaws or in the Policy and Procedures document.

ARTICLE XII. AMENDMENTS

These Bylaws may be amended by an affirmative vote of the majority of the Board at any meeting provided that written notice has been given at least fourteen days prior to the meeting. If a ballot vote is requested, it may be executed in person or by electronic means.

Appendix One

Policy on Conflicts of Interest and Disclosure of Certain Interests

The directors, officers and employees of the WOUND OSTOMY CONTINENCE NURSING CERTIFICATION BOARD [hereinafter "WOCNCB"] owe a duty of loyalty to the WOCNCB which requires that, in service to the WOCNCB, they act not in their personal interests or in the interests of others, but rather solely in the interests of the WOCNCB. Directors must have undivided allegiance to the WOCNCB's mission and may not use their positions as directors, officers, and/or employees of the WOCNCB, any information they have about the WOCNCB, or the WOCNCB's property in a manner that allows them to secure a pecuniary or other benefit for themselves or their family members ["family member" is defined below].

The directors, officers and employees of the WOCNCB have an obligation to conduct business within guidelines that prohibit actual or potential Conflicts of Interest with rare exception and only when the specific procedures set by the Policy are followed.

This Conflict of Interest Policy is designed to help directors, officers and employees of the WOCNCB identify situations that present potential conflicts of interest and to provide the WOCNCB with a procedure which, if observed, will allow a transaction to be treated as valid and binding even though a director, officer or employee has or may have a Conflict of Interest with respect to the transaction.

1. Conflict of Interest Defined. For purposes of this Policy, the following circumstances shall be deemed to create Conflicts of Interest:
   1. Outside Interests.
      
      
      1. A Contract or Transaction between the WOCNCB and a Responsible Person or Family Member.
         
         
      2. A Contract or Transaction between the WOCNCB and an entity in which a Responsible Person or Family Member has a Material Financial Interest or of which such person is a director, officer, agent, partner, associate, trustee, personal representative, receiver, guardian, custodian, conservator or other legal representative.
         
         
      3. The development or implementation of any certification review materials or course sessions throughout the time the Responsible Person is on the Board or Examination Committee and for a period of two years thereafter.
         
         
      4. The participation as a faculty member or adjunct involved in curriculum development or implementation of a WOCN-accredited education program throughout the time the Responsible Person is on the Board or Examination Committee and for a period of two years thereafter.
         
         
   2. Outside Activities.
      
      
      1. A Responsible Person competing with the WOCNCB in the rendering of services or in any other Contract or Transaction with a third party.
         
         
      2. A Responsible Person's having a Material Financial Interest in or serving as a director, officer, employee, agent, partner, associate, trustee, personal representative, receiver, guardian, custodian, conservator or other legal representative of, or consultant to an entity or individual that competes with the WOCNCB in the provision of services or in any other Contract or Transaction with a third party.
         
         
      3. A Responsible Person serving concurrently as a voting member of the WOCN Board and any other national organization or certifying body that may influence decisions.
         
         
   3. Gifts, Gratuities and Entertainment. A Responsible Person accepting gifts, entertainment or other favors from any individual or entity that:
      
      
      1. does or is seeking to do business with, or is a competitor of the WOCNCB; or
         
         
      2. has received, is receiving or is seeking to receive a loan or grant, or to secure other financial commitments from the WOCNCB;
         
         
      3. operates under any circumstances where it might be inferred that such action was intended to influence or possibly would influence the Responsible Person in the performance of his or her duties. This does not preclude the acceptance of items of nominal or insignificant value or entertainment of nominal or insignificant value which are not related to any particular transaction or activity of the WOCNCB.
         
         
2. Definitions.
   
   
   1. A "Conflict of Interest" is any circumstance described in Part 1 of this Policy.
      
      
   2. A "Responsible Person" is any person serving as an officer, employee or member of the Board of Directors of the WOCNCB.
      
      
   3. A "Family Member" is a spouse, domestic partner, parent, child, brother or sister, or spouse of a parent, child, brother or sister, of a Responsible Person. Other close relatives may be considered "Family Members" depending on the circumstances, and each Responsible Person is encouraged to disclose any relationships which could create a Conflict of Interest.
      
      
   4. A "Material Financial Interest" in an entity is a financial interest of any kind, direct or indirect, which, in view of all the circumstances, is substantial enough that it would, or reasonably could, affect a Responsible Person's or Family Member's judgment with respect to transactions to which the entity is a party. This includes all forms of compensation. It is also acknowledged that there are "Material Interests" which are not financial but which could result in Conflicts of Interest. Responsible Persons are encouraged to disclose any Material Interest which could create a Conflict of Interest.
      
      
   5. A "Contract or Transaction" is any agreement or relationship involving the sale or purchase of goods, services, or rights of any kind, the providing or receipt of a loan or grant, or the establishment of any other type of pecuniary relationship. The making of a gift to the WOCNCB is not a Contract or Transaction.
      
      
3. Special Considerations. For purposes of this Policy, the following circumstances shall not be deemed to create Conflicts of Interest:
   
   
   1. The provision of services contracted between the WOCNCB and its management company.
      
      
   2. Clinical preceptor stipends and salaries paid to WOCNCB employees.
      
      
4. Procedures.
   
   
   1. Prior to board or committee action on a Contract or Transaction involving a Conflict of Interest, a director or committee member having a Conflict of Interest and who is in attendance at any meeting in which the Contract or Transaction will be discussed or decided upon shall disclose all facts material to the Conflict of Interest on an updated Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement [Attachment A]. Such disclosure shall be reflected in the minutes of the meeting.
      
      
   2. A director or committee member who plans not to attend a meeting at which he or she has reason to believe that the board or committee will act on a matter in which the person has a Conflict of Interest shall disclose to the President all facts material to the Conflict of Interest and shall submit an updated Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement [Attachment A] to the President prior to the meeting. The President shall orally report the disclosure at the meeting and may distribute the Disclosure Statement. The disclosure shall be reflected in the minutes of the meeting.
      
      
   3. A person who has a Conflict of Interest shall not participate in or be permitted to hear the board or committee discussion of the matter except to disclose material facts and to respond to questions. Such person shall not attempt to exert his or her personal influence with respect to the matter, either at or outside the meeting.
      
      
   4. A person who has a Conflict of Interest with respect to a Contract or Transaction that will be voted on at a meeting shall not be counted in determining the presence of a quorum for purposes of the vote. The person having a Conflict of Interest may not vote on the Contract or Transaction and shall not be present in the meeting room when the vote is taken. Such person's ineligibility to vote shall be reflected in the minutes of the meeting. For purposes of this paragraph, a member of the Board of Directors of the WOCNCB has a Conflict of Interest when he or she stands for election as an officer or for re-election as a member of the Board of Directors.
      
      
   5. Even if no related board action is anticipated, Responsible Persons shall disclose to the President or the President's designee any Conflict of Interest that such Responsible Person has as soon as the Conflict of Interest is known to the Responsible Person by completing and submitting an updated Disclosure Statement [Appendix Two]. Thereafter, the Responsible Person shall refrain from any action that may affect the WOCNCB's participation in any Contract or Transaction in which the Responsible Person has a Conflict of Interest.
      
      
   6. In the event it is not entirely clear that a Conflict of Interest exists, the individual with the potential conflict shall disclose the circumstances to the President or the President's designee, who shall determine whether there exists a Conflict of Interest that is subject to this Policy.
      
      
5. Confidentiality. Each Responsible Person shall exercise care not to disclose confidential information acquired in connection with such status or information the disclosure of which might be adverse to the interests of the WOCNCB. Furthermore, a Responsible Person shall not disclose or use information relating to the business of the WOCNCB for the personal profit or advantage of the Responsible Person or a Family Member.
   
   
6. Review of Policy.
   
   
   1. Each Responsible Person shall be required to annually review a copy of this Policy and to annually acknowledge in writing that he or she has done so. Any changes to the Policy shall be communicated immediately to all Responsible Persons.
      
      
   2. Each Responsible Person shall annually complete a Disclosure Statement (Attachment A) identifying any relationships, positions or circumstances in which the Responsible Person is involved that he or she believes could contribute to a Conflict of Interest arising. Such relationships, positions or circumstances might include service as a director of or consultant to a nonprofit organization, or ownership of a business that might provide goods or services to the WOCNCB. Any such information regarding business interests of a Responsible Person or a Family Member shall be treated as confidential and shall generally be made available only to the President and any committee appointed to address Conflicts of Interest, except to the extent additional disclosure is necessary in connection with the implementation of this Policy.
      
      

Download/view/print agreement form

Appendix Two

Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement

[Attachment to WOCNCB "Policy on Conflicts of Interest and Disclosure of Certain Interests"]

This Disclosure Statement is designed to help Responsible Persons [as defined in the Policy] meet their continuing responsibility to disclose potential Conflicts of Interest.

-- Part A of this Disclosure Statement provides instructions that should be retained by each Responsible Person and used as necessary during the coming fiscal year to report potential Conflicts of Interest as they may arise.

-- Part B of this Disclosure Statement requires you to list all organizations in which you are involved that do business with the WOCNCB.

-- Part C of this Disclosure Statement is a year-end report in which you are required to describe any business transactions of the WOCNCB during the past year in which you have had an interest.

Parts B and C of this form should be filled in, signed at the bottom, and returned to the President of the WOCNCB.

Download/view/print disclosure form

Appendix Three

Policy Statement
WOCNCB Board Member Attendance

Purpose
This policy is intended for the full support by all WOCNCB Board members and copies are distributed to each member of the Board upon election to office. The policy is reviewed annually and maintained in each members' Board Orientation Manual. The policy has been reviewed and approved by the board.

Policy
It is the policy of the WOCNCB that all members of the Board attend every meeting in person and attend every conference call.

Members who are unable to attend an event are expected to furnish a written reason to the president of the Board with a copy to the management company by e-mail in advance of the event, unless an extreme emergency intervenes at the last minute. In the latter case, a written reason for non-attendance should be furnished to the president of the Board with a copy to the management company by e-mail as soon as possible. The written reasons for non-attendance shall be included in the minutes of any meetings missed.

Board members are expected to make diligent efforts to reschedule, plan for, and avoid conflicts which would prevent attendance at board events.

Definition of a Board Attendance Problem
Board members who miss events shall do so only for emergency situations. The type of emergency included in this policy would include the death of family members, acute illness or injury which precludes travel for the Board member or serious illness of an immediate family member, or natural disasters which make travel impossible. Other reasons to miss meetings must be discussed and approved in advance of the meeting by the Board president in consultation with the full board (not including the person asking to miss the planned meeting).

Suggested Response to a Board Attendance Problem
The management company shall track the attendance of Board members and shall inform the board when any Board member's attendance is less than 75 per cent for any one-year period.

Procedure for Board Member Termination
When a member's attendance drops below 75 per cent, the Board shall (without participation by the person whose attendance is being discussed) discuss the person's absences during the next meeting in person or by telephone and may require the person's resignation from the Board at that time.