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Bylaws for Kansas Patient Family Advisory Council

Kansas PFAC Mission Statement


The Kansas Patient Family Advisory Council will work in partnership with the Children’s Mercy staff members to advocate on behalf of families for improved quality, safety, and experience. The council will serve as a resource for parents or guardians to provide input on policies and procedures, enhance communication, and expand education for patients and families in both inpatient and outpatient settings at Children’s Mercy Kansas locations.

Application process


All applicants will be interviewed by the KS PFAC chair and then go through the standard onboarding process with volunteer services and PFE. 

Size


The council will strive for membership of no less than 8 family members and no more than 15 family members and no more than 6 staff members at any given time.  Children’s Mercy staff are non-voting members.  Recommendations for for staff representation include individuals from psychosocial services, administration, physicians, nursing, neurology, and facilities.

Terms


Members will commit to serve on the Kansas Patient Family Advisory Council for a minimum of 2 years. Terms begin at approval of application.  Members will consist of parents and caregivers of child/children who has received at least part of their care at Children’s Mercy Kansas.

The council strives for membership representative of the combined services of CM Kansas and the College Boulevard location. 

Attendance


Meetings will be held on the 4th Wednesday of every month. Consistent and active attendance is vital to the purpose of the Council.  Each member is strongly encouraged to attend and participate in all PFAC meetings and conference calls.  Council members are required to attend 70% of the meetings within a 12-month period either in-person or phone/videoconference.  It will be assumed all members will be in attendance.  Notification via email prior to the scheduled meeting will count as an excused absence.  Meetings are subject to be canceled or rescheduled if majority of members are unavailable.  A quorum of 50% either in person or electronically (or a combination) is required to vote on issues. All decisions that require a vote need a simple majority to pass. 

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.  Leadership terms will run from July 1 to June 30 following the Children’s Mercy fiscal year.

Chair 

Organize and lead meetings, including defining agenda and action items. The Chair will be the PFAC representative at official meetings when needed.

Co-Chair

Support the Chair in his/her duties including serving as acting Chair during the Chair’s absence.  The    Co-Chair will assume the role of Chair at the conclusion of their term as Co-Chair. 

Planning Committee


The Planning Committee is comprised of the Chairperson, the Co-Chair, the PFE Liaison and Executive Sponsor/designee. The Committee meets regularly to determine the agendas and conduct other business in support of the PFAC. 

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.

  • Respectfully 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. 

Patient and Family Engagement Team


The Patient and Family Engagement Team provides support and oversight for all Patient Family Advisory Councils (PFACs) at Children’s Mercy.  This team serves as a liaison between PFACs and the healthcare system.  They produce an annual report denotating accomplishments of each PFAC.
Any articles of these Guidelines may be added, deleted, or amended by majority of the vote of at least 2/3 of the Council.    

Approved: 8/28/24

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