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In its operation and deliverables, the SHIELD Community adheres to the following guiding principles:

• Committed to Patient Safety

• Dedicated to Improving Patient Outcomes

• Collaborative in Approach

• Integrative in Methodology

• Transparent in Activities

• Open in Deliverables and Results

• Feasible in Recommendations

• Focused in Scope

Section 5: Governing Instruments

The organization shall be governed by these bylaws and its standing rulesthis charter and its standing rules.

ARTICLE THREE: MEMBERSHIP

Section 1: Classes and Eligibility

There shall be two classes of membership in the organization:

• Any organization with mission-critical government, industry, clinical, academic, standards development, professional organization, or similar interests in promoting the cause of the organization as set forth in Article Two may apply for membership as an Organizational Member.

• Any individual who has interest in promoting the cause of the organization as set forth in Article Two may apply for membership as an Individual Member.  In such capacity, Individual Members shall represent only themselves in their personal capacity without regard to any organization with which they may be an employee or otherwise affiliated.

Section 2: Rights

All Members shall have the following rights in service of achieving and advancing the organization's mission:

• Nomination of organizations or individuals for Membership

• Vote on matters to which their class of Membership entitles them, as described subsequently in this charter

• Serve on the Steering Committee

• Serve on SHIELD Community Workgroups

• Access to the specifications and standards adopted and promoted by the organization (and its affiliated organizations), and license to the related IP and copyrights, to the extent that it is offered unrestricted in the public domain

In addition, all Organizational Members shall have the following additional rights:

• Selection of a primary representative to participate in SHIELD Community activities as speaking and voting on the Organizational Member’s behalf

• Selection of a secondary representative to participate in SHIELD Community activities as speaking and voting on the Organizational Member’s behalf when the primary representative is unable to participate

• Permit other personnel affiliated with the Organizational Member to participate in SHIELD Community activities

• Representation of the SHIELD Community in public forums (e.g., professional conferences or webinars)

Section 3: Voting

Any Member may abstain from participating in a vote.

Section 4: Responsibilities

All Members shall contribute time and expertise to SHIELD Community workgroups, honor their SHIELD Community commitments, solicit opinions from stakeholders, represent their broader field, be responsive to the organization's strategic goals, adhere to the organization’s charter and standing rules, and ensure their attendance and active participation in meetings and Workgroups.