It is very important for ASHP members who serve in the House of Delegates to have a thorough understanding of their responsibility for reviewing and overseeing the professional policies of ASHP. Responsibilities of state delegates include (1) developing an understanding of the issues on the House of Delegates agenda, (2) learning the perspectives of ASHP members in the state on those issues, (3) participating in a Regional Delegate Conference, (4) participating in the House of Delegates session, and (5) reporting back to ASHP members in the state on the outcome of the House session. In addition, experienced delegates are expected to mentor new delegates.

ASHP Delegate Selection Process

Article 7. House of Delegates
7.1. The House of Delegates shall consist of 163 voting state delegates, who shall represent a proportionate number of active members in each state; plus all Directors of ASHP; plus Past Presidents (if active members) after completing the term of office of Immediate Past President; plus five (voting) fraternal delegates; plus the (voting) chair of each Section and Forum. Each delegate shall have one vote, and no delegate may have more than one vote by virtue of any dual capacity in the House of Delegates.

7.1.1. Delegates shall be chosen as follows:

7.1.1.1. As soon as convenient after July 1 in every fourth year beginning with the year 1983, the Board of Directors shall apportion 163 delegates among the states in proportion, as nearly as can be, to the total of active ASHP members in each state as recorded. Each state shall have at least two delegates. For the purpose of computing the reapportionment, the Board of Directors shall use the total number of active members during the immediately preceding year. This apportionment shall prevail until the next quadrennial apportionment, whether the ASHP membership from a particular state increases or decreases.
7.1.1.2. Affiliated state chapters shall administer the election of voting state delegates for the House of Delegates. The chapter shall conduct an election to elect voting state delegates from among the active members of ASHP within that state; only active members shall vote in that election. Each state shall certify and transmit, to the Executive Vice President of ASHP, the names and addresses of the elected delegates, and such delegates shall be deemed thereupon to be duly qualified. Delegates shall continue in office until the next election and certification. Any issue or question relating to qualification or eligibility of any delegate or alternate shall be referred to and resolved by the ASHP Board of Directors.
7.1.1.3. In those states where no affiliated state chapter exists, the President of ASHP shall appoint, from among the active members of ASHP in the state, a committee of three, designating a Chair and a Secretary, for the purpose of conducting an election for delegates and alternates from active members in the state.
7.1.1.4. The United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Public Health Service, and Veterans Administration shall each be entitled to designate one voting fraternal delegate.
7.1.1.5. Alternates for voting state delegates shall be chosen in the same manner as that designated for choosing voting state delegates. Alternates shall not be entitled to any of the rights or privileges for delegates until, pursuant to the Rules of Procedure of the House of Delegates, the alternate replaces a voting state delegate.

7.1.2. The House of Delegates shall elect a Chair who shall be installed immediately upon election and serve until expiration of the term of office at the next yearly session of the House of Delegates.

7.1.2.1. The Chair shall be elected by written ballot of a majority vote of the delegates present and voting in the House of Delegates. The Chair may succeed to that office but may not serve for more than three successive terms.
7.1.2.2. The Chair shall serve as liaison between the submitter of resolutions for consideration by the House of Delegates and the Committee on Resolutions.

7.1.3. The Immediate Past President shall serve as Vice Chair of the House of Delegates.

7.1.4. The Executive Vice President of ASHP shall serve as Secretary of the House of Delegates.

7.1.5. Members of ASHP shall have no right to vote in the House of Delegates except by virtue of status hereunder.

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