OSRAA Bylaws

Section 1: Name

The name of this organization shall be 'Oregon Senior Referral Agency Association' or 'OSRAA'. The Association shall be an Oregon Mutual Benefit Non-Profit Corporation with Members.

Section 2: Purpose

The purpose of the organization is to “Promote Professional and Ethical Senior Referral Services in the State of Oregon.” Our members share the vision of providing excellent pre-qualified housing options to seniors and their families. Our members collaborate in gathering and exchanging information, based on our individual experiences, to provide quality assurance for referrals.

Section 1: Eligibility for Membership

Full Membership shall be available to referral companies that have completed their first year in business and whose primary business purpose is senior housing referrals and placement for seniors. Members, or the company they work for, must have a valid business license in the State of Oregon, registered with the Secretary of State. They must be registered with State of Oregon DHS LCTR and carry professional liability insurance, with a minimum $1 million in coverage. Members must work with the clients personally and conduct business in person or over the phone rather than over the Internet. Members must have a procedure for checking public disclosure files, maintain a database of homes and communities, and have knowledge of senior housing and related issues.

To remain in good standing, members (members includes all staff who work directly with clients to include employees and/or independent contractors; administrative staff who do not work directly with clients are excluded) must complete 10 CEU or OEC (OSRAA Educational Credit) credit every year (OSRAA calendar year is April 1 to March 31). Recommended categories include finances, legal matters, ethics, disease management, and industry best practices. OEC's will be issued by OSRAA board to members upon request to OSRAA bi-annual conferences and OSRAA meetings with educational speakers.

It is the responsibility of the member company to ensure all placement agents working for them (employees and independent contractors) have obtained the required CEU/OEC credits annually. Approved credits must be submitted by March 31, end of OSRAA calendar year. If there are placement agents that do not have required credits, the member agency will be penalized $500 on April 1.

Member agency professional liability insurance proof is required no later than 30 days from the membership renewal date (April 1 of each year); the agency membership will be suspended until proof of professional liability insurance is provided.

The agency's membership will be suspended until all required staff are in compliance. Suspension will include removal of the Agency from the OSRAA website; attendance at general meetings only, attendance at the bi-annual conference will be charged at Business Partner rate.

CEU or OEC requirements do not apply to independent contractors of member agencies who decline OSRAA membership.

One CEU or OEC is equivalent to one hour of instruction. OEC are prorated quarterly for new members.

The Executive Board may approve individual exceptions to Eligibility for Membership requirements at its discretion. These one-off decisions do not modify the approved Eligibility for Membership requirements.

Section 2: Limits to Membership

“A referral agent may not refer a client to a facility in which the referral agent or an immediate family member of the referral agent has an ownership interest.” — OAR 411-058-0040 Prohibited Activities (2)

The exception to this is stock holdings that are a small part of a stock portfolio and ownership in communities or homes that are outside the geographic area the Member serves.

Section 3: Code of Ethics

Members must comply with the OSRAA Code of Ethics established on September 16, 2011, and last updated October 27, 2025.

Section 4: Dues

There will be membership dues of $450 per year for members who work in Clackamas, Washington, or Multnomah County and $300 for members who work outside the tri-county area. Dues will be collected April 1st of each calendar year. Membership dues will be prorated the initial year of membership. Referral Agencies who pay their dues but do not submit their documentation (insurance and OEC) will be considered Business Partner Members. Prorated refunds will be issued if an agency closes during the membership year but will not be issued if a member agency becomes a Business Partner due to non-compliance.

Section 5: Purpose of Dues

Dues to the Association may be used for the following purposes: group advertising, collaborative vendor slots, group insurance, maintaining website, professional fees, general marketing and awareness, political action for the benefit of the Members, and other items voted and agreed upon by current Members of the Association.

Section 6: Membership Application

To be eligible for membership, prospective members must complete an 'Application for Membership'. Applicants must register with the State of Oregon and be processed through State criminal background check prior to applying and include their registration number on the application. Applicants must (will be asked to attend by a board member) attend at least three (3) OSRAA meetings prior to their application being approved by the board. Attendance may include, in person or via calling in and/or attending the bi-annual conferences. Independent contractors of an applicant or OSRAA member company are considered members through the company they represent. The Executive Board may review and revise membership criteria annually.

Section 7: Disciplinary Procedure

If Member fails to comply with the Code of Ethics established on September 16, 2011, (09/2025) they may be subject to the following disciplinary procedure: Any alleged breach of the Code of Ethics must be submitted to the Board in writing whether the accuser is part of OSRAA, or the complaint comes from outside OSRAA. The written complaint should include specific information regarding the behavior or incident. The board will review the information to determine if the complaint is a breach of the Code of Ethics. If found to be a potential breach, the President shall call the Member to discuss the issue and ask for their written response to the allegations. If found to be invalid, the matter may be dropped without further action. If an actual breach is found and is determined to be unethical, illegal, or a serious breach of integrity the result may be immediate dismissal from OSRAA. If actual breach is found but not unethical, illegal, or a serious breach of integrity the Board shall ask for a resolution plan to be submitted in writing from the accused agency with a defined action plan, including benchmark dates for resolution, within 90 days, and a post resolution review with the Board. Recurring complaints will result in dismissal from OSRAA. Should the accused person be a Board Member, a committee chair shall replace their vote during the disciplinary process.

Section 1: Access to OSRAA Web Tools

Active members in good standing have access to the OSRAA “member only” website which includes resources that benefit all members. In addition, active members have access to Vacancy Report for communities and care homes who report their vacancies.

Section 2: Networking and Training

Members can attend all membership meetings and training programs sponsored by the Association. Active member agencies may be included in the email distribution list for updates on communities and care homes.

Section 3: Advertisement

Members may advertise they are members of the Association. Members will be listed on the Association's website with a web-link to their company website. Members may also participate in group advertising with the Association.

Associate Membership is open to placement and referral agencies that have been engaged in the business of referring individuals to senior housing and care services for less than one (1) year. To be eligible for Associate Membership, prospective applicants must complete an Application for Membership and be registered with the State of Oregon. The applicant's State Registration number must be included on the application. Attendance at OSRAA meetings is strongly encouraged to support engagement with the organization, understanding of its mission and practices, and relationship-building within the membership. Attendance may include participation in meetings held in person, via call-in, and/or attendance at OSRAA bi-annual conferences.

To remain in good standing, members (members includes all staff who work directly with clients to include employees and/or independent contractors; administrative staff who do not work directly with clients are excluded), must complete 10 CEU or OEC (OSRAA Educational Credit) credit every year (OSRAA calendar year is April 1 to March 31). Recommended categories include finances, legal matters, ethics, disease management, and industry best practices. OEC's will be issued by OSRAA board to members upon request to OSRAA bi-annual conferences and OSRAA meetings with educational speakers.

It is the responsibility of the member company to ensure all placement agents working for them (employees and independent contractors) have obtained the required CEU/OEC credits annually. Approved credits must be submitted by March 31, end of OSRAA calendar year. If there are placement agents that do not have required credits, the member agency will be penalized $500 on April 1.

Member agency professional liability insurance proof is required no later than 30 days from the membership renewal date (April 1 of each year); the agency membership will be suspended until proof of professional liability insurance is provided.

The agency's membership will be suspended until all required staff are in compliance. Suspension will include removal of the Agency from the OSRAA website; attendance at general meetings only, attendance at the bi-annual conference will be charged at Business Partner rate.

CEU or OEC requirements do not apply to independent contractors of member agencies who decline OSRAA membership.

One CEU or OEC is equivalent to one hour of instruction. OEC are prorated quarterly for new members.

The Executive Board may approve individual exceptions to Eligibility for Membership requirements at its discretion. These one-off decisions do not modify the approved Eligibility for Membership requirements.

Section 1: Access to OSRAA Web Tools

Associate Members in good standing have access to the OSRAA member only website which includes resources that benefit all members. In addition, Associate Members have access to Vacancy Report for communities and care homes who report their vacancies.

Section 2: Networking and Training

Associate Members can attend membership meetings and training programs sponsored by the Association. Associate Member agencies may be included in the email distribution list for updates on communities and care homes. Associate Members will have discounted admission to conferences and marketing events hosted by OSRAA.

Section 3: Advertisement

Members may advertise they are Associate Members of the Association. Members will be listed on the Association's website, with a web-link to their company website. Associate Members may also participate in group advertising with the Association. The business name will be included on printed material. The business name and contact information will be included on the OSRAA website. They may also use the OSRAA Associate Member Logo on their website and printed material.

Section 4: Dues

Associate Members shall pay annual dues of $300. Dues will be payable on April 1st of each membership year and will be prorated the first year of membership.

Section 5: Limitations

Associate Members in good standing shall have full voting rights within the Association. Associate Members may participate in discussions, committees, industry events, and other activities sponsored by OSRAA.

OSRAA strongly encourages all new Members to participate in the OSRAA Mentorship Program during their first year of OSRAA membership. The program is designed to provide an introduction to OSRAA's mission, bylaws, Code of Ethics, best practices, industry resources, and leadership opportunities while fostering relationships with experienced members.

Participation in the Mentorship Program is voluntary for new Members; however, any Member seeking election or appointment to the Executive Board during their first year of OSRAA membership must successfully complete the Mentorship Program prior to assuming office.

Section 1: Eligibility

Business Partner Membership is open to companies who serve the senior population. Referral and placement agencies who choose not to obtain the required CEU/OECs and/or professional liability insurance may also apply as a Business Partner Member. Business Partner Members must complete an application for membership and pay their annual dues.

The Executive Board may approve individual exceptions to Eligibility for Membership requirements at its discretion. These one-off decisions do not modify the approved Eligibility for Membership requirements.

Section 2: Dues

Business Members shall pay annual dues of $300. Dues will be payable on April 1st of each membership year and will be prorated the first year of membership.

Section 3: Benefits

Business Partner Members may attend OSRAA Quarterly general member meetings and may participate in committees. They will have discounted admission to conferences and marketing events hosted by OSRAA. The business name will be included on printed material. The business name and contact information, along with a hyperlink to the company website will be included on the OSRAA website. They may also use the OSRAA Business Member Logo on their website and printed material.

Section 4: Limitations

Business Partner Members are non-voting but may participate in discussions and committees.

Section 1: Board

The Board is responsible for the overall policy and direction of the Association. To be eligible to run for or serve on the Executive Board, a Member must:

1. Be in good standing;
2. Have attended a minimum of seven (7) OSRAA meetings or conferences within the preceding twelve (12) months;
3. Have successfully completed the OSRAA Mentorship Program prior to assuming office, if seeking election or appointment to the Executive Board during their first year of OSRAA membership.

Attendance may include participation in OSRAA monthly meetings, whether in person or virtually, as well as attendance at OSRAA bi-annual conferences.

Board members must maintain active membership and remain in good standing throughout their term of service.

Section 2: Officers

The Executive Board shall consist of the following officers: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and Member at Large. The Board may also invite Advisors.

The President shall be responsible for convening meetings, collecting membership applications, and overseeing compliance of members. The position of President shall be elected in September of odd numbered years, taking over the position the following January.

The Vice President shall be responsible for scheduling the monthly meeting locations and lead the meetings when the President is absent. The Vice President is responsible for scheduling the speakers for the conferences. The position of Vice President shall be elected in September of even numbered years, taking over the position the following January.

The Secretary shall be responsible for keeping records of Association actions, sending out meeting announcements, distributing copies of minutes and the agenda to members, assuring corporate records are being maintained, and sending thank you notes and gifts for speakers. The Secretary is responsible for scheduling the vendors for the conferences. The position of Secretary shall be elected in September of even numbered years, taking over the position the following January.

The Treasurer shall be responsible for assisting with budget, banking duties and make financial information available to members. The position of Treasurer shall be elected in September of odd numbered years, taking over the position the following January.

Member at Large shall be responsible for representing members outside the Portland area. The position of Member at Large shall be elected in September of odd numbered years, taking over the position the following January.

Section 3: Meetings

Board meetings shall be held a minimum of four times per year. Board meetings are generally closed to the public.

Section 4: Voting

Voting may be done via electronic methods, including, virtual meetings, email or by survey poll.

These bylaws shall be reviewed by the Board each year. Any proposed changes to the bylaws shall be presented by the President to the membership in writing.