Association of Clinical Research Organizations

“The business operations of acro are managed by washington health strategies group.”

“Regular members. Regular membership in the association shall be limited to a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation among whose core businesses is that of a clinical research and technology organization which supports clinical research or trials for the pharmaceutical, medical device or bio-technology industries, and has an interest in the association, supports its purpose, and otherwise qualifies for membership under criteria established by the board of directors from time to time in its sole discretion. Regular members shall be entitled to vote on all matters coming before the membership and to appoint the directors as provided for in article v, section 4 of these bylaws. Corporate or partnership members shall have the right to appoint a director and cast its vote in the association through one designated representative who shall be a natural person. Associate members. Associate membership in the association shall be limited to a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company or corporation among whose core businesses is that of a clinical research and techonology organization which supports clinical research and/or trials for the pharmaceutical, medical device or bio-technology industries, and has an interest in the association, supports its purpose, and otherwise qualifies for membership under criteria established by the board of directors from time to time in its sole discretion.”

“Each partnership or corporate member shall act through and be represented by a single designated representative of that partnership or corporation. The designated representative shall be identified to the chair of the association upon membership approval and such designation shall continue until the chair is notified in writing of any change. The designated representative shall attend, vote and represent the member partnership or corporation at any meeting of the association. The designated representative shall receive correspondence from association on behalf of the partnership or corporate member.”

“Committees do not act on behalf of the governing body.”

“Acro engages an independent accounting firm to conduct a biennial audit of the financial records of the organization. The audit process begins approximately 30 days after the end of the fiscal year and is completed within 60 days. When the review of the financial records is complete, the independent accounting firm issues the audit to acro, which is reviewed by the organization's management firm and its treasurer. The financial audit report is distributed to the board of directors for review and acceptance during a regular meeting of the board. Once the audited financial statements are accepted by the board of directors, the form 990 (tax return) is then prepared by acro's accountants. Copies of the completed form 990, with supporting schedules and footnotes, are distributed to the treasurer and legal counsel for review. Any corrections or changes will be noted and addressed. The final form 990 is then filed using e-file or paper return procedures by the published deadline. The board of directors is informed of the filing during its next regular meeting, as well of the availability of copies of the completed form 990 upon request.”

“Acro engages an outside firm to manage its activities. The policy of this firm is to comply with the district of columbia bar association code of ethics and the code of professional conduct, which set forth policies on the above issues.”

“Acro's governing documents (bylaws and articles of incorporation), annual returns and financial statements are available upon request.”