AHA Policy on Proper Form of Motions and Resolutions

Approved by AHA Council, January 2026

Members of the Association who wish to propose motions or resolutions in advance of or at the annual Business Meeting should acquaint themselves with Chapter 10, §§10:1 through 10:57, inclusive, of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, 12th ed. (2020).  AHA Bylaw 12(4)a pursuant to Article VII of the AHA Constitution requires all resolutions and motions submitted for consideration at the annual Business Meeting to be in proper parliamentary format as outlined in Robert’s Rules.

Members submitting resolutions should especially note §10:16, Use of a Preamble: “It is generally inadvisable to attempt to include reasons for a motion’s adoption within the motion itself.  To do so may encumber the motion and may weigh against its adoption—since some members who approve of the action may dislike voting for it if it states reasons with which they disagree. . . .”

Motions and resolutions with extensive preambles and/or seeking multiple resolution actions invite parliamentary complexity, multiple amendments, and incidental motions and burden the agenda of the Business Meeting. Member-submitted resolutions should avoid preambles, and each desired action should be in a separate motion or resolution. Motions and resolutions with extensive preambles and/or seeking multiple actions will not be eligible for consideration at the AHA Business Meeting.