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BYLAWS
OF THE FLORIDA SOCIETY OF
PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION
ARTICLE I - NAME
The name of the organization is the Florida Society of
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, hereinafter referred to as the Society.
ARTICLE II - PURPOSES
The mission of the Society is to maximize quality of life,
minimize the incidence, severity and prevalence of impairments, disability and
handicaps, promote societal health and enhance the understanding and the
development of physiatry. The Society serves its members and their patients,
other health professionals and society. The Society seeks to achieve excellence
in physiatric practice, education and research through the activities of its
organization and members.
ARTICLE III - ETHICS
The Principles of Medical Ethics of the American Medical
Association in force at the time of the adoption of these Bylaws, and as they
may from time to time thereinafter be amended by the American Medical
Association, are the Principles of Medical Ethics of the Society.
ARTICLE IV - MEMBERSHIP
Section A. Classes of Members. The Society is composed of the
following classes
of
members with qualifications, rights and duties hereinafter stated:
1. Fellows
2. Associate members
3. Affiliate members
4. Senior Fellows
5. Honorary members
6. Inactive members
Section B. Fellows.
1. Qualifications. To be eligible for nomination as a
Fellow of the Society, a person must be a Diplomate of the American
Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Membership as a Fellow is
contingent on continuing certification by the American Board of Physical
Medicine and Rehabilitation.
a. The nomination as a Fellow of a Diplomate of
the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is to be
made in writing by two Fellows who are not related by family or
associated by practice, one of whom acts as proposer and the other
as seconder. Upon favorable review of the nominee’s application
and credentials and receipt of the completed application, the
Diplomate’s name is submitted to the Membership Committee. A
nominee recommended as a Fellow by the favorable vote of two thirds
of the Membership Committee shall become a Fellow upon a majority
vote of the voting membership.
b. An associate member, upon successful
completion of Part Two of the examination of the American Board of
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and becoming a Diplomate, shall
have his/her name automatically submitted to the Membership
Committee. A nominee recommended as a Fellow by the favorable vote
of two thirds of the Membership Committee shall become a Fellow upon
a majority vote of the voting membership.
Section C. Associate Members
1. Qualifications. To be eligible for nomination to
Associate membership a person must pass Part 1 of the Board of Physical
Medicine and Rehabilitation.
2. Nomination and Election.
a. The nomination for Associate membership of an
eligible candidate is made in writing by two Fellows who are not
related by family or associated by practice, one of whom acts as
proposer and the other as seconder. Upon favorable review of the
nominee’s application and credentials and receipt of the completed
application, the nominee’s name is submitted to the Membership
Committee. A nominee recommended as an Associate by the favorable
vote of two thirds of the Membership Committee shall become an
Associate upon a majority vote of the voting membership.
b. An Afffliate member, upon successful
completion of Part One of the examination of the American Board of
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation shall have his/her name
automatically submitted to the Membership Committee. A nominee
recommended as an Associate by the favorable vote of two thirds of
the Membership Committee shall become an Associate upon a majority
vote of the voting membership.
1. Qualifications. To be eligible for nomination to
Affiliate membership, a person must be a full time resident in training
in an approved residency program in physical medicine and
rehabilitation, an approved residency program in a related medical
specialty as part of combined residency program, a full time physician
in an approved program studying for a graduate degree related to
training in physical medicine and rehabilitation, or a physician whose
practice consists of physical medicine and rehabilitation.
2. Nomination and Election. The nomination for
affiliate membership of an eligible candidate is made in writing by two
Fellows who are not related by family or associated by practice, .one of
whom acts as proposer and other as seconder. Upon favorable review of
the nominee’s application and credentials and receipt of the completed
application, the nominee’s name is submitted to the Membership
Committee. A nominee recommended as an Affiliate by the favorable vote
of two thirds of the Membership Committee shall become an Affiliate upon
a majority vote of the voting membership.
Section E. Senior Member.
A person who has retired from practice or other
position which was the principal source of professional income by reason
of either age or permanent disability, and who has been a Fellow in good
standing 15 years or more.
2. Nomination and Election. The nomination for Senior
membership is made in writing by two Fellows who are not related by
family or associated by practice, one of whom acts as proposer and other
as seconder. Upon favorable review of the nominee’s application and
credentials and receipt of the completed application, the nominee’s
name is submitted to the Membership Committee. A nominee is recommended
as a Senior by the favorable vote of two thirds of the Membership
Committee shall become a Senior upon a majority vote of the voting
membership.
Section F. Honorary Members.
1. Qualification. An Honorary member is one who has
performed a service in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation
that has been outstanding or unique resulting in state, national or
international recognition.
2. Nomination and Election. The nomination for
honorary membership is made in writing by two Fellows who are not
related by family or associated by practice, one of whom acts as
proposer and other as seconder. Upon favorable review of the nominee’s
application and credentials and receipt of the completed application,
the nominee’s name is submitted to the Membership Committee. A nominee
is
recommended as an Honorary by the favorable vote of two thirds of the
Membership Committee shall become an Honorary upon a majority vote of
the voting membership.
Section G. Inactive Members.
1. Qualifications. A member in good standing during a period of
protracted hardship or illness may apply to the Membership Committee for
transfer from active to inactive status.
2. Election. The Membership Committee is empowered to transfer the
member to inactive status. The Membership Committee reviews annually the
status of each inactive member.
Section H. Rights and Duties of Members. The acceptance of membership
in the Society signifies an agreement to comply with all of the provisions of
the Bylaws contained herein. Fellows in good standing have the right to hold
office, to vote and to participate in the business meetings and scientific
sessions of the Society, and may serve on Standing Committees. Associates,
Affiliates, Honorary and Inactive members in good standing have all rights and
privileges except for right to vote, hold office, and serve on Standing
Committees but may serve on other committees.
Section I. Reinstatement of Resigned Members. Any former member who is
professionally in good standing, and whose resignation had been properly
accepted, may apply for reinstatement. A new application is submitted to the
Membership Committee for processing in the same manner as an initial application
except that initiation fee is required.
Any reinstatement fee is determined by the Executive Committee, but in no
instance shall the amount exceed the total back dues and assessments since the
date of resignation.
Section J. Annual Meeting. The Society holds a regular Annual Meeting
at such time and place as the Executive Committee may determine. There shall be
a business meeting at each Annual Meeting at which time the business of the
members will be considered and acted upon. Urgent business may be
transacted at any time during the Annual Meeting. Written notice of the place,
date and hour of the Annual Meeting will be delivered to the members at least
five (5) days and not more than 40 days before the date of the meeting. An
agenda for the meeting will normally be available prior to the beginning of the
business meeting and the order of business is determined by the Executive
Committee. Any changes in the agenda for the Annual Meeting may be made by the
members by specific motion and action.
Section K. Regular Meeting. The Society may Hold a Regular
Meeting in addition to its Annual Meeting at such a time and place as the
Executive Committee determines. Any and all properly noticed business may be
conducted at the Regular Meeting.
Section L. Special Session. A Special Session of the Society
may be called at anytime by the President or upon the written request of two (2)
members of the Executive Committee, or upon written request of ten (10) percent
of the members. Written notification of the Special Session, its date and hour,
along with an agenda, must be delivered at least five (5) days and not more than
forty (40) days before the date of any special meeting.
Section M. Quorum. A quorum to conduct business or to vote on
any item at any meeting shall consist of not less than ten (10) voting members.
If a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of the majority of the members
constituting the quorum and entitled to vote on the subject matter shall be the
act of the members unless the vote of a greater number is required. After a
quorum has been established, the subsequent withdrawal of members, so as to
reduce the number entitled to vote shall not affect the validity of any action
taken at the meeting or any adjournment thereof.
Section N. Removal and Resignation. Any member may be removed
by a majority affirmative vote by the Executive Committee at a meeting properly
called with quorum present after appropriate hearing by the Executive Committee,
notice of such hearing having been mailed no less than ten (10) nor more than
twenty (20) days before the hearing whenever, in the judgment of the Executive
Committee, his removal will be in the best interests of this Corporation. Any
member may resign at any time by giving written notice to the President and
Secretary.
ARTICLE V - OFFICERS
Section A. Officers. The Officers of the Society shall be the
President, the Vice President, the Secretary and the Treasurer.
Section B. Qualifications. Officers of the Society must be in
good standing. To be eligible for the office of Vice-President, a member must
have served at least two years as a voting member.
Section C. Election. The Officers are elected by a majority
vote of the members at the Annual Meeting. The Officers shall be elected from a
list of nominees presented by the Nominating Committee to the members thirty
days (30) before the Annual Meeting. Nominations may also be made from the
floor. These nominees shall be for positions to be vacant at the close of
the Annual Meeting.
Section D. Tenure. The members of the Society at the Annual
Meeting shall elect the President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer to
serve a term of two years. Officers assume office at the close of the Annual
Meeting at which they are elected, and serve for two years. The President and
Vice-President shall be elected at one Annual Meeting and the Secretary and
Treasurer shall be elected at the following Annual Meeting. The Vice-President
shall become President at the end of the President’s two year term.
Section E. Vacancies. If during the elective term the
President dies, resigns, becomes disqualified, or is unable to perform the
functions of the office, the Vice-President succeeds to the office vacated, with
all prerogatives and duties pertaining to the office and retains that office for
the term this person would normally serve as President. If the Vice-President
dies, resigns, becomes disqualified, or is unable to perform the functions of
the office, the vacancy created may be filled by action of the members at the
next Annual Meeting or at a Special Session. If during the elective term any
other Officer dies, resigns, becomes disqualified, or is unable to perform the
functions of the office, the vacancy created may be filled by action of the
members at the next Annual Meeting or at a Special Session.
Section F. Rights and Duties.
1. President. The President presides at all meetings
and gatherings of the Society and the Executive Committee. The President
has the responsibility for conducting the correspondence of the Society,
appointing members to committees and approving committees. The President
also provides guidance to the Executive Director in the day-to-day
business management of the Society and in this capacity interprets
Executive Committee policy to the Executive Director. The President
performs such other duties and exercises such other rights as these
Bylaws, custom or parliamentary usage may require or as the Executive
Committee directs.
2. Vice-President. The Vice-President assists the
President in the discharge of his/her duties, and in the absence of the
President assumes the duties of the President. The Vice-President shall
be responsible for and shall chair the Education and Development
Committee.
3. Secretary.
a. Attends the annual and special sessions of the
Society, keeps a correct and permanent record of the business
meetings and transactions of the Society, presents the records and
documents of the Society at all meetings, receives the reports of
all committees and all papers immediately upon being read at the
Annual Meeting and files them with the other transactions, subject
to the order of the Executive Committee.
b. Is the custodian of the books, records,
manuscripts, papers, correspondence and seal of the Society.
c. Keeps a current register of the members.
d. During the Secretary’s term of office, the
Secretary completes all business in a timely manner and promptly
relinquishes documents and papers to the successor at the expiration
of the Secretary’s term of office.
e. The Secretary may delegate any part of the
secretarial duties.
5. Treasurer.
a. Is custodian of all funds of every kind of the
Society and is accountable for the safekeeping. Receives all fees,
dues and assessments from applicants and members and all money,
including gifts, bequests, fees, donations and grants belonging to
the Society and deposits all such monies in the name of. the Society
in a banking institution approved by the Executive Committee. In
like manner, the Treasurer keeps a current, true and correct record
of all receipts and all disbursements.
b. Shall disburse the funds of the Society s may
be ordered by the Executive Committee, in accordance with the
disbursement policies established by the Executive Committee.
Executes a good and sufficient surety bond, the premium for which is
paid by the Society, and determined by the Executive Committee.
c. Prepares a detailed report of all receipts and
disbursements and of the financial condition of the Society and
presents the same to the Executive Committee and to the Annual order
of the Executive Committee prior to the Annual Meeting.
d. Faithfully performs the duties of the office
in the manner set forth, and forthwith upon the expiration of the
term of office, hands over to the elected successor in office, all
money, papers record books, or other property belonging to the
Society.
e. All checks must be signed by the Executive
Director and the President or the Treasurer.
Section G. Removal and Resignation. Any officer may be
removed by a majority affirmative vote by the Executive Committee at a meeting
properly called with quorum present after appropriate hearing by the Executive
Committee, notice of such hearing having been mailed no less than ten (10) nor
more than twenty (20) days before the hearing whenever, in the judgment of the
Executive Committee, his removal will be in the best interests of this Society.
Any officer may resign at any time by giving written notice to the President and
Secretary.
Section H. Executive Director. The Executive Director
acts in a capacity of the business manager for the Society and its official
publication and in that capacity is responsible for the day-to-day business of
the Society including having charge of the meeting. The Executive Director has
the responsibility for countersigning checks and executing all documents unless
the Executive Committee by resolution provides otherwise. The Executive Director
is subject to the authority of the Executive Committee and to the President
acting for the Executive Committee.
Section I. Appointment and Removal. The Executive
Committee shall have responsibility for both the appointment and the removal of
the Executive Director. Annually the Executive Committee shall review and
evaluate the performance of the Executive Director.
ARTICLE VII- COMMITTEES
Section A. The Standing Committees. The standing
committees of the Society are:
1. Bylaws
2. Education and Development
3. Executive
4. Finance
5. Medical Practice
6. Membership
7. Nominating
8. Program
Section B. Composition, Term and Appointment of Standing
Committees.
1. The Bylaws Committee shall consist of three
members plus the chair. Annually the President appoints two members,
each to serve a term of two years. Committee members may serve no more
than two consecutive two year terms. The Chairperson is appointed
annually by the President and may be appointed to no more than two
consecutive one year terms.
2. The Education and Development Committee shall
consist of three or more members appointed by the President, the exact
number to be determined by the President according to needs. The members
shall be appointed so that the term of approximately one-third shall
expire each year. The Committee shall organize itself into appropriate
subcommittees when it is necessary to study or act on specific problems.
The Vice-President shall chair the Education and the Development
Committee. The Education and Development Committee members shall serve
no more than two consecutive one year terms.
3. The Executive Committee shall consist of the
President as Chairperson, the immediate Past President, the
Vice-President, the Secretary, the Treasurer, and four members at large.
4. The Finance Committee shall consist of three
members including the Treasurer of the Society who shall serve as
Chairperson of the Committee, the President, the Executive Director, and
at least one voting member who is not an officer.
5. The Medical Practice Committee shall consist of
three or more members appointed by the President, the exact number to be
determined by the President according to needs. The members shall be
appointed so that the term of approximately one-third shall expire each
year. The Committee shall organize itself into appropriate subcommittees
when it is necessary to study or act on specific problems. The Medical
Practice Committee members shall serve no more than two consecutive one
year terms.
6. The Membership Committee shall consist of three
members plus the Chairperson. The President shall annually appoint two
members, each to serve a term of two years. The Chairperson of the
Committee is appointed annually by the President. The Membership
Committee members shall serve no more than two consecutive one year
terms.
7. The Nominating Committee shall consist of five
members of the Society, each of whom shall serve a one-year term and
includes immediate Past President of the Society who shall also serve as
Chairperson of the Committee. The other members of the Committee shall
be elected in the following manner and under the following conditions.
Annually the Nominating Committee shall nominate four members of the
Society for election to the Nominating Committee for the succeeding
year. Such nomination shall be presented to the Executive Committee
during the Annual Meeting at which committee members shall be elected.
The Nominating Committee members shall serve no more than two
consecutive one year terms.
The Program Committee shall consist of at least two
members appointed by the President so that one new member is appointed
each year. The Vice -President shall chair the Program Committee. The
Program Committee members shall serve no more than two
consecutive one year terms.
9. Subcommittees: The Chairperson of a standing
committee, with the approval of the President, may appoint necessary
subcommittees to consider and report to the Committee on the specific
problems within the Committee’s jurisdiction. A duly appointed member
of the standing committee will be designated by the President as
Chairperson of a subcommittee.
10. All Chairpersons are appointed by the President,
except as otherwise stated in the Bylaws. Such chairpersons will serve
at the pleasure of the President.
11. Vacancies. If a member of any standing committee
dies, resigns or otherwise becomes disqualified, the President may
appoint a successor to serve for the unexpired portion of the term.
12. Other Committees. Except as may conflict with the
duties of the standing committees, the President may appoint any other
committees, so constituted and for such purposes as the President may
see fit. A presidential committee may not be created for a term
in excess of one year.
Section C. Duties of Standing Committee
The Bylaws Committee. The Bylaws Committee shall
consider either upon its own initiative or by reference from the
Executive Committee of the Society revisions or amendments of the Bylaws
and shall report its recommendations to the Society in accordance with
the Bylaws.
2. The Education and Development Committee. The
Education and Development Committee shall consider all questions
relating to the education in physical medicine and rehabilitation of
medical students, residents, and medical practitioners; all questions
from interested parties related to the educational activities and
recognition of paramedical personnel in physical medicine and
rehabilitation; all questions relating to the professional promotion of
research in physical medicine and rehabilitation. These shall be
reported to this Committee for study and recommendations for action.
Whatever subcommittees are organized shall report to the general
committee which shall prepare a single annual report of the entire
committee.
3. The Executive Committee. The Executive Committee
shall designate candidates for the office of Executive Director. This
Committee shall make policy recommendations.
4. The Finance Committee. The Finance Committee shall
review at least annually the financial affairs of the Society and submit
an annual financial report and annual budget, to the Executive Committee
for its approval.
5. The Medical Practice Committee. The Medical
Practice Committee shall consider all questions relating to therapeutic
and diagnostic equipment, braces, splints, and prostheses in physical
medicine and rehabilitation; all questions relating to specific
rehabilitation hospitals, centers, and institutions; all questions
relating to specific groups of patients such as the chronically ill and
aged. These shall be referred to this Committee for study and recommendation
for action.
Subcommittees shall report to the Committee which
will prepare a single annual report of the entire committee.
6. The Membership Committee. The Membership Committee
performs such duties as are consistent with these Bylaws. Each year the
Chairperson is responsible for securing from the Secretary of the
American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation the names of all
Florida candidates who have passed Part One of the American Board
examination or have become certified by the American Board. The
Membership Committee sends an application blank to the prospective
candidate inviting membership with sponsorship. The Membership Committee
or its designee reviews all applications and credentials of nominees for
membership in accordance with Article IV B. 2. The Membership Committee
shall vote on each nominee, which nominee shall become a member in good
standing upon a favorable majority vote. The Committee must re-evaluate
any nominee’s election to membership if any member has offered written
objections to such nominee at least thirty days prior to the next
business meeting.
7. The Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee
shall report to the Executive Committee the names of the members whom it
recommends and nominates for election prior to reporting the nominees to
the Society. At least thirty days before the Annual Meeting, the
Nominating Committee will also report similarly to the membership of the
Society. The Chairperson of the Committee will nominate the members for
offices which are vacant, or will be vacant, at the required time during
the Annual Meeting. The Committee shall select from the members a single
most appropriate candidate for each office. Consideration shall be given
to individual academic and clinical merit, previous service to the
Society, organizational and leadership qualities, willingness to serve
if elected, and in the case of otherwise equally qualified candidates,
geographical makeup of the Executive Committee. Any member of the
Society may nominate from the floor. Election will be by majority vote
of members present and voting.
8. The Program Committee. The Program Committee shall
plan for, organize, and supervise the scientific programs of the
Society. The Vice-President shall be the chair of this Committee.
Section D. Liaison Appointments. The President may appoint
qualified individuals to serve as liaison between the Society and other
organization with a common interest, for a term consistent with the nature of
the liaison position.
ARTICLE VIII - FINANCES
Section A. Raising of Funds. Funds for conducting the affairs
of the Society may be raised by (1) such initiation fees and annual dues imposed
on the members; (2) such special assessments as the Society or the Executive
Committee may determine; (3) voluntary contributions, devises
bequests, and other gifts and (4) any other manner approved
by the Society or the Executive Committee.
Section B. Fiscal Years. The fiscal year of the Society is
from January 1 to December 31, inclusive.
Section C. Initiation Fees, Annual Dues, and Assessments.
1. The amount of all fees, dues and assessments shall
be determined by the Executive Committee. Annual dues must be paid no
later than March 1 each year. Assessments are due and payable upon
request. Initiation fees are due and payable at the time of a candidate’s
initial application for membership.
2. An applicant for membership pays the full
initiation fee at the time of the application. Following election, the
member shall become liable for annual dues beginning with the next
fiscal year.
3. Honorary Members and Inactive Members shall be
exempt from the payment of all annual dues and assessments.
Section D. Books and Records. The Society shall have
available correct and complete books and records of an account and minutes of
the proceedings of its members and its Committees.
The Society shall keep at its registered office or principal
place of business a record of its members, giving the names and addresses
of all members.
Any books, records, and minutes may be in written form or in
any other form capable of being converted into written form within a reasonable
time.
Section E. Member Inspection Rights. Any person who is a
member of this Society, upon written demand stating the purpose thereof, shall
have the right to examine, in person or by agent or attorney, at any reasonable
time or times, for any proper purposes, its relevant books and records of
accounts, minutes and records of members and to make extracts therefrom.
ARTICLE IX - DISCIPLINARY ACTION
Section A. Causes. For such reasons and under such
conditions, as the Society by resolution may provide, the Society may enforce
disciplinary measures on the members. Pending the adoption of such resolution or
resolutions, the Society may admonish, suspend or expel a member who has
committed one or more of the following acts, or if one or more of the following
acts has occurred:
1. Default in payment of dues and
assessments.
2. Suspension or expulsion by the local,
state or national medical society.
3. Suspension or revocation of license to
practice medicine.
4. Violation of the Principles of Medical
Ethics.
5. Commission of crime involving moral
turpitude.
6. Willfully falsifying information on the
membership application.
Section B. Procedure. Until the Society by resolution may
provide otherwise, no disciplinary action may be enforced unless there has been
served by registered mail on the accused member, a copy of the charges against
the member. The accused member shall then be entitled to a hearing before the
Executive Committee on such charges and shall be entitled to a full opportunity
to be heard. Charges shall be presented in writing to the Executive Committee,
who after the hearing, shall recommend appropriate action at the next ensuing
Annual Meeting or a Special Meeting. In a duly called meeting the members by a
three-fourths vote of those present and voting may affirm or modify the
recommendations of the Executive Committee and the decision of the members at
such meeting shall be final.
ARTICLE X - HANDBOOK
Section A. Content. The Secretary and Bylaws Committee shall
prepare and annually review under direction of the Executive Committee, a
Handbook which shall include the current Bylaws; approved policy and procedure
statements; professional standards and guidelines, position statements and
appropriate internal and external policy.
Section B. Purpose. The purpose of this manual will be to
provide a collection of current Bylaws, policies, procedures, standards, and
practice guidelines which have been approved by the Executive Committee to aid
and assist the officers, committee members, and membership in the preforming of
society duties in an orderly manner.
ARTICLE XI- INDEMNIFICATION
This Society may indemnify any member of the Executive
Committee, committee member or officer, their heirs, executors, or
administrators, against all costs, expenses and liabilities, including
settlements approved by the Executive Committee, reasonably incurred or imposed
upon such officer in connection with, or resulting from, any action, suit or
proceeding, whether civil, criminal or otherwise, to which said direction is or
may be a party by reason of being or having been a member of the Executive
Committee, committee member, or officer of The Florida Society of Physical
Medicine & Rehabilitation; provided, however, that such indemnification may
not be made for any matter as to which such director may be finally adjudicated
to have been negligent or derelict in the performance of said person’s duties
as a director, committee member or officer. Such indemnification may be made in
criminal actions in which such person did not have reasonable grounds to believe
that the conduct of such person was unlawful. The Executive Committee may
purchase such insurance as is necessary to carry out this policy of
indemnification. Those members of the Executive CommIttee who are not
involved in any such claim, action, suit or proceeding may
determine any question concerning the culpability of any such officer, director
or committee member.
ARTICLE XII- PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s
Rules of Order Newly Revised, shall govern all meetings of the Executive
Committee and member meetings consistent with these By-Laws or any special rules
of order this Society may adopt.
ARTICLE XIII- AMENDMENTS
These Bylaws may be amended, altered or repealed at any
meeting, annual or special, by the vote of at least two-thirds of the members
present and voting, provided that any proposed amendment (1) has been submitted
in writing to the Secretary and (2) notice thereof has been mailed to each
member at least one month prior to the session at which it will be acted upon.
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