Articles of Incorporation

1. Articles of Incorporation

   1. The name of the non-profit corporation is International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society.

   2. The purpose of the corporation is to create a forum of multi-specialty physicians experienced in the management of Lyme and associated diseases, and thereby accomplish the following:

      1. To develop, by a consensus of Lyme knowledgeable physicians, practice parameters and guidelines for the diagnosis, management, and treatment endpoint validation of Lyme and associated diseases

      2. To refine and continually improve our management of these diseases by remaining open to new information, methods, and technology, and to encourage, through research and publication, the evaluation of new and innovative therapies, while staying within the bounds of sound medical practice

      3. To be dedicated to the education of a broad range of healthcare providers regarding the practice parameters, as determined by the board of directors, advisors, and the members of this Society at large

      4. To attain this endeavor in several formats

      5. To be an effective advocate for healthcare practitioners and thereby achieve our ultimate goal of improved quality of medical care for patients suffering from Lyme and associated diseases

   3. No part of the net earning of the corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to, its members, trustees, officers, or directors, except that the corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered, and to meet payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in the Articles set forth herein.

      No substantial part of the activities of the corporation shall be the carrying on of propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation and the corporation shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing of or distribution of statements), any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.

      Notwithstanding any other provision of these Articles, the corporation shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on by:

      1. A corporation exempt from Federal Income Tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law)

      2. A corporation, contributions to which are deductible under Section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).

      On the dissolution of the corporation, the Board of Directors shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all of the liabilities of the corporation, dispose of all of the assets of the corporation exclusively for the purposes of the corporation in such manner, or to such organization or organizations organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational, religious, or scientific purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law) as the Board of Directors shall determine.

      Any of such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by the District Court of the county in which the principal office of the corporation is then located, exclusively for such purposes, or to such organization or organizations, as said court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.