Ala. Admin. Code r. 364-X-14-.03

Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024

Section 364-X-14-.03 - Qualified By Education And Experience

The professional geologist shall act competently and use proper care in performing geologic services for clients or employers and shall perform his/her services only in areas of his/her competence as qualified by education and experience as follows:

(1) The professional geologist shall undertake or perform geologic assignments only when qualified by education or experience in the specific technical field of geology involved.

(2) The professional geologist may accept an assignment requiring education or experience outside of his/her own field of competence, but only to the extent that his/her services are restricted to those phases of the project in which he/she is qualified. All other phases of such project work shall be performed by qualified associates, consultants, or employees.

(3) The professional geologist shall not affix his/her signature and/or seal on any document dealing with subject matter to which he/she lacks competence by virtue of education or experience, nor to any such plan or document not prepared under his/her direct supervisory control except that the professional geologist may affix his/her seal and signature to drawings and documents depicting the work of two or more professionals provided he/she designates by note under his/her seal, the specific subject matters for which he/she is responsible.

(4) The professional geologist shall be completely objective and truthful in all professional reports, statements or testimony. He/she shall include all relevant and pertinent information in such reports, statements or testimony.

(5) The professional geologist, when serving as a expert or technical witness before any court, commission, or other tribunal, shall express an opinion only when it is founded upon adequate knowledge of the facts in issue, upon background of technical competence in the subject matter, and upon honest conviction of the accuracy and propriety of his/her testimony.

(6) The professional geologist will issue no statements, criticism, or arguments on geologic matters connected with public policy which are inspired or paid for by an interested party, or parties, unless he/she has prefaced his/her comment(s) by explicitly identifying himself/herself, by disclosing the identities of the party or parties on whose behalf he/she is speaking, and by revealing the existence of any pecuniary interest he/she may have in the instant matters.

(7) The professional geologist shall not engage in any professional matter for which a specific license is required without first being licensed in that profession.

Author: Thornton Neathery

Ala. Admin. Code r. 364-X-14-.03

New Rule: Filed May 10, 1996; effective June 14, 1996. Amended: Filed March 5, 2002; effective April 9, 2002.

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, § 34-41-5.