Nebraska Administrative Code Topic - GEOLOGISTS, BOARD OF
Here’s an overview of Nebraska Administrative Code Title 171—the rules governing the Board of Geologists:
🏛️ Authority & Structure
Derived from the Nebraska Geologists Regulation Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 81‑3501 to 81‑3541), created by LB 1161 in 1998, with revisions under LB 91 in 2013 (nebog.nebraska.gov).
Administered by the Board of Geologists, a seven-member body appointed by the Governor for five-year terms: five professional geologists, one geology faculty member, and one public member (nebraskalegislature.gov). Emeritus members are nonvoting.
📘 Title 171 – Rules & Regulations (Effective July 1, 2019)
Ch. 1 – General Provisions: authority, definitions (e.g., FG/PG exams are ASBOG fundamentals/practice exams), fees, renewal & late fees, confidentiality, filing procedures (nebraskalegislature.gov, nebog.nebraska.gov).
Ch. 2 – Licensure by Examination: requirements for BG‑intern entry, education (min. 30 semester hours of geology), ASBOG FG & PG exams, experience, and issuance process (nebog.nebraska.gov).
Ch. 3 – Licensure by Comity/Reciprocity: out-of-state geologists need to show licensure, exams, education, and at least five years’ experience; a 15+ years’ licensed alternative may waive some requirements. Temporary permits are valid up to 1 year (nebog.nebraska.gov).
Ch. 4 – Code of Practice: defines professional conduct, use of license titles, disclosures, and sanctions; section 4.7 specifies title use rules for Nebraska-licensed and out-of-state geologists (law.cornell.edu).
Ch. 5 – Enforcement: grievance and disciplinary procedures, hearings, sanctions (censure, probation, suspension, revocation), judicial review (nebog.nebraska.gov).
Ch. 6 – Licensee Seal: design standards, application, use, and record-keeping for professional seals (nebog.nebraska.gov).
Ch. 7 – Organizational Practice: outlines requirements for firms—including a licensed geologist’s signature, change notification, and fees (nebog.nebraska.gov).
🆓 Exemptions from Licensure (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 81‑3541)
Licensure not required for various activities, such as:
subordinate geological work under licensed geologists,
mineral/energy exploration with no public welfare impact,
academic research or teaching,
engineering within engineering scope,
out-of-state professionals working on limited Nebraska projects (with temporary permit),
routine environmental or well drilling tasks (codes.findlaw.com, asbog.org).
🔧 Recent & Upcoming Updates
Title 171 updated July 1, 2019, including criminal history rule revisions and structure reorganization (nebog.nebraska.gov).
A rule‑making hearing scheduled January 15, 2025, to adjust Board fees and procedures; public comments were due by January 8, 2025 (nebog.nebraska.gov).
✅ Summary
Title 171 provides a comprehensive framework for licensure, professional practice, enforcement, and organizational operations for geologists in Nebraska.
It’s periodically reviewed (every ~5 years) and was last updated in 2019, with another hearing held in January 2025 for further amendments.
RELATED Blog
0 comments