Rhode Island Code of Regulations Title 430 - Board of Registration for Professional Engineers
Rhode Island Code of Regulations Title 430 governs the Board of Registration for Professional Engineers. This board plays a vital role in regulating the practice of engineering in Rhode Island to safeguard life, health, property, and promote the public welfare. The regulations ensure that only qualified and ethical individuals are licensed to practice engineering in the state.
Here's a breakdown of the typical content covered in Title 430:
I. General Provisions and Definitions:
Purpose and Authority: States the primary objective of the regulations, which is to protect the public and maintain high standards of integrity and practice in professional engineering. It also outlines the legal authority under which the Board operates (e.g., Rhode Island General Laws Chapter 5-8).
Definitions: Provides clear definitions for terms used throughout the regulations, such as "Board," "ABET" (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology), "NCEES" (National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying), "Professional Engineer (PE)," "Engineer-in-Training (EIT)," "responsible charge," and "Certificate of Authorization (COA)" for firms.
II. Individual Licensure Requirements (Professional Engineer - PE):
Qualifications: To be eligible for licensure, an applicant generally must:
Be of good character and reputation.
Possess an engineering degree from an ABET-accredited program (or equivalent education as determined by the Board).
Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination.
Accrue a specific record of engineering experience (typically a minimum of four years of progressive experience under the supervision of a licensed professional engineer), indicating competence to practice.
Pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) examination in their chosen discipline.
Application Process: Details the steps for applying, including submitting an online application, requesting transmission of an NCEES Record (which consolidates education, experience, and exam results), providing references (typically three from registered professional engineers), and paying non-refundable application and registration fees.
Comity (Reciprocity): Provisions for professional engineers licensed in other states or jurisdictions to become licensed in Rhode Island, usually requiring an NCEES Record.
FE Exam Waiver: Under specific circumstances (e.g., an ABET-EAC degree with 12 or more years of experience), the FE exam requirement might be waived, but this requires Board pre-approval.
Discipline-Specific Registration: Rhode Island issues PE registrations by engineering discipline, with the discipline granted based on education, experience, and exam results.
III. Engineer-in-Training (EIT) Certification:
Requirements for EIT certification, which typically involves satisfying education and FE exam requirements. This is a stepping stone to full PE licensure.
IV. Firm Registrations - Certificates of Authorization (COA):
Requirement: Any firm (corporation, LLC, partnership, sole proprietorship) that practices or offers to practice engineering in Rhode Island must obtain a Certificate of Authorization (COA) from the Board.
Responsible Charge: Each firm with a COA must designate one or more Rhode Island-registered professional engineers who are in responsible charge of all engineering work performed by the firm in the state. This engineer must typically work a minimum number of hours per week for the firm.
Renewal: COAs have expiration dates and must be renewed, usually biennially, with a fee.
V. Rules of Professional Conduct - Code of Ethics:
This is a fundamental section outlining the ethical obligations of all licensed professional engineers and engineers-in-training. Key principles include:
Public Protection: Registrants' paramount responsibility is to the public; they must safeguard life, health, and property.
Competence: Performing services only in areas of their discipline and competence, according to current standards of technical competence.
Objectivity and Truthfulness: Representing themselves objectively and truthfully.
Conflicts of Interest: Avoiding conflicts of interest and making full prior disclosures to clients or employers.
Fair Competition: Building professional reputation on merit and not competing unfairly.
Proper Use of Seal: Rules for affixing a name, seal, or certification to engineering documents. All seal imprints on final documents must bear an original signature and date or an electronic stamp and date. Unlicensed or uncertified persons cannot prepare work unless under the responsible charge of a licensed engineer.
Integrity: Not offering or accepting gifts or commissions to secure work, and not making political contributions with the intent to influence contract awards.
Professional Conduct: Not attempting to injure another registrant's professional reputation maliciously or falsely.
VI. Disciplinary Actions and Enforcement:
Complaints: Any person or entity, including the Board itself, can file a written complaint alleging a violation of the rules.
Investigation: Complaints are reviewed by the Board or an investigative committee.
Hearings: If warranted, formal charges lead to administrative hearings conducted by the Department of Business Regulation, where the accused has the right to present a defense.
Sanctions: The Board has the authority to levy fines, recover costs, reprimand, place on probation, deny, suspend, refuse to issue or renew, or revoke a license or intern certification.
Appeals: Licensees or interns aggrieved by a Board decision can appeal to the proper court.
The Rhode Island Board of Registration for Professional Engineers, therefore, maintains a rigorous system to ensure that engineering practices within the state meet high standards of technical competence and ethical conduct, thereby protecting the public interest.
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