Rules and Regulations for Professional Engineering

A.Authority: This Part is promulgated in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 5-8-3, 5-84-2 and 42-14-17 by the Board of Registration for Professional Engineers with the approval of the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation. All actions of the Board as described in this Part are subject to the approval of the Director of the Department of Business Regulation pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 5-8-3(b), 5-8-8(a)(1), 5-8-18(a),5-8-18(b), 5-84-5 and 5-84-6.

B.Purpose: The purpose of this Part is to describe and administer the practices and procedures of the Board, and to set forth the rules promulgated to enforce R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 5-8-1 through 5-8-25 for the regulation of the practice of engineering within the State.

C.Scope: This Part applies to the licensing, regulation, and practice of engineering in Rhode Island.

A.In addition to the terms defined in R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-8-2, for the purposes of this Part, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

1.“ABET” means the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.

2."Board" means the State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers, established by R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-8-1, or, when the context permits, to the relevant Administration or personnel thereof.

3. “COA” means Certificate of Authorization.

4."Chairperson" means the Chairperson of the Board.

5.“Department” means the Department of Business Regulation.

6.“Director” means the Director of the Department of Business Regulation.

7.“Division of Design Professionals” means the administrative division of the Department of Business Regulation comprised of the Board of Examination and Registration of Architects, the Board of Examiners of Landscape Architects, the Board of Registration for Professional Engineers, and the Board of Registration for Professional Land Surveyors, in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-84-1 et seq.

8.“EAC” means the Engineering Accreditation Commission, which is part of ABET.

9.“Engineer” means an individual who is qualified to practice engineering by reason of special knowledge and use of the mathematical, physical, and engineering sciences and the principles and methods of engineering analysis and design, acquired by engineering education and engineering experience.

10.“Engineer intern” means an individual who has been duly certified as an engineer intern by the Board.

11.“Experience of a grade and character satisfactory to the Board” means with respect to licensure requirements experience under the supervision of a registered professional engineer that indicates to the Board that the applicant is competent to practice engineering.

12.“FE exam” means the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam administered by NCEES.

13.“Firm” means a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, limited liability partnership or sole proprietorship that practices or offers to practice engineering as described by R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-8-24.

14."In responsible charge," as applied to the Professional Engineer, means a Registrant of the Board who exerts direct control and personal supervision over all activities associated with and defined as engineering. An engineer in responsible charge must also exert and have authority to supervise all such regulated activities by the firm with whom he or she is employed or associated with.

15.“NCEES” means the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying.

16.“Practice of engineering” means any service or creative work, the adequate performance of which requires engineering education, training, and experience in the application of special knowledge of the mathematical, physical, and engineering sciences to such services or creative work as consultation, investigation, expert technical testimony, evaluation, planning, design and design coordination of engineering works and systems, teaching of advanced engineering subjects, performing evaluation surveys and studies, and the review and/or management of construction for the purpose of monitoring and/or ensuring compliance with drawings and specifications; any of which embraces such services or work, either public or private, in connection with any utilities, structures, buildings, machines, equipment, processes, work systems, projects, communication systems, transportation systems, and industrial or consumer products, or equipment of a control systems, communications, mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, environmental, or thermal nature, insofar as they involve safeguarding life, health, or property, and including such other professional services as may be necessary to the planning, progress, and completion of any engineering services.

a.“Design coordination” includes the review and coordination of those technical submissions prepared by others, including as appropriate and without limitation, consulting engineers, architects, landscape architects, surveyors, and other professionals working under the direction of the engineer.

b.A person shall be construed to practice or offer to practice engineering, within the meaning and intent of these rules and regulations, who practices any discipline or branch of the profession of engineering; or who, by verbal claim, sign, advertisement, letterhead, card, or in any other way represents the person to be a professional engineer, or through the use of some other title implies that the individual is a professional engineer or that the person is licensed or authorized under these rules and regulations; or who holds the person out as able to perform, or who does perform any engineering service or work or any other service designated by the practitioner which is recognized as engineering.

17.“PE exam” means the Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam administered by NCEES.

18."Professional engineer" means an individual who has been duly licensed as a professional engineer by the Board. The board may designate a professional engineer, on the basis of education, experience, and examination, as being licensed in a specific discipline or branch of engineering signifying the area in which the engineer has demonstrated competence.

19."Registrant" means any person, corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship or other legal entity holding a license or certificate issued by the Board.

20.“Rules of procedure” means the Department of Business Regulation’s Rules of Procedure for Administrative Hearings, 230-RICR-10-00-2.

A.In administering these rules and regulations and formulating its procedures, the Board recognizes three (3) fundamental obligations:

1.To respect the right to means of a livelihood of any individual who has conscientiously and properly prepared to practice Professional Engineering.

2.To protect the public, to the greatest extent possible, within the limits of the rules and regulations from such dangers, affecting life, health and property, as may arise from the attempt of incompetent or unethical persons to practice this profession.

3.All Engineers and Engineers-In-Training shall conform to the Code of Ethics adopted by this Board in their professional activities.

B. Board Officers – Election and Terms. The Board shall elect annually a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and a Secretary, all of whom shall be members of the Board. Any Officers so elected shall receive not less than three (3) affirmative votes.

1.Duties.

a.Chairperson. The Chairperson shall, when present, preside at meetings and shall appoint all committees. The Chairperson shall otherwise perform all duties pertaining to the office of Chairperson and shall sign all certificates, vouchers and other official documents.

b.Vice-Chairperson. The Vice-Chairperson shall, in the absence or incapacity of the Chairperson, exercise the duties and shall possess all the powers of the Chairperson.

c.Secretary. The Secretary shall sign all certificates and oversee the administrative assistant’s duties.

d.The Board’s Administrative Assistant in coordination with the Secretary shall conduct and care for all correspondence in the name of the Board and shall record and file all applications, certificates of registration, examinations, registrations and revocations; be in possession of the official seal and affix same to all official documents upon order of the Chairperson and Board; keep a record of all meetings, in the form approved by the Board; and maintain a proper account of all the business of the Board.

2.Vacancies. If for any reason vacancies shall occur in the office of Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and/or Secretary, the Offices or Office shall be filled by an election of the Board Members either at a regular stated meeting or a special meeting called for that purpose. Any Officers so elected shall receive not less than three (3) affirmative votes.

3.A quorum shall consist of three (3) members.

C. Board Qualifications. Each professional engineer member of the Board shall be a citizen of the United States and a resident of this jurisdiction. They shall have been engaged in the lawful practice of engineering as a professional engineer for at least twelve (12) years, shall have been in responsible charge of engineering projects for at least five (5) years, and shall be a licensed professional engineer in this jurisdiction as required in R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-8-4.

D.Board Compensation, Expenses. Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-8-5, the Chairperson and each other member shall not be compensated for their service on the Board but shall be reimbursed for all traveling, incidental, and clerical expenses necessarily incurred in carrying out the provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-8-1 et seq.

E.Board Organization and Meetings.

1.Organization.

a.Offices. The offices of the Board shall be at the location shown on the Board’s official website.

b.Seal. The seal of the Board shall be as follows: an embossed circular seal two and one-fourth inches in diameter consisting of two concentric circles, the outer circle to be two and one-eighth inches in diameter, the inner one to be one and three-eighths in diameter and containing the great seal of the State of Rhode Island, and the words "State of Rhode Island, and the words "State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers" below.

c.Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Board shall end on June 30 of each year.

2.Meetings

a.Not less than six stated regular meetings shall be held each year at the location and time shown on the Board’s official website, unless otherwise specified by notice. Special meetings may be called at any time by order of the Chairperson or by a majority of Board members. Due notice of special meeting shall be given to each member.

b.Roberts’ Rules of Order shall govern the procedures of the Board except as otherwise provided by the statutes or Rules and Regulations.

F.The Board shall prepare and publish a "Code of Ethics" designed for the protection of the public. It can be found below in § 1.8 of this Part.

G.Roster. A complete roster showing the names, municipality, state and license or certificate number of all professional engineers, and firms holding a COA is available on the Board’s official website.

A.General Requirements for Licensure

1.It shall be unlawful for any person to practice, or to offer to practice, engineering in this State, or to use in connection with his or her name or otherwise assume, or advertise any title or description tending to convey the impression that he or she is an engineer unless that person has been duly registered or exempted under the provisions R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-8-1 et seq.

2.In addition, pursuant to the provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 5-8-2 and 5-8-24, "the practice or offer to practice engineering" by a firm through individuals is permitted provided that said individuals are:

a.In direct control of such practice;

b.Exercise personal supervision of all personnel who act in behalf of the firm and professional and technical matters; and

c.Are registered under the provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 5-8; and

d.That said firm has been issued a COA by the Board pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-8-24.

3.Any individual and/or firm who submits a response to a request for proposals (“RFP”), or any other bidding method which requires the performance of any engineering work or services, shall be construed to be offering to practice engineering in this State.

B.Engineers in Responsible Charge – Duties

1.A Professional Engineer in responsible charge shall be required to stamp any and all drawings, reports, documents, specifications, plats or other submissions which are required to be stamped by that firm. The engineer in responsible charge shall also be held professionally accountable for the accuracy and correctness of any such documents submitted as well as for the quality and professionalism of the work performed.

2.A Professional Engineer designated as being in responsible charge shall have the authority to approved or disapprove on behalf of the firm any and all activities associated with the regulated profession and such decisions and/or determinations by that individual may not be overturned or altered by any other person or persons associated with that firm except with the approval of the engineer in responsible charge. No registered person or persons may be designated as being in responsible charge of engineering work by any firm, corporation, partnership or sole proprietorship unless and until such time as such designation is done in writing signed by the person in responsible charge.

3.Upon the termination of any designation as in responsible charge, the Registrant must notify the Board within ten (10) days in writing of said termination from the position of being in responsible charge. Until said notice is received, the designated individual shall remain in responsible charge and shall be held accountable for the work performed by that firm, partnership, or sole proprietorship.

C.Application and Fees

1.Any person desiring to practice Professional Engineering in the State of Rhode Island shall apply to the Board for a certificate of Registration and shall submit evidence of his or her qualifications to the Board on forms furnished by the Board, and, upon the approval of the Board, will be issued a certificate as a Professional Engineer.

2.Professional Engineers and any other person or entity registered under the laws of the State of Rhode Island are requested to keep their certificates of registration issued by the Board posted conspicuously in their principal place of business, where the public can examine said certificate.

3.Professional Engineers under this these rules and regulations are expected to practice within their area of competence. This requires that all applicants declare their appropriate engineering discipline of competence and practice. The Board will issue Certificates of Registration to those applicants who demonstrate qualifications acceptable to the Board, for a specific discipline. These disciplines are as follows:

a.Agricultural and Biological Engineering

b.Architectural Engineering

c.Chemical

d.Civil

e.Control Systems

f.Electrical and Computer

g. Environmental

h.Fire Protection

i.Industrial and Systems

j.Mechanical

k.Metallurgical and Materials

l.Mining and Mineral Processing

m.Naval Architecture and Marine

n.Nuclear

o.Petroleum

p.Structural

D.Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-8-14(d), any party aggrieved by the Board’s decision regarding license issuance or renewal may, within ten (10) days of the decision, appeal the matter to the Director by submitting a written request for a formal hearing to be conducted consistent with the provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 5-8-18 and 42-35-9, and the Rules of Procedure, 230-RICR-10-00-2.

A.Applications for Registrations as a Professional Engineer and certification as an Engineer-In-Training shall be made on forms furnished by the Board.

1.Application for certification as an Engineer-In-Training shall, in approval, admit the applicant to examination, the passage of which shall entitle the applicant to a certificate as an Engineer-In-Training.

B.Classes of Applicants. Each applicant shall designate the classification in the following schedule of minimum requirements, under which he or she makes application.

1.Professional Engineer

a.By endorsement/comity without further examination. Acceptable evidence of registration in good standing by comparable written examination in another State, territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, or of any foreign country and/or a certificate of qualification from the NCEES showing the applicant to have qualifications meeting the requirements of the statutes, as defined in R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-8-11(1)(a). All such applicants shall be required to verify such information furnished to the Board in a form satisfactory and approved by the Board.

b.By graduation, experience and examination. Graduates of engineering schools in an ABET/EAC approved four-year engineering curriculum, with, at the time of application, four years of active engineering practice under the oversight of a professional engineer, licensed in the discipline for which the applicant is applying, and indicating experience of a grade and character satisfactory to the Board and passing an NCEES examination in the fundamentals of engineering and passing an NCEES examination in the principles and practice of engineering, as defined in R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-8-11(1)(b).

c.Graduates of engineering schools in an ABET/EAC approved four-year engineering curriculum, with, at the time of application, twelve (12) years or more of active engineering practice under the oversight of a professional engineer, licensed in the discipline for which the applicant is applying, and indicating experience of a grade and character, satisfactory to the Board, and passing an NCEES examination in the Principles and Practice of Engineering, as defined in R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-8-11(1)(b). In order to satisfy the requirements of this provision, the applicant must demonstrate that for each of the twelve (12) years submitted for experience purposes that the applicant was directly employed within the engineering profession and was principally employed in the engineering profession during each of the years submitted.

d.Graduates with a Bachelor’s degree in a science, mathematics, or engineering technology curriculum and an MS Degree in engineering from a college or university that is an ABET/EAC accredited institution for their BS Degree programs with, at the time of application, six (6) years of active engineering practice under the oversight of a professional engineer, licensed in the discipline for which the applicant is applying, and indicating experience of a grade and character satisfactory to the Board and passing an NCEES examination in the fundamentals of engineering and passing an NCEES examination in the principles and practice of engineering.

C.Submission of Applications

1.Registrants in this Board shall be subject to the following interpretations of registration laws in regard to this Board acting upon individual applications and renewals.

a.Each person shall be required to submit applications or renewal applications in a timely fashion in accordance with the schedules established by the Board. Individuals who fail to submit applications for registration or renewals in accordance with the deadlines established by the Board shall be considered to have not complied with the terms and conditions of their license or license application. In the event that the Board shall make such a determination, individuals who were previously registered shall be prohibited from the practice of engineering until such time as the Board has reviewed and accepted their application or renewal of their license.

b.Any individual who shall engage in the practice of engineering while in an unregistered status shall be determined to be in willful violation of the registration laws of the State of Rhode Island and shall be dealt with accordingly. Any person who shall submit or stamp documents during a period when said person is not registered shall be considered to be in willful violation of the registration laws of the State of Rhode Island and shall be subject to being denied registration or denied renewal of past registrations for said actions.

c.Every applicant for registration or a COA, or a renewal thereof, shall be responsible for the accuracy and correctness of the information contained on the application. The Board will not alter any application, nor will the Board accept any verbal changes in any application before the Board. Each applicant must review his/her application carefully and, if changes are to be made, they must be made by the applicant in writing.

D.It is the policy of the Board to not review with any applicant any examination administered to applicants.

E.Board Policy on the Number of Times an Applicant May Be Allowed to Take the FE or PE Exam.

1.A qualified applicant will be allowed to take the FE or PE Exam in a specific discipline a total of three (3) times. This would be an aggregate total regardless of where or when the exam was taken.

2.An applicant who has failed the FE exam or the PE exam three (3) times in a discipline, may request permission to take the exam for an additional time, if before each additional exam attempted, they agree to complete an appropriate Board approved review course or advanced engineering courses in areas of their discipline and submit written proof to the Board of having successfully completed such course or courses.

F.Certificates of Licensure, Seals

1.Each Professional Engineer hereunder may upon registration obtain a stamp/seal of the design indicated below, bearing the Registrants name, serial number and the legend, “Registered Professional Engineer.” Final drawings, plats, and reports prepared by a Registrant shall, when issued, be signed and stamped with the said stamp/seal or facsimile thereof.

2.Electronic Signatures. The Board allows electronic signatures and/or seals on plans submitted to government agencies, such as municipalities and state agencies that accept electronic documentation and electronic signatures and seals as allowed by the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act adopted under R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-127.1-1, et seq. It is incumbent on the Professional Engineer to ensure their electronic signatures and seals are properly encoded to avoid misuse by other than the licensed engineer.

G.Expirations, Renewals and Reinstatement to Active Practice

1.Certificates of licensure shall expire on the last day of the month of June in the odd years following their issuance and shall become invalid after that date unless renewed. It shall be the duty of the Board to notify every individual licensed under this Part of the date of the expiration of the certificate of licensure and the amount of the fee required for its renewal. Such notice shall be emailed to the licensee at their last known email address at least one (1) month in advance of the date of the expiration of the certificate.

2.Renewal may be affected at any time prior to or during the month of June by payment of a fee as established by regulation of the Board. Renewal of an expired certificate may be affected under rules promulgated by the Board regarding requirements for re-examination and penalty fees.

H.Issuance of Duplicate Certificates. A duplicate certificate of licensure or enrollment document to replace any certificate or card lost, destroyed, or mutilated may be issued subject to the rules of the Board.

I.Retirement Status.

1.Any Professional Engineer who currently holds a registration issued by the Board that is active and in good standing and who has attained the age of sixty-five (65) may request that his/her registration be placed in retirement status, provided that he/she is not actively engaged in the Practice of Engineering and has submitted an application for retirement status in a form prescribed by the Board along with payment of a biennial fee in the amount of $20 and any other information or documents required by the Board. A renewal application along with the biennial $20 fee shall be submitted to the Board every two years.

2.A Professional Engineer Registrant in retirement status may restore his/her active registration to engage in the Practice of Engineering by submitting to the Board a renewal application in a form prescribed by the Board along with payment of the current renewal fee for the registration and any other information or documents required by the Board.

3.Professional Engineer Registrants in retirement status may not offer to engage or engage in the Practice of Engineering, or sign or seal or permit the registrant’s seal or signature to be affixed to any plans, drawings, reports or other documents while their retirement status is in effect. Professional Engineers Registrants in retirement status shall be entitled to use the professional engineer designation in their signature title in correspondence, business cards and other documents, provided they must also include reference to their retirement status as follows “PE (retired”) or “Professional Engineer (retired)”.

A.Grounds for Disciplinary Action—Licensees

1.Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-8-18(a) the Board shall have the power to recommend suspension, revocation, placement on probation, imposition of a fine, recovery of costs, and/or reprimand, or refusal of the issuance, restoration, or renewal of a license or intern certification to any licensee that is found to have engaged in:

a.Any fraud or deceit in obtaining or attempting to obtain or renew a certificate of licensure.

b.Any negligence, incompetence, or misconduct in the practice of engineering.

c.Conviction of or entry of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to any crime that is a felony, whether or not related to the practice of engineering; and conviction of or entry of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to any crime, whether a felony, misdemeanor, or otherwise, an essential element of which is dishonesty or which is directly related to the practice of engineering.

d.Failure to comply with any of the provisions of these rules and regulations or any of the rules or regulations of the Board.

e.Discipline by another jurisdiction, foreign country, or the United States government, if at least one of the grounds for discipline is the same or substantially equivalent to those contained in these rules and regulations.

f.Failure to provide information requested by the Board as a result of a formal or informal complaint to the Board which alleges a violation of these rules and regulations.

g.Knowingly making false statements or signing false statements, certifications, or affidavits in connection with the practice of engineering.

h.Aiding or assisting another person in violating any provision of these Laws or the rules or regulations of the Board.

i.Violating any term of probation imposed by the Board or using a seal or practicing engineering while the licensee’s license is inactive or restricted.

j.Signing, affixing, or permitting the licensee’s seal or signature to be affixed to any specifications, reports, drawings, plans, plats, design information, construction documents or calculations, surveys, or revisions thereof which have not been prepared by the licensee or under the licensee’s responsible charge.

k.Engaging in dishonorable, unethical, or unprofessional conduct of a character likely to deceive, defraud, or harm the public.

l.Providing false testimony or information to the Board.

m.Providing engineering services outside any of the licensee’s areas of competence.

2.In addition to or in lieu of any other sanction provided in this Part, any licensee or intern that violates a provision of any rule or regulation of the Board may be assessed a fine in an amount determined by the Board of not more than the amount specified in accordance with the current applicable statute, R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-8-18 for each offense or R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-84-5.

a.Each day of continued violation may constitute a separate offense.

b.In determining the amount of fine to be assessed pursuant to this Part, the Board may consider such factors as the following:

(1)Whether the amount imposed will be a substantial economic deterrent to the violation;

(2)The circumstances leading to the violation;

(3)The severity of the violation and the risk of harm to the public;

(4)The economic benefits gained by the violator as a result of non-compliance; and/or,

(5)The interest of the public.

B.Disciplinary Action Procedures—Licensees

1.Any person or entity, including the Board itself, may file a complaint alleging a violation of any provision of the rules or regulations of the Board against any licensee or against any intern.

2.A complaint shall be in writing and state specifically the facts on which the complaint is based.

a.Complaints shall be submitted using the complaint form as indicated on the Board’s official website.

3.All complaints shall be reviewed by the Board or an investigative committee designated by the Board. After review, the Board or the investigative committee shall recommend, as appropriate, if charges are warranted.

4.All charges, unless dismissed by the Board as unfounded, trivial, or unless settled informally, shall be heard by the Department. The time and place for the hearing shall be fixed by the Department, and a copy of the charges, together with a notice of the time and place of hearing, shall be personally served on or mailed to the last known address of such accused individual at least 30 days before the date fixed for the hearing. At any hearing, the accused individual shall have the right to appear in person or by counsel, or both, to cross-examine witnesses in their defense and to produce evidence and witnesses in their defense. If the accused individual fails or refuses to appear at the hearing, the Department may proceed to hear and determine the validity of the charges in the accused individual’s absence. All hearings shall be conducted pursuant to the Rules of Procedure, 230-RICR-10-00-2 and R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-35-1, et seq.

5.A licensee or intern aggrieved by any action of the Department in levying a fine; recovering costs; reprimanding; placing on probation; denying; suspending; refusing to issue, restore, or renew; or revoking a license or intern certification may appeal the Board’s decision to the proper court pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-35-14 and the Rules of Procedure, §§ 230-RICR-10-00-2.19 and 2.20.

6.Any financial sanction assessed pursuant to § 1.6 of this Part shall be assessed in a proceeding as provided in this § 1.6 of this Part. Unless the amount of the penalty is paid within thirty (30) days after the order becomes final, the order shall constitute a judgment and shall be filed and execution issued thereon in the same manner as any other judgment of a court of record.

7.An action to enforce an order under this § 1.6 of this Part may be combined with an action for an injunction.

8.The Board may, upon petition of a licensee or intern, reissue a license or intern certification that has been revoked by the Department, provided that a majority of the Board votes in favor of such reissuance.

a.In the event that any individual or firm shall have his license revoked or not renewed for cause, said person shall not be permitted to reapply for registration for a period of not less than five (5) years. Upon re-application, it shall be the burden of the applicant to demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that sufficient grounds exist to support the applicant's request for registration. The Board may modify this rule on a case by case basis when a license has been "not renewed" due to a license suspension of less than five (5) years duration.

C.Grounds for Disciplinary Action—Unlicensed Individuals

1.Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-8-20(c) in addition to any other provisions of law, the Board shall have the power to fine pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-84-5 and recover costs pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-8-18(a)(7) from any unlicensed individual who is found guilty of:

a.Engaging in the practice or offer to practice of engineering in this jurisdiction without being licensed in accordance with the provisions of this Part.

b.Using or employing the words “engineer,” “engineering,” or any modification or derivative thereof in his or her name or form of business activity except as licensed in this Part

c.Presenting or attempting to use the certificate of licensure or seal of a professional engineer.

d.Engaging in any fraud or deceit in obtaining or attempting to obtain a certificate of licensure or intern certification.

e.Impersonating any professional engineer.

f.Using or attempting to use an expired, suspended, revoked, inactive, retired, or non-existent certificate of licensure.

2.A fine assessed under this Part may not exceed fees determined in the amount specified in accordance with the R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-84-5 as applicable, and/or modified by the Department for each offense. No further requirements shall be necessary to assess or modify the fine.

3.Each day of continued violation may constitute a separate offense.

4.In determining the amount of fine to be assessed and recommended pursuant to this Part, the Board may consider such factors as the following:

a.Whether the amount imposed will be a substantial economic deterrent to the violation;

b.The circumstances leading to the violation;

c.The severity of the violation and the risk of harm to the public;

d.The economic benefits gained by the violator as a result of non-compliance; and/or,

e.The interest of the public.

D.Disciplinary Action Procedures—Unlicensed Individuals

1.Any person or entity, including the Board itself, may file a complaint alleging a violation of any provision of the rules or regulations of the Board against any unlicensed individual.

2.A complaint shall be in writing and state specifically the facts on which the complaint is based.

3.All complaints shall be reviewed by the Board or an investigative committee designated by the Board. After review, the Board or the investigative committee shall determine or recommend, as appropriate, if charges are warranted.

4.All charges, unless dismissed by the Board as unfounded, trivial, or unless settled informally, shall be heard by the Department. The time and place for the hearing shall be fixed by the Department, and a copy of the charges, together with a notice of the time and place of hearing, shall be personally served on or mailed to the last known address of such accused individual at least 30 days before the date fixed for the hearing. At any hearing, the accused individual shall have the right to appear in person or by counsel, or both, to cross-examine witnesses in their defense and to produce evidence and witnesses in their defense. If the accused individual fails or refuses to appear at the hearing, the Board may proceed to hear and determine the validity of the charges in the accused individual’s absence. All hearings shall be conducted pursuant to the Rules of Procedure, 230-RICR-10-00-2.

5.If after such hearing a majority of the Board votes in favor of sustaining the charges, the Department shall impose a fine for this unlicensed activity in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-84-5 for each count and recover costs from the accused individual.

6.An individual aggrieved by any action of the Department in levying a fine or recovering costs may appeal the Department’s decision to the proper court pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-35-14 and the Rules of Procedure, §§ 230-RICR-10-00-2.19 and 2.20.

7.Any financial sanction assessed pursuant to this Part shall be assessed in a proceeding as provided for in this Part. Unless the amount of the penalty is paid within 30 days after the order becomes final, the order shall constitute a judgment and shall be filed and execution issued thereon in the same manner as any other judgment of a court of record.

8.An action to enforce an order under this Part may be combined with an action for an injunction.

E.Grounds for Disciplinary Action—Firms Holding a COA

1.Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-8-18(a) the Board shall have the power to recommend suspension, revocation, placement on probation, imposition of a fine, recovery of costs, and/or a reprimand, or refusal of the issuance of, restoration of, or renewal of a COA to any firm holding a COA that is found to have engaged in:

a.Any fraud or deceit in obtaining or attempting to obtain or renew a COA.

b.Any negligence, incompetence, or misconduct in the practice of engineering.

c.Conviction of or entry of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to any crime that is a felony, whether or not related to the practice of engineering; and conviction of or entry of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to any crime, whether a felony, misdemeanor, or otherwise, an essential element of which is dishonesty or which is directly related to the practice of engineering.

d.Failure to comply with any of the provisions of this Act or any of the rules or regulations of the Board.

e.Discipline by another jurisdiction, foreign country, or the United States government, if at least one of the grounds for discipline is the same or substantially equivalent to those contained in these rules and regulations.

f.Failure to provide information requested by the Board as a result of a formal or informal complaint to the Board which alleges a violation of these rules and regulations.

g.Knowingly making false statements or signing false statements, certifications, or affidavits in connection with the practice of engineering.

h.Aiding or assisting another person in violating any provision of the Law or the rules or regulations of the Board.

i.Violating any terms of probation imposed by the Board or using a seal or practicing engineering while the firm’s COA is inactive or restricted.

j.Engaging in dishonorable, unethical, or unprofessional conduct of a character likely to deceive, defraud, or harm the public.

k.Providing false testimony or information to the Board.

2.In addition to or in lieu of any other sanction provided in this Part, any firm holding a COA that violates a provision of the Law or any rule or regulation of the Board may be assessed a fine in an amount determined by the Board of not more than the amount specified in accordance with the R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 5-8-18 and/or 5-84-5, as applicable.

a.Each day of continued violation may constitute a separate offense.

b.In determining the amount of fine to be assessed pursuant to this Part, the Board may consider such factors as the following:

(1)Whether the amount imposed will be a substantial economic determent to the violation;

(2)The circumstances leading to the violation;

(3)The severity of the violation and the risk of harm to the public;

(4)The economic benefits gained by the violator as a result of non-compliance; and/or,

(5)The interest of the public.

c.In addition to any other sanction provided in this Part, the Board shall have the power to sanction as follows any firm where one or more of its managing agents, officers, directors, owners, or managers have been found to have engaged in any conduct which would constitute a violation under the provisions of the Law or any of the rules or regulations of the Board:

(1)Place on probation, fine, recover costs from, and/or reprimand;

(2)Revoke, suspend, or refuse to issue, restore, or renew the COA.

F.Disciplinary Action Procedures—Firms Holding a COA

1.Any person or entity, including the Board itself, may file a complaint alleging a violation of any provision of this Part or any of the rules or regulations of the Board against any firm holding a COA.

2.A complaint shall be in writing and state specifically the facts on which the complaint is based.

3.All complaints shall be reviewed by the Board or an investigative committee designated by the Board. After review, the Board or the investigative committee shall determine or recommend, as appropriate, if charges are warranted.

4.All charges, unless dismissed by the Board as unfounded, trivial, or unless settled informally, shall be heard by the Department. The time and place for the hearing shall be fixed by the Department, and a copy of the charges, together with a notice of the time and place of hearing, shall be personally served on or mailed to the last known address of such accused firm at least thirty (30) days before the date fixed for the hearing. At any hearing, the accused firm and the accused firm’s managing agent shall have the right to appear in person or by counsel, or both, to cross-examine witnesses in the accused firm’s defense and to produce evidence and witnesses in the accused firm’s defense. If the accused firm fails or refuses to appear at the hearing, the Department may proceed to hear and determine the validity of the charges in the accused firm’s absence.

5.If after such hearing a majority of the Board votes in favor of sustaining the charges, the Board shall reprimand, fine in an amount not to exceed the amount specified in accordance with the current applicable statute, R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-8-18 for each count, recover costs, refuse to issue, restore or renew, place on probation for a period of time, and subject to such conditions as the Department may specify, suspend, revoke, or any combination thereof, the accused firm’s COA. All hearings shall be conducted pursuant to Rules of Procedure, 230-RICR-10-00-2.

6.A firm aggrieved by any action of the Department in levying a fine; recovering costs; reprimanding; placing on probation; denying; suspending, refusing to issue, restore, or renew; or revoking a firm COA may appeal the Department’s decision to the proper court pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-35-15 and the Rules of Procedure, §§ 230-RICR-10-00-2.19 and 2.20.

7.Any financial sanction assessed pursuant to § 1.6 of this Part shall be assessed in a proceeding as provided for in this Part. Unless the amount of the penalty is paid within thirty (30) days after the order becomes final, the order shall constitute a judgment and shall be filed and execution issued thereon in the same manner as any other judgment of a court of record.

8.An action to enforce an order under this Part may be combined with an action for an injunction.

9.The Department may, upon petition of a firm to reissue a firm COA that has been revoked by the Department, provided that a majority of the Board votes in favor of such reissuance.

G.Grounds for Disciplinary Action—Firms Not Holding a COA

1.Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-8-20(c) in addition to any other provisions of law, the Board shall have the power to fine pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-84-5 and recover costs pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-8-18(a)(7) from any firm that does not hold a COA and that is found guilty of:

a.Engaging in the practice or offer to practice of engineering or surveying in this jurisdiction without being authorized in accordance with the provisions of these rules and regulations;

b.Using or employing the words “engineer,” “engineering,” or any modification or derivative thereof in its name or form of business activity except as authorized in these rules and regulations;

c.Presenting or attempting to use an unauthorized COA;

d.Engaging in any fraud or deceit in obtaining or attempting to obtain a COA;

e.Impersonating any firm holding a COA; and/or,

f.Using or attempting to use an expired, suspended, revoked, inactive, retired, or non-existent COA.

2.A fine assessed under this Part may not exceed the amount specified in accordance with the current applicable statutes, R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 5-8-18(a) and/or 5-84-5 for each offense.

3.Each day of continued violation may constitute a separate offense.

4.In determining the amount of fine to be assessed pursuant to this Part, the Board may consider such factors as the following:

a.Whether the amount imposed will be a substantial economic deterrent to the violation;

b.The circumstances leading to the violation;

c.The severity of the violation and the risk of harm to the public;

d.The economic benefits gained by the violator as a result of non-compliance; and/or,

e.The interest of the public.

5.In addition to any other sanction provided in this Part, the Board shall have the power to recommend fines and recovery of costs from any firm where one or more of its managing agents, officers, directors, owners, or managers have been found of any conduct which would constitute a violation under the provisions of this Part or any of the rules or regulations of the Board.

H.Disciplinary Action Procedures—Firms Not Holding a COA

1.Any person or entity, including the board itself, may file a complaint alleging a violation of any provision of this Act or any of the rules or regulations of the board against any firm that does not hold a COA.

2.A complaint shall be in writing and state specifically the facts on which the complaint is based.

3.All complaints shall be reviewed by the Board or an investigative committee designated by the Board. After review, the Board or the investigative committee shall determine or recommend, as appropriate, if charges are warranted.

4.All charges, unless dismissed by the Board as unfounded, trivial, or unless settled informally, shall be heard by the Board. The time and place for the hearing shall be fixed by the board, and a copy of the charges, together with a notice of the time and place of hearing, shall be personally served on or mailed to the last known address of such accused firm at least 30 days before the date fixed for the hearing. At any hearing, the accused firm shall have the right to appear in person or by counsel, or both, to cross-examine witnesses in its defense and to produce evidence and witnesses in its defense. If the accused firm fails or refuses to appear at the hearing, the Board may proceed to hear and determine the validity of the charges in the accused firm’s absence.

5.If after such hearing a majority of the Board votes in favor of sustaining the charges, the Board shall fine in an amount not to exceed the amount specified in accordance with the current applicable statute, R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-8-18 for each count and recover costs from the accused firm.

6.A firm aggrieved by any action of the Board in levying a fine or recovering costs may appeal the Board’s decision to the proper court pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-35-15 and the Rules of Procedure, §§ 230-RICR-10-00-2.19 and 2.20.

7.Any financial sanction assessed pursuant to this Part shall be assessed in a proceeding as provided for in this Part. Unless the amount of the penalty is paid within thirty (30) days after the order becomes final, the order shall constitute a judgment and shall be filed and execution issued thereon in the same manner as any other judgment of a court of record.

8.An action to enforce an order under this Part may be combined with an action for an injunction.

I.All disciplinary actions taken by the Board will be published on the Board’s website in order to ensure that the public is fully informed as to the identity of the Registrant and nature of the disciplinary action taken by the Board. In addition, the Board shall cause the individuals to be notified in writing of any disciplinary action and furnish to those individuals copies of any notice of discipline taken by the Board.

A.General Requirements for COAs.

1.Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-8-1, et seq., any Firm who practices or offers to practice engineering within the State of Rhode Island must obtain a COA to do so prior to practicing or offering to practice engineering in this State. That COA is issued by this Board after application and review by the Board.

2.Firms which have one (1) person employed by the firm (regardless of the official title of that position i.e. secretary, engineer, etc.), may be eligible for a waiver of the fee assessed for a COA if that person is in responsible charge. The decision to grant such "waiver" will be made by the Board after application and review by the Board.

3.Each firm which obtains a COA must designate one or more engineers registered in the State of Rhode Island as being in responsible charge of all engineering work. The failure to so designate an engineer shall result in denial of the application.

4.Individual registrations are intended to allow Professional Engineers who are not acting under the control, supervision, or authority of a "firm" to practice engineering within the State of Rhode Island. As an individual Registrant, this Board will ascribe personal liability to the work product of that engineer and will not substitute the name of any corporation, partnership and/or sole proprietorship for that of the individual engineer. The obtaining of an individual registration as a Professional Engineer in this State does not entitle a person to a COA for a corporation, partnership or sole proprietorship automatically. A COA must be applied for and obtained from this Board.

5.Regardless of the type of registration or certificate obtained from this Board, no person or firm may practice or offer to practice engineering in the State of Rhode Island without proper authorization from this Board. The practice of engineering in this State is defined by R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-8-1, et seq. and is strictly applied by this Board. No person or firm may practice or offer to practice engineering in this State under the "agency" of another person or firm unless full and complete compliance with Rhode Island General Laws has been obtained.

B.Expirations and Renewals

1.Certificates of authorization for firms shall expire on the last day of the month of June in the even years following their issuance and shall become invalid after that date unless renewed. It shall be the duty of the Board to notify every firm holding a COA under this Part of the date of the expiration of the COA and the amount of the fee required for its renewal. Such notice shall be emailed to the firm at its last known email address at least one (1) month in advance of the date of the expiration of the certificate.

2.Renewal may be affected at any time prior to or during the month of June by payment of a fee as established by regulation of the Board. Renewal of an expired certificate may be affected under rules promulgated by the Board regarding requirements for penalty fees.

C.Issuance of Duplicate Certificates. A duplicate COA to replace any certificate lost, destroyed, or mutilated may be issued subject to the rules of the Board.

A.The purpose of this Code of Ethics is to safeguard life, health, and property, to promote the public welfare, and to maintain a high standard of integrity and practice.

B.These rules shall be binding on every person holding a certificate of registration as a Professional Engineer and on all partnerships, sole proprietorships, corporations or other legal entities authorized to offer or perform engineering services in this State. All Registrants under the Rhode Island statute are required to be familiar with the registration statute and these rules. The "Rules of Professional Conduct" delineate specific obligations the Registrant must meet. In addition, each Registrant is charged with the responsibility of adhering to standards of the highest ethical and moral conduct in all aspects of the practice of professional engineering.

1.All Registrants shall perform their services only in the areas of their competence according to current standards of technical competence.

2.Registrants shall recognize their responsibility to the public and shall represent themselves before the public only in an objective and truthful manner.

3.Registrants shall avoid conflicts of interest and faithfully serve the legitimate interests of their clients, employers, and customers within the limits defined by these rules. Registrants’ professional reputation shall be built on the merit of their services and they shall not compete unfairly with others.

4.The "Rules of Professional Conduct" as promulgated in this Part are enforced under the powers granted to the Board under R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-8-1, et seq.

C.Obligations to Society

1.Registrants, in the performance of their services for clients, employers, and customers, shall be cognizant that their first and foremost responsibility is to the public welfare.

2.Registrants shall approve and seal only those design documents that conform to accepted engineering standards and safeguard the life, health, property, and welfare of the public.

3.The application of a professional engineer seal shall indicate that the engineer has exercised direct control and personal supervision over the work to which the seal is affixed. Therefore, no Registrant shall affix a name, seal or certification to a plat, drawing, design, specification or other work constituting the practice of engineering which has been prepared by an unlicensed or uncertified person or firm unless such work was performed under the direct control and personal supervision of the engineer. If the engineer is unable to seal completed professional engineering work, such work may be sealed by another registered engineer after thorough review and verification that the work has been accomplished to the same extent that would have been exercised if the work had been done under the direct control and personal supervision of the Registrant affixing the professional seal.

4.A principal or authorized licensed or certified employee shall apply a seal to final and complete cover sheets of plans, drawings, plats, technical reports and specification and to each original sheet of plans, drawing or plats, prepared by the engineer or someone under his or her direct control and personal supervision.

a.All seal imprints on final documents shall bear an original signature and date.

b.Incomplete plans, documents and sketches, whether advance or preliminary copies, must be so identified and need not be sealed or signed.

c.All plans, drawings or plats prepared by the Registrant shall bear the Registrants name or firm name, address and project name.

d.Application of the seal and signature indicates acceptance of responsibility by the Registrant sealing said documents for all work shown thereon unless clearly indicated in writing on each sheet.

e.The failure to conform to these requirements shall constitute the failure to seal a document.

5.Registrants shall notify their client or employer and such other authority as may be appropriate when their professional judgment is overruled under circumstances where life, health, property, or welfare of the public is endangered. Such notification shall be in writing when and where practicable.

6.Registrants shall be objective and truthful in professional reports, statements, or testimony. They shall include all relevant and pertinent information in such reports, statements, or testimony.

7.Registrants shall express a professional opinion publicly only when it is founded upon an adequate knowledge of the facts and a competent evaluation of the subject matter.

8.Registrants shall issue no statements, criticisms, or arguments on technical matters which are inspired or paid for by interested parties, unless they explicitly identify the interested parties on whose behalf they are speaking and reveal any interest they have in the matters.

9.Registrants shall not permit the use of their name or firm name by, nor associate in business ventures with, any person or firm which is engaging in fraudulent or dishonest business practices.

10.Registrants having knowledge of possible violations of any of these "Rules of Professional Conduct" must provide the Board with the information necessary for the Board to render a final determination of the propriety of the conduct of any Registrant.

11.Registrants shall, upon request or demand, produce to the Board, or any of its agents, any plan, drawing, document, book, record or copy thereof in his possession concerning a transaction covered by these rules and shall cooperate in the investigation of a complaint filed with the Board against another Registrant.

D.Obligations to Clients or Employer

1.Registrants shall undertake assignments only when qualified by education or experience in the specific technical fields of engineering involved. Registrants are not to be restricted to one discipline, rather, as Professional Engineers they are to practice in their fields of competence, provided however, that in the event this Board shall issue registration and/or licenses in a specific area of practice, no person/firm and/or Registrant shall practice in that area unless registered to do so by this Board.

2.Registrants shall not affix their signatures or seals to any drawings or documents dealing with subject matter in which they lack competence, nor to any such drawing or document not prepared under their direct control and personal supervision.

3.Registrants may accept assignments, as the prime design professional, to oversee and to coordinate an entire project, provided that each design segment is signed and sealed by the registrant or individual responsible for preparation of that design segment.

4.Professional Engineers in their capacity as the prime design professional will oversee and coordinate the work of other design professionals embracing those services or work in connection with any public or private utilities, structures, buildings, machines, equipment, processes, work, or projects wherein the public welfare or the safeguarding of life, health, or property is involved or concerned.

5.Registrants shall not reveal facts, data, or information obtained in a professional capacity without the prior consent of the client or employer except as authorized or required by law.

6.Registrants shall not solicit or accept financial or other valuable considerations, directly or indirectly, from contractors, their agents, or other parties in connection with work for clients or employers.

7.Registrants shall make full prior disclosures to their clients or employers of potential conflicts of interest or other circumstances which could influence or appear to influence their judgment or the quality of their service.

8.Registrants shall not accept compensation, financial or otherwise, from more than one party for services pertaining to the same project, unless the circumstances are fully disclosed and agreed to by all interested parties.

9.Registrants shall not solicit or accept a professional contract from a government body on which a principal or officer of their organization serves as a member. Conversely, Registrants serving as members, advisors, or employees of a governmental body or department, who are the principals or employees of private concern, shall not participate in decisions with respect to professional services offered or provided by said concern to the governmental body which they serve.

10.Registrants shall not participate in bribery in the course of soliciting, maintaining, or increasing work.

E.Obligations to Other Registrants

1.Registrants shall not falsify or permit misrepresentation of their or their associates', academic or professional qualifications. They shall not misrepresent or exaggerate their degree of responsibility in prior assignments or the complexity of said assignments. Presentations incident to the solicitation of employment or business shall not misrepresent pertinent facts concerning employers, employees, associates, joint ventures or past accomplishments.

2.Registrants shall not offer, give, solicit, or receive, either directly or indirectly, any commission or gift, or other valuable consideration in order to secure work, and shall not make any political contribution with the intent to influence the award of a contract by a public authority.

3.Registrants shall not attempt to injure, maliciously or falsely, directly or indirectly, the professional reputation, prospects, practice or employment of other Registrants, nor indiscriminately criticize another Registrants’ work.

4.Registrants shall not knowingly use the design, drawings or work of another design professional without the original design professional's knowledge and consent. In the event the consent has been obtained, a thorough review of the design, drawings or work of the design professional will be assumed.

5.Registrants shall be in good standing in every jurisdiction where registered or where engaged in the practice of engineering.

6.Applicants for registration with the Board shall be in good standing in every  jurisdiction where licensed or certified and shall not have had a license or certificate suspended, revoked or surrendered in connection with a disciplinary action. Any person or firm applying for registration in this State shall fully set forth the facts, dates and circumstances of any prior investigation and/or disciplinary action by any other jurisdiction. The failure to do so shall constitute sufficient grounds for denial of any application submitted to this Board.

A.Public Works

1.Any jurisdiction, county, or local government agencies or authorities, or officials or employees thereof, shall not engage in the practice of engineering or surveying involving either public or private property without the project being under the responsible charge of a professional engineer for engineering projects or a professional surveyor for surveying projects, as provided for the practice of the respective professions by these regulations.

2.Engineered Products and Systems. Licensed engineers shall be in responsible charge of all engineering design of buildings, structures, products, machines, processes, and systems that can affect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

B.Public Information

1.Public records may be made by written request to the Board pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 38-2-1 et seq. and 230-RICR-10-00-1, the Department of Business Regulation’s rules for Access to Public Records.

2.Petitions for Rulemaking, Amendment or Repeal

a.Any interested person may petition the Board requesting the promulgation, amendment, or repeal of any rule.

b.Where the petition requests the promulgation of rule, the requested or proposed rule must be set out in full. The petition must also include all the reasons for the requested rule together with briefs of any applicable law. Where the petition requests the amendment or repeal of a rule presently in effect, the rule or portion of the rule in question must be set out as well as a suggested amended form if any. The petition must include all reasons for the requested amendment or repeal of the rule.

c.All petitions shall be considered by the Board and the Board may, in its discretion, order a hearing for the further consideration and discussion of the requested promulgation, amendment, repeal, or modification of any rule.

d.Declaratory Rulings - Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-35-8 and 230-RICR-10-00-3, the Department of Business Regulation’s rules for Declaratory Rulings and Petitions (“Declaratory Rulings”), the Board will accept requests from any person or Entity for advisory opinions or declaratory rulings on the Practice of Engineering.

e.Application for Temporary Permit. It is the policy of the Rhode Island Board of Registration for Professional Engineers to not issue a temporary permit to practice or offer to practice engineering in the State of Rhode Island.

C.Invalid Provisions. If any of the provisions of these rules and regulations or if any rule, regulation, or order of the Board or if the application of such provision to any person or circumstance shall be held invalid, the remainder of these rules and regulations and the application of such provision of these rules and regulations or such rule, regulation, or order to persons or circumstances, other than those as to which it is held invalid, shall not be affected thereby.

A.Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 5-8-12, 5-8-14, 5-8-15 and 5-8-24, the Board is authorized to set fees for applications, registrations, certifications, and renewals. To any extent these fees vary from those imposed by statute, the statute controls. All fees are nonrefundable.