Original Notice.

Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 00-11-088 and 00-22-043.

Title of Rule: This will be new chapter 196-33 WAC, Rules of professional practice. The chapter contains five sections that provide information to licensed individuals regarding professional conduct, practice, direct supervision, stamping and seals, as provided for in chapter 18.210 RCW.

Purpose: The purpose of this new chapter is to implement those parts of RCW 18.210.005, 18.210.020, 18.210.130, and 18.210.150 requiring the establishment of standards of practice, outlining professional conduct, defining direct supervision and establishing the professional seal/stamp and its proper usage for persons who are licensed under chapter 18.210 RCW to practice, or offer to practice the design of on-site wastewater treatment systems in the state, and licensed professional engineers under chapter 18.43 RCW practicing on-site design.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 18.210.060 and 18.43.035.

Statute Being Implemented: Chapter 18.210 RCW.

Summary: 2SSB 5821 established the on-site wastewater treatment system designer licensing/inspector certification program in July 1999. That legislation was codified as chapter 18.210 RCW. This law requires the statewide regulation of persons practicing on-site wastewater treatment system design services through the establishment of a licensing program and standards of practice. These standards shall apply to the affected practitioners, whether licensed professional designers under chapter 18.210 RCW, or licensed professional engineers under chapter 18.43 RCW.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: See Purpose above.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Joe Vincent Jr., 405 Black Lake Boulevard, Olympia, WA, (360) 664-1567; Implementation and Enforcement: George A. Twiss, 405 Black Lake Boulevard, Olympia, WA, (360) 664-1565.

Name of Proponent: Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, On-Site Wastewater Treatment System Designer Licensing/Inspector Certification Advisory Committee, governmental.

Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: This new WAC chapter and set of rules establishes the standard of professional conduct, defines direct supervision, and seal and stamp design and usage.

     The purpose of these rules is to notify all persons who practice on-site wastewater treatment system design services and local health department employees who inspect designs, of the expected professional conduct of designers, the requirements of direct supervision, and the appropriate use of the professional seal/stamp and its design.

     The effect is to implement the requirements of chapter 18.210 RCW, establishing a professional standard for this industry.

Proposal does not change existing rules.

No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. The legislature, through 2SSB 5821, mandated the examination and licensing of persons practicing on-site wastewater treatment system design services and the examination and certification of local health department employees who inspect designs. The bill does not require a business to pay for the examination, license, or certificate or the time needed to complete the examination; those costs are typically borne by the license or certificate applicant. In addition, research conducted by the Engineer Registration Board and the On-Site Advisory Committee found that all businesses doing on-site designer work fall into the states' definition of "small business." Consequently, these small businesses cannot be placed at a disadvantage by larger businesses doing the same work.

Section 201, chapter 403, Laws of 1995, does not apply to this rule adoption. Neither the Department of Licensing, or the board of registration are one of the named agencies in this statute.

Hearing Location: La Quinta Inn, 1425 East 27th Street, Tacoma, WA 98421, on April 12, 2001, at 7:00 p.m.; and at The Double Tree Hotel, 322 North Spokane Falls Court, Spokane, WA 99201, on April 19, 2001, at 7:00 p.m.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Kim Chipman by March 16, 2001, TDD (360) 586-2788, or (360) 664-1564.

Submit Written Comments to: Joe Vincent Jr., Manager, On-Site Program, Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, P.O. Box 9649, Olympia, WA 98507-9649, fax (360) 664-2551, by May 1, 2001.

Date of Intended Adoption: May 17, 2001.

February 7, 2001

George A. Twiss

Executive Director

Chapter 196-33 WAC

Rules of Professional Practice
NEW SECTION
WAC 196-33-100   Purpose and definitions   (1) The purpose of Chapter 196-33 WAC is to provide further guidance to licensees with respect to the accepted professional conduct and standard of practice, as indicated in chapter 18.210 RCW, and generally expected to those practicing professional on-site wastewater treatment system deigning. These standards shall apply to all persons authorized to practice on-site wastewater treatment system design services, whether licensed professional designers under chapter 18.210 RCW, or licensed professional engineers under chapter 18.43 RCW. The board recognizes the need to establish standards with which to measure the performance of practitioners. The Board further recognizes, as a minimum standard, those standards for the design of on-site wastewater treatment systems required by WAC 246-272, promulgated by the department of health in accordance with their authority granted in chapter 43.20.050 RCW. It is the intent of the board to introduce guidance and direction through these rules, together with recommended standards and guidance documents.

     (2) The word "licensee" in these rules of professional practice shall mean any person holding a license issued in accordance with chapter 18.210 RCW, or chapter 18.43 RCW, issued by this board.

     (3) All licensees are charged with having knowledge of and practicing in accordance with the provisions of these rules of professional practice.

     (4) Should there be any conflict in the guidance provided in this chapter and the intent of the language of Chapter 18.210 RCW, the intent of the language in Chapter 18.210 RCW prevails.

     (5) Terms used in this chapter shall have the same definition as provided in Chapter 18.210 RCW.

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     (1) Licensees are expected to apply the skill, diligence and judgment required by the professional standard of care, to achieve the goals and objectives agreed with the client or employer, and are expected to promptly inform the client or employer of progress and changes in conditions that may affect the appropriateness or achievability of some or all of the goals and objectives of the client or employer. Licensees are obliged to:

     (a) be honest and fair in their dealings, and to conform to the relevant laws and codes of the jurisdiction in which they practice.

     (b) be able to demonstrate that their final products and work plans adequately consider the primary importance of protecting the safety, health, property, and welfare of the general public.

     (c) approve or seal only documents prepared by them or under their direct supervision.

     (d) inform their clients or employers of the possible consequences, when an overruling or disregarding of the licensee's professional judgment may threaten the safety or health of the public. If in the judgment of the licensee an imminently dangerous situation persists, they shall promptly inform appropriate authorities.

     (e) inform the board in writing, citing specific facts to which the licensee has direct knowledge, if they have knowledge or reason to believe that another person or firm may be in violation of any of the provisions of chapter 18.210 RCW or these rules of professional conduct, and cooperate with the board in furnishing such further information or assistance as may be required.

     (2) Licensees shall be competent in the technology, and knowledgeable of the codes, regulations, and guidelines applicable to the services they perform.

     (3) Licensees shall be qualified by education and/or experience in the technical area of on-site wastewater treatment system design applicable to services performed and the technologies utilized.

     (4) Licensees may accept primary contractual responsibility requiring education and/or experience outside their own area of competence, provided their services are restricted to those phases of the project in which they are qualified.

     (5) Licensees shall not affix their signatures or seals to any plan or document dealing with subject matter in which they lack competence by virtue of education and/or experience.

     (6) Licensees shall act in professional matters for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees.

     (7) Licensees shall be objective and truthful in professional documents, reports, statements, or testimony. They shall include all relevant and pertinent information in such reports, statements or testimony. They shall not knowingly falsify, misrepresent or conceal a material fact in offering or providing services to a client or employer.

     (8) Licensees shall avoid all known or potential conflicts of interest with their employers or clients and shall promptly inform their employers or clients of any business association, interest, or circumstances, which could influence their judgment, or the quality of their services.

     (9) Licensees shall only accept compensation from one party for services on a project, unless the circumstances are fully disclosed to and agreed to, by all interested parties.

     (10) Licensees shall not solicit or, accept gratuities, directly or indirectly, from contractors, their agents, or other parties dealing with their clients or employers in connection with work for which they are responsible.

     (11) Licensees shall advise their employers or clients when, as a result of their studies, they believe a project will not achieve the goals established with the client.

     (12) Licensees shall not use confidential information coming to them in the course of their assignments as a means of making personal profit if such action is adverse to the interests of their clients, employers or the public.

     (13) Licensees employed full-time shall not accept professional employment outside of their regular work or interest without the knowledge and consent of their employers.

     (14) Licensees shall offer their professional services in a truthful, objective, and professional manner that results in public trust in the integrity of the on-site design profession.

     (15) Licensees shall not request, propose or accept professional commissions on a contingent basis under circumstances in which their professional judgments may be compromised.

     (16) Licensees shall not offer or accept money, goods or other favors as inducement to receive favorable consideration for a professional assignment or as an inducement to approve, authorize or influence the granting of a professional assignment. This shall not preclude the securing of salaried positions through employment agencies.

     (17) Licensees shall negotiate contracts for professional services fairly and on the basis of demonstrated competence and qualifications for the type of professional service required.

     (18) Licensees shall not falsify or permit misrepresentation of their academic or professional qualifications or experience.

     (19) Licensees shall not advertise professional services in a way that is false or misleading as to the qualification, experience, or capability of the licensee.

     (20) Public statements by licensees regarding the practice of on-site wastewater treatment systems design shall be objective and truthful.

     (21) Licensees should endeavor to extend the public knowledge of on-site wastewater treatment system design and shall not participate in the dissemination of untrue, unfair, or exaggerated statements regarding the profession.

     (22) Professional reports, statements, or testimony made to the public or public entities shall include all relevant and pertinent information to support conclusions or opinions expressed.

     (23) Licensees when serving as an expert witness shall express an on-site design opinion only when it is founded upon adequate knowledge of the facts, upon a background of technical competence, and upon honest conviction.

     (24) Licensees shall issue no statements, criticisms, or arguments regarding on-site design matters, which are inspired or paid for by interested parties, unless they indicate on whose behalf the statements, are made.

     (25) Licensees shall continue their professional development throughout their careers, and shall provide opportunities for the professional development of those individuals under their supervision.

     (26) Licensees shall respond to any legal request for information by the board and/or appear before the board in the time frame established by the board or their staff designee.

     (27) In addition to the requirements of Chapter 18.210.020 and this chapter, the following acts are contrary to the standard of practice for individuals authorized to practice under this chapter and constitute unprofessional conduct in the practice of on-site wastewater treatment system designing:

     (a) Duplicating, copying, removing or attempting to remove materials from the custody and control of the Board that are exempt from inspection or copying under chapter 42.17 RCW when such duplication, copying or removal was not expressly authorized by the board.

     (b) Failure to notify a client or employer that a project could not be completed or was not completed.

     (c) Failure to respond to client inquiries under conditions which endanger the health, safety, or welfare of the public or the client or the client's property.

     (d) Failure to respond to inquiries from other on-site practitioners or governmental agencies regarding differences in your respective work products, under conditions which endanger the public health, safety, or welfare or the health, safety, or welfare of the client or the client's property.

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     Communications between the licensee and those persons who are performing the work include, but are not limited to, use of any of the following ways: Direct face-to-face communications; written communications; U.S. mail; electronic mail; facsimiles; telecommunications, or other current technology: Provided, that the licensee retains, maintains, and asserts continuing control and judgment.

     Nothing in this section shall be construed to relieve the licensee from the responsibility of final decision making and plan stamping.

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     (1) State of Washington;

     (2) Licensed On-Site Wastewater Treatment System Designer;

     (3) License number;

     (4) Licensee's name as shown on license;

     (5) Date of license expiration.

Place illustration here.

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     (1) Final documents are those documents that are prepared and distributed for use for construction, final agency approvals, use by clients, and record drawings or as-builts for filing with public officials where such record drawings or as-builts are required to be prepared by the licensee. Any final document must contain the seal/stamp, license expiration date and signature of the licensee who prepared or directly supervised the work. For the purpose of this section "document" is defined as plans, designs, specifications and reports.

     (2) Preliminary documents are those documents not considered final as defined herein, but are released or distributed by the licensee. Preliminary documents must be clearly identified as "PRELIMINARY" or contain such wording so it may be differentiated from a final document. Preliminary documents shall be stamped and dated, but need not be signed by the licensee.

     (3) Plan sets: Every page of a plan set must contain the seal/stamp and signature of the licensee(s) who prepared or who had direct supervision over the preparation of the work.

     (a) Plans/designs containing work prepared by or under the direct supervision of more than one licensee shall be sealed/stamped by each licensee and shall clearly note the extent of each licensee's responsibility.

     (b) As provided for in subsections (1) and (2) of this section, each page of a plan set must contain the seal/stamp of the licensee who prepared or who had direct supervision over the preparation of the work and may contain the signature of the licensee depending on whether the plan set is final or preliminary.

     (c) Plan/design sheets containing and/or depicting background and/or supporting information that is duplicated from other plans need only be sealed/stamped by the licensee(s) who prepared or was in direct supervision of the design on that plan sheet. Whenever possible, the origin of the background information should be noted on the plan sheet.

     (d) All design revisions to final plan/design sheets shall be performed by qualified licensees and shall be done in accordance with the provisions of RCW 18.210. The revised plan/design sheets shall clearly identify on each sheet; the revisions made and shall contain the name and seal of the licensee, and signature of licensee with the date the revision was made.

     (4) Specifications: Specifications that are prepared by or under the direct supervision of a licensee shall contain the seal/stamp and signature of the licensee. If the specifications prepared by a licensee are a portion of a bound specification document that contains specifications other than that of an on-site design nature, the licensee need only seal/stamp that portion or portions of the documents for which the licensee is responsible. Nothing herein should be construed to require that each page of a on-site design specification be sealed/stamped by the licensee.

     (5) Document review: When a licensee is required to review work prepared by another licensed on-site designer, the reviewing licensee shall fully review those documents and shall prepare a report that discusses the findings of the review with any supporting calculations and sketches. The reviewing licensee would then seal/stamp and sign the report. The report would make reference to and/or be attached to the subject document(s) reviewed.

     (6) Nothing in this section requires the stamping of plans/designs by employees of local health districts acting in their capacity as on-site inspectors/reviewers, whether or not licensed under 18.210 RCW.

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