Licensure and Ethics A Licensing Board Member s Perspective Julie P. Samora, PE NMSPE Engineers Week February 16, 2018
Objectives Presentation Outline What does it mean to be a licensed PE? What is the role of the New Mexico licensing board? Engineering ethics simple definition Professional conduct and ethics
What does it mean to be a licensed PE? Licensure: It s a Universal Standard Acts as a Guarantee Think about other professions: Physicians? Accountants? Employers Know What They are Getting It Opens Career Doors You Have an Obligation to Protect the Public It Works Both Ways: You stand out in the crowd as a P.E. The public is protected from incompetent or unethical practice.
What is the role of the NM Licensing Board? Mission Statement To regulate the practices of engineering and surveying in the State as they relate to the welfare of the public in safeguarding life, health and property.
What is the role of the NM Licensing Board? Structure Full Board (10 Board Members) Professional Engineering Committee (PEC) Consists of 5 Professional Engineers and 1 Public Member Authorized to Review and Act on Engineering Matters Professional Surveying Committee (PSC) Consists of 3 Professional Surveyors and 1 Public Member Authorized to Review and Act on Surveying Matters Administer provisions of the Act Certify qualifications of professional engineers and surveyors. Adopt, amend and enforce bylaws.
What is the role of the NM Licensing Board? NM Engineering & Surveying Practice Act Sections 61-23-1 through 61-23-32 NMSA, 1978 [2017 edition] Act amended by State Legislature NM Administrative Code Board Rules and Professional Standards Title 16, Chapter 39, Parts 1-8 (rules) 61-23-3 (S)] Uniform Licensing Act Board Disciplinary Proceedings/Licensees Rights to Due Process Sections 61-1-1 through 61-1-33 NMSA, 1978 All Documents are available for download from: www.sblpes.state.nm.us
Engineering ethics simple definition Engineering ethics is: the study of moral issues and decisions confronting individuals and organizations involved in engineering and, the study of related questions about moral conduct, character, ideals and relationships of peoples and organizations involved in technological development (Martin and Schinzinger, Ethics in Engineering). Julie s definition: Do the right thing and if it doesn t feel right, it probably isn t
Engineering ethics simple definition Engineers' Creed As a Professional Engineer, I dedicate my professional knowledge and skill to the advancement and betterment of human welfare. I pledge: To give the utmost of performance; To participate in none but honest enterprise; To live and work according to the laws of man and the highest standards of professional conduct; To place service before profit, the honor and standing of the profession before personal advantage, and the public welfare above all other considerations. In humility and with need for Divine Guidance, I make this pledge. Adopted by National Society of Professional Engineers, June 1954
Professional conduct and ethics NM Rules of Professional Conduct NMAC 16.39.8.9 excerpts from the Administrative Code A. Licensees shall.. Conform with accepted engineering and surveying practices Approve and seal documents that conform.. Refuse to associate in a business venture Engaging in fraudulent or dishonest business. Inform Board of any possible infractions B. Performance of Services in areas of competence. Perform work in areas where you are qualified. Shall not affix signatures or seals to subject matter you are not qualified. C. Issuance of Public Statements Reports or opinions shall not contain any false, misleading, or deceitful statements. Conflicts of interests.
Professional conduct and ethics (Excerpts and paraphrases from NMAC 16.39.8.9, cont.) D. Professional relationships with employer or client Avoid conflicts of interest. Do not accept compensation from more than one party for same services.. Do not solicit or accept gratuities, material favors Public service employees should avoid conflicts of interest Licensees should not reveal facts, data.. about a project without consent of client E.Solicitation of professional employment Shall not falsify or misrepresent qualifications Shall not offer, give, solicit or receive commissions, gifts or other. In other words. DO NOT TAKE OR OFFER BRIBES.
Ethics - Resources NSPE (National Society of Professional Engineers) www.nspe.org Many good references available Reference Guide (pdf) Related articles and tools NCEES (National Council of Exams for Engineers and Surveyors) www.ncees.org Council members are engineering and licensing boards from all 50 states, Guam, Northern Marian Islands, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands Model Policies and Codes, including Code of Conduct NMBLPEPS (NM Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Surveyors) www.sblpes.state.nm.us Licensing requirements for New Mexico NM Administrative Code