Kansas Professional Licensing Attorney Discusses the Kansas Board of Technical Professions

Kansas Board of Technical Professions (the “Board”) is the regulatory body designated by the Kansas legislature to license and regulate architects, landscape architects, land surveyors, professional engineers, professional geologists, and professional landscape architects (collectively “licensees”). The Board’s mission is to ensure that licensees are adequately educated and have the technical ability to perform the necessary functions as licensees. Additionally, the Board has an obligation to make certain all licensees comply with Kansas’ rules of professional conduct as well as investigate complaints made against a licensees for an alleged violation of the rules of professional conduct. Kansas professional licensing attorney Danielle Sanger aggressively and zealously represents professional licensees facing discipline.

Protection of the public welfare is the aim of the regulations with which the Board is charged to enforce. By following the regulations, licensees preserve the public trust in their given professions and maintain the integrity of their professions. Failure to follow the regulations may result in the Board taking adverse consequences against the licensee. Potential penalties range from a reprimand, either private or public, to suspension or revocation of professional license. The severity of punishment depends on several factors which include the nature of the infraction and the history of the prior history of punishment for the licensee, among other factors.

At the outset, the regulations mandate that each licensee uses their best professional judgment based upon their training and experience. A licensee must report any incident in which their judgment is overruled by another which compromises public safety and security. If such an event occurs, then the licensee must inform their employer or person in charge. Additionally, the licensee must notify the governmental authority who issued a building or other permit allowing the work.

Licensees have an obligation to practice within the scope of their expertise. Accordingly, the regulations prohibit licensees from practicing their profession in a manner that exceeds their education and practical experience. Also, the licensee may not place a seal on any document or drawing in which the technical prowess required to perform the task is not within technological capabilities of the licensee. If the Board determines that is the case, then the Board may require the licensee to take a proficiency test to demonstrate the requisite knowledge necessary to perform the task in question.

The licensee makes certain requirements when signing or endorsing a drawing or other document. Additionally, the licensee is bound by these requirements when giving testimony. They are:

  • Make truthful statements at all times,
  • Be objective, and
  • Include all relevant and pertinent information.

From time to time, a licensee may be called to give expert testimony or an opinion. The licensee’s expert opinion may only include and must be founded upon:

  • An adequate factual basis and understanding,
  • Have the required technical knowledge to render an opinion, and
  • Have a good-faith basis to give the proffered testimony.

The licensee has many responsibilities with regard to financial transactions and must be free from conflicts of interest. Licensees should be paid for their work. However, they cannot accept any remuneration under circumstances which call into question the integrity of the licensee or the profession. For example, a licensee cannot accept anything of value in exchange for a recommendation. Furthermore, a licensee may not accept payment from more than one party involved in a project unless the parties are aware of the conflict.

Kansas Professional Licensing Attorney Zealously Defends Professional Licensees

Kansas Professional Licensing Attorney Danielle Sanger is a zealous and aggressive defender of professional licensees. If you are a professional licensee facing a complaint or investigation, contact Attorney Sanger immediately. Call Attorney Sanger today at 785-979-4353 to schedule a consultation and learn how Attorney Sanger’s experience, knowledge, and skill can make the difference for you.


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