Seven Ways Kansas Technical Professionals Can Endanger their Licenses

The Kansas State Board of Technical Professions is the governing agency for engineering, architecture, landscape architecture, geology and surveying professionals.  Specifically, the Board has the power to suspend or revoke a technical professional’s license, or take other disciplinary actions.  However, some licensees are not aware of the mistakes that could place their licenses, and their jobs, in jeopardy. The following are seven of the most common errors that can land a technical professional in hot water with the Board:

  1. Non-Authorized Use of Signature or Seal: A licensee cannot affix his or her signature or seal to any documents, reports, records or other papers that were not personally prepared by the licensee or under the licensee’s direct control and supervision. A licensee who sells a signature or seal not only risks losing his or her license, but risks criminal charges as well.
  1. Felony conviction:  Many licensees are not aware that a felony conviction is considered unprofessional conduct and can lead to a loss of license. Regardless of whether the act that lead to the conviction was related to the licensee’s professional duties. Be aware that in Kansas, a third DUI conviction is a felony if the second conviction was in the 10 years prior to the third conviction.
  1. Incompetence: If the investigation of a project failure concludes that the cause of the failure was due to a licensee’s gross incompetence, the licensee could lose his or her license. In some instances, the Board may require that a licensee whose competence is at issue, pass an appropriate examination.
  1. Improper Advertising: A licensee cannot advertise services in a technical professional field unless he or she is qualified by education and experience and licensed in that particular field.
  1. Performing Services Without a License: Technical professionals are often licensed in more than one state. A licensee can jeopardize his or license if he or she performs services in a state in which he or she is not licensed. In some instances, the licensee is not only subject to discipline and possible criminal charges in that state but also in the state(s) in which he or she is licensed.
  1. Fraud in Obtaining a License: An applicant for a license must be truthful and forthright in his or her efforts to obtain a license. Misrepresentation or deceit in the application can lead to serious problems.
  1. Failure to Meet Licensing Renewal Requirements: One of the easiest ways for a licensee to remain in good standing with the Kansas State Board is to meet all licensing requirements, including timely payment of fees and completion of the requisite number of continuing education classes.

If you received notice from the Kansas State Board of Technical Professions that a complaint has been filed against you, do not delay in seeking legal help.  Contact the Sanger Law Office today at 785-979-4353 to schedule a free and completely confidential consultation. The Sanger Law Office has the experience handling professional license defense matters that you need to protect your livelihood and reputation. Trust the Sanger Law Office to provide you with exceptional legal services.

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