Commerce, Occupational and Professional Licensing

Rule R156-3a

Architect Licensing Act Rule

Notice of Proposed Rule

(Amendment)

DAR File No.: 35034
Filed: 07/12/2011 08:49:49 AM

RULE ANALYSIS

Purpose of the rule or reason for the change:

The Division and Architects Licensing Board reviewed this rule and have determined that the current definition of "recognized jurisdiction" is overly restrictive to applicants applying for licensure by endorsement. This rule filing modifies that definition and makes other minor changes.

Summary of the rule or change:

In Subsection R156-3a-102(11), the proposed amendment modifies the definition of the term "recognized jurisdiction". The current definition is overly restrictive because it prevents qualified architects licensed in other jurisdictions from becoming licensed in Utah. In short, the current definition includes a narrow set of requirements that are not in place in many jurisdictions. In Subsection R156-3a-102(12), the proposed amendment adds the term "by a principal" to clarify the purpose of the definition and statute citations no longer needed are deleted. In Subsection R156-3a-102(14), the statutory citation is updated. In Section R156-3a-201, capitalized the term "board" in this section. In Section R156-3a-304, the current rule incorrectly identifies March 31 as the end of the two year renewal cycle. The proposed amendment corrects the error to reflect May 31. In Subsection R156-3a-502(4), the proposed amendment updates the July 2007 edition of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) "Rules of Conduct" to the July 2010 edition.

State statutory or constitutional authorization for this rule:

• Section 58-3a-101
• Subsection 58-1-106(1)(a)
• Subsection 58-1-202(1)(a)
• Section 58-3a-303.5

This rule or change incorporates by reference the following material:

• Updates Rules of Conduct, published by National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), July 2010

Anticipated cost or savings to:

the state budget:

The Division will incur minimal costs of approximately $100 to print and distribute the rule once the proposed amendments are made effective. Any costs incurred will be absorbed in the Division's current budget.

local governments:

The proposed amendments only apply to licensed architects and applicants for licensure by endorsement in that classification. As a result, the proposed amendments do not apply to local governments.

small businesses:

The proposed amendments only apply to licensed architects and applicants for licensure by endorsement in that classification. Making the definition of "recognized jurisdiction" less restrictive provides a path to licensure to some out-of-state applicants that does not exist under the current definition. In these cases, some businesses may experience a financial benefit; however the Division is unable to estimate the extent of any cost savings.

persons other than small businesses, businesses, or local governmental entities:

The proposed amendments only apply to licensed architects and applicants for licensure by endorsement in that classification. Making the definition of "recognized jurisdiction" less restrictive provides a path to licensure to some out-of-state applicants that does not exist under the current definition. As a result, the applicant will experience a financial benefit; however, the Division is unable to estimate the extent of the cost savings due to varying circumstances.

Compliance costs for affected persons:

The proposed amendments only apply to licensed architects and applicants for licensure by endorsement in that classification. Making the definition of "recognized jurisdiction" less restrictive provides a path to licensure to some out-of-state applicants that does not exist under the current definition. As a result, the applicant will experience a financial benefit; however, the Division is unable to estimate the extent of the cost savings due to varying circumstances.

Comments by the department head on the fiscal impact the rule may have on businesses:

Out-of-state license applicants and architectural businesses may experience a positive fiscal impact based on this rule filing which amends the educational requirements so as to be in line with the national standard. That impact cannot be estimated. No impact is anticipated from the remaining technical changes made in this filing.

Francine A. Giani, Executive Director

The full text of this rule may be inspected, during regular business hours, at the Division of Administrative Rules, or at:

Commerce
Occupational and Professional Licensing
160 E 300 S
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84111-2316

Direct questions regarding this rule to:

• Rich Oborn at the above address, by phone at 801-530-6767, by FAX at 801-530-6511, or by Internet E-mail at [email protected]

Interested persons may present their views on this rule by submitting written comments to the address above no later than 5:00 p.m. on:

08/31/2011

Interested persons may attend a public hearing regarding this rule:

• 08/10/2011 09:00 AM, Heber Wells Bldg, 160 E 300 S, Conference Room 474, Salt Lake City, UT

This rule may become effective on:

09/07/2011

Authorized by:

Mark Steinagel, Director

R156. Commerce, Occupational and Professional Licensing.

R156-3a. Architect Licensing Act Rule.

R156-3a-102. Definitions.

In addition to the definitions in Title 58, Chapters 1 and 3a, as used in Title 58, Chapters 1, 3a, and 22 or this rule:

(1) "ARE" means the NCARB Architectural Registration Examination.

(2) "Committee" means the IDP Committee created in Section R156-3a-201.

(3) "Complete and final" as used in Subsection 58-3a-603(1) means "complete construction plans" as defined in Subsection 58-3a-102(4).

(4) "EESA" means the Education Evaluation Services for Architects.

(5) "Employee, subordinate, associate, or drafter of an architect" as used in Subsections 58-3a-102(8), 58-3a-603(1)(b) and this rule means one or more individuals not licensed as an architect who are working for, with, or providing architectural services directly to the licensed architect under the supervision of the licensed architect.

(6) "Incidental practice" means "architecture work as is incidental to the practice of engineering" as used in Subsection 58-22-102(9) and "engineering work as is incidental to the practice of architecture" as used in Subsection 58-3a-102(6) which:

(a) can be safely and competently performed by the licensee without jeopardizing the life, health, property and welfare of the public;

(b) is secondary and substantially less in scope and magnitude when compared to the work performed or to be performed by the licensee in the licensed profession;

(c) is work in which the licensee is fully responsible for the incidental practice performed as provided in Subsection 58-3a-603(1) or Subsection 58-22-603(1);

(d) is work that affects not greater than 49 occupants as determined in Section 1004 of the 2009 International Building Code;

(e) is work included on a project with a construction value not greater than 15 percent of the overall construction value for the project including all changes or additions to the contracted or agreed upon work; and

(f) shall not include work on a building or related structure in an occupancy category of III or IV as defined in Section 1604.5 of the 2009 International Building Code.

(7) "Intern Development Program" or "IDP" as used in Subsection R156-3a-302(2) means a NCARB approved training program.

(8) "NAAB" means the National Architectural Accrediting Board.

(9) "NCARB" means the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.

(10) "Program of diversified practical experience" as used in Subsection 58-3a-302(1)(e) means:

(a) current licensure in a recognized jurisdiction; or

(b) the training standards and requirements set forth in the Intern Development Program.

(11) "Recognized jurisdiction" as used in Subsections 58-3a-302(2)(d)(i) and (iii), for licensure by endorsement, means any jurisdiction that is a member of NCARB[state, district, territory of the United States, or any foreign country who issues licenses for architects, and whose licensure requirements include:

(a) a bachelors or post graduate degree in architecture or equivalent education as set forth in Subsection R156-3a-301(2);

(b) a program of diversified practical experience as set forth in Subsection R156-3a-102(10), or an equivalent training program; and

(c) passing the ARE or passing a professional architecture examination that is equivalent to the ARE].

(12) "Responsible charge" by a principal, as used in Subsection[s] 58-3a-102(7),[ 58-3a-302(2)(d)(iv) and 58-3a-304(6)] means direct control and management by a principal over the practice of architecture by an organization.

(13) "Under the direction of the architect" as used in Subsection 58-3a-102(8), as part of the definition of "supervision of an employee, subordinate, associate, or drafter of an architect" means that the unlicensed employee, subordinate, associate, or drafter of the architect engages in the practice of architecture only on work initiated by the architect, and only under the administration, charge, control, command, authority, oversight, guidance, jurisdiction, regulation, management, and authorization of the architect.

(14) "Unprofessional conduct" as defined in Title 58, Chapters 1 and 3a, is further defined, in accordance with Subsection 58-1-203([5]1) (e), in Section R156-3a-502.

 

R156-3a-201. Advisory Peer Committee Created - Membership - Duties.

(1) There is created in accordance with Subsection 58-1-203(1)(f), the IDP Committee as an advisory peer committee to the Architect Licensing Board consisting of one or more members as follows:

(a) a State IDP Coordinator;

(b) an Education Coordinator; or

(c) an Intern IDP Coordinator.

(2) The committee shall be appointed and serve in accordance with Section R156-1-205.

(3) The duties and responsibilities of the committee shall include assisting the [b]Board in its duties, functions, and responsibilities defined in Subsection 58-1-202(1)(e) as follows:

(a) promote an awareness of IDP by holding meetings and seminars on IDP;

(b) establish a network of sponsors and advisors for IDP interns;

(c) encourage firms to support IDP;

(d) act as a resource to respond to questions on IDP received from advisors, sponsors, and interns; and

(e) report to the [b]Board as directed.

 

R156-3a-304. Continuing Professional Education for Architects.

In accordance with Section 58-3a-303.5, the qualifying continuing professional education standards for architects are established as follows:

(1) During each two year period ending on [March]May 31 of each even numbered year, a licensed architect shall be required to complete not less than 16 hours of qualified professional education directly related to the licensee's professional practice.

(2) The required number of hours of professional education for an individual who first becomes licensed during the two year period shall be decreased in a pro-rata amount equal to any part of that two year period preceding the date on which that individual first became licensed.

(3) Qualified continuing professional education under this section shall:

(a) have an identifiable, clear statement of purpose and defined objective for the educational program directly related to the practice of an architect and directly related to topics involving the public health, safety, and welfare of architectural practice and the ethical standards of architectural practice;

(i) health, safety, welfare and ethical standards as used in this subsection are defined to include the following:

(A) The definition of "health" shall include, but not be limited to, aspects of architecture that have salutary effects among users of buildings or sites and that address environmental issues. Examples include all aspects of air quality, provisions of personal hygiene, and use of non-toxic materials and finishes.

(B) The definition of "safety" shall include, but not be limited to, aspects of architecture intended to limit or prevent accidental injury or death among users of buildings or construction sites. Examples include fire-rated egress enclosures, automatic sprinkler systems, stairs with correct rise-to-run proportions, and accommodations for users with disabilities.

(C) The definition of "welfare" shall include, but not be limited to, aspects of architecture that consist of values that may be spiritual, physical, aesthetic and monetary in nature. Examples include spaces that afford natural light or views of nature or whose proportions, color or materials engender positive emotional responses from its users.

(D) The definition of "ethical standards of architectural practice" shall include, but not be limited to the NCARB rules of conduct specified in Subsection R156-3a-502(4).

(b) be relevant to the licensee's professional practice;

(c) be presented in a competent, well organized and sequential manner consistent with the stated purpose and objective of the program;

(d) be prepared and presented by individuals who are qualified by education, training and experience; and

(e) have associated with it a competent method of registration of individuals who actually completed the professional education program and records of that registration and completion are available for review.

(4) Credit for qualified continuing professional education shall be recognized in accordance with the following:

(a) unlimited hours shall be recognized for professional education completed in blocks of time of not less than one hour in formally established classroom courses, seminars, or conferences;

(b) a maximum of eight hours per two year period may be recognized for teaching in a college or university or for teaching qualified continuing professional education courses in the field of architecture, provided it is the first time the material has been taught during the preceding 12 months;

(c) a maximum of three hours per two year period may be recognized for preparation of papers, articles, or books directly related to the practice of architecture and submitted for publication; and

(d) unlimited hours may be recognized for continuing professional education that is provided via the Internet or through home study courses provided the course verifies registration and participation in the course by means of a test which demonstrates that the participant has learned the material presented.

(5) A licensee shall be responsible for maintaining records of completed qualified continuing professional education for a period of four years after the two year period to which the records pertain. It is the responsibility of the licensee to maintain information with respect to qualified continuing professional education to demonstrate it meets the requirements under this section.

(6) If a licensee exceeds the 16 hours of qualified continuing professional education during the two year period, the licensee may carry forward a maximum of 8 hours of qualified continuing professional education into the next two year period.

(7) A licensee who is unable to complete the continuing professional education requirement for reasons such as a medical or related condition, humanitarian or ecclesiastical services, or extended presence in a geographical area where continuing professional education is not available, may be excused from the requirement for a period of up to three years as provided in Section R156-1-308d.

(8) Any licensee who fails to timely complete the continuing professional education hours required by this rule shall be required to complete double the number of hours missed to be eligible for renewal or reinstatement of licensure.

(9) Any applicant for reinstatement shall be required to complete 16 hours of continuing professional education complying with this rule within two years prior to the date of application for reinstatement of licensure.

 

R156-3a-502. Unprofessional Conduct.

"Unprofessional conduct" includes:

(1) submitting an incomplete final plan, specification, report, or set of construction plans to:

(a) a client, when the licensee represents, or could reasonably expect the client to consider, the plan, specification, report, or set of construction plans to be complete and final; or

(b) a building official for the purpose of obtaining a building permit;

(2) failing as a principal to exercise reasonable charge;

(3) failing as a supervisor to exercise supervision of an employee, subordinate, associate or drafter;

(4) failing to conform to the generally accepted and recognized standards and ethics of the profession including those established in the July [2007]2010 edition of the NCARB "Rules of Conduct", which is hereby incorporated by reference; or

(5) failing as a supervising architect to verify actual work experience when requested by a subordinate, associate or drafter of an architect who is or has been an employee.

 

KEY: architects, licensing

Date of Enactment or Last Substantive Amendment: [November 8, 2010]2011

Notice of Continuation: January 31, 2011

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 58-3a-101; 58-1-106(1)(a); 58-1-202(1)(a), 58-3a-303.5