Nebraska Administrative Code Topic - GEOLOGISTS, BOARD OF
1. Case: Practicing Without a License
Scenario:
An individual provided geological consulting services for a construction project without holding a Nebraska geologist license.
NAC Provisions Involved:
Requirement for licensure to practice geology professionally in Nebraska.
Sections prohibiting unlicensed practice.
Outcome:
The Board issued a cease-and-desist order.
The individual was fined and required to apply for licensure before performing any further work.
Future violations could result in larger fines or legal action.
Explanation:
This illustrates the Board’s role in protecting the public by ensuring that only qualified, licensed professionals provide geological services.
2. Case: Misrepresentation of Credentials
Scenario:
A geologist claimed to be licensed in Nebraska on project proposals and reports when they were only licensed in another state.
NAC Provisions Involved:
Rules governing professional ethics, including truthful representation of licensure and credentials.
Disciplinary provisions for misrepresentation or fraud.
Outcome:
The Board issued a formal reprimand.
The geologist was required to notify all clients that the claims were incorrect.
They were also required to complete ethics training before renewing their license.
Explanation:
The case demonstrates the Board’s enforcement of honesty in professional communications to maintain public trust.
3. Case: Negligence or Substandard Work
Scenario:
A licensed geologist submitted a site assessment for a commercial property that failed to identify a significant geological hazard, resulting in construction delays and increased costs.
NAC Provisions Involved:
Professional responsibility to perform work competently and in accordance with accepted geological standards.
Complaint investigation and disciplinary procedures.
Outcome:
The Board suspended the license for a defined period.
The geologist had to retake continuing education in geotechnical assessment and site evaluation.
Future work required peer review for a set number of projects.
Explanation:
This shows how the Board enforces standards of competence and protects clients from negligent work.
4. Case: Conflict of Interest
Scenario:
A geologist conducted environmental testing for a development in which they held a financial stake but did not disclose this interest in their report.
NAC Provisions Involved:
Ethical rules requiring disclosure of conflicts of interest.
Standards for professional independence and objectivity.
Outcome:
The Board issued a reprimand and required the geologist to revise and disclose the conflict in all affected reports.
The geologist had to attend a professional ethics course.
Repeat violations could lead to license suspension.
Explanation:
This case highlights the importance of impartiality and transparency in geological work.
5. Case: Failure to Keep Records
Scenario:
During an investigation, it was found that a licensed geologist had not maintained proper field notes, reports, or documentation for a multi-year project.
NAC Provisions Involved:
Requirements for maintaining records for a minimum period.
Provisions for inspection and audit by the Board.
Outcome:
The Board fined the geologist and required proper documentation to be reconstructed where possible.
A warning was issued that future record-keeping failures could result in disciplinary action.
Explanation:
Maintaining records ensures accountability and allows verification of work, which is critical in geology due to safety and environmental concerns.
6. Case: Continuing Education Violations
Scenario:
A licensed geologist renewed their license without completing the required continuing education (CE) hours.
NAC Provisions Involved:
CE requirements for renewal (usually a set number of professional development hours every two years).
Audit and reporting requirements.
Outcome:
The Board placed the license on probation until CE hours were completed.
Fines were imposed for late compliance.
License renewal was conditional on timely submission of CE documentation in the future.
Explanation:
This shows how the Board ensures licensees remain current with evolving geological standards and practices.
RELATED Blog
comments