S.C. Code Regs. § § 76-9

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 10, October 25, 2024

Section 76-9 - Code of Ethics

A. The Code of Ethics for Landscape Architects registered in this State is as follows:

1. The right to practice landscape architecture is a personal right based upon the qualifications of the individual evidenced by his/her license. He/she shall not undertake to perform professional services unless qualified by education and experience in the specific realm of landscape architecture services rendered or proposed to his client or employer. A landscape architect may accept an assignment requiring education or experience outside of his/her own field of competence to the extent that his/her services are restricted to aspects of the project in which he/she is qualified. All other aspects shall be performed by qualified associates, consultants or employees;

2. If his/her professional judgment reveals evidence whereby the health, safety, or welfare of the public could be endangered, he/she shall inform his client or employer of the possible consequences and notify such other proper authority of the situation as may be appropriate;

3. A landscape architect shall not undertake any activity or employment, have any significant financial or other interests or accept any contribution if it would reasonably appear that such activity, employment, interests or contribution would compromise his/her professional judgment or prevent him/her from serving the best interest of the client or employer. A landscape architect shall make full disclosure to his/her client or employer, at the earliest possible opportunity, of any financial interest which even remotely bears upon his/her services and/or the project for which the services are being rendered. A landscape architect shall not appear before any agency or group or issue any public opinion at the request of a client or employer without so stating the relationship with the client;

4. A landscape architect shall not give, lend or promise anything of value to any public official in order to influence or attempt to influence the official's judgment or actions on letting of design contracts;

5. A landscape architect shall not attempt to obtain, offer to undertake, or accept a commission for which he/she knows another legally qualified individual or firm has been contracted until he/she has evidence that the latter agreement has been terminated;

6. A landscape architect shall not engage in exaggerated, misleading, or false advertising or publicity;

7. The landscape architect shall not knowingly associate with or permit the use of his/her name or firm in a business venture by any person or firm which he/she knows, or has reason to believe, is engaging in business or professional practices of a fraudulent or dishonest nature, or in violation of these rules and regulations;

8. If the landscape architect has knowledge or reason to believe that another person or firm may be in violation of any of these provisions, he/she shall present such information to the Department in writing and shall cooperate with the Department in furnishing such further information or assistance as may be required.

B. Any violation of this Code of Ethics shall constitute grounds for disciplinary action.

S.C. Code Regs. § 76-9

Added by State Register Volume 36, Issue No. 2, eff February 24, 2012.