Section 0780-05-06-.10 - Code of Ethics(1) Licensees shall uphold the public health, safety and welfare in the performance of professional services.(2) Licensees shall observe and comply with all federal, state and local building, fire, safety, real estate, or mining codes, as well as other laws, codes, ordinances, or regulations pertaining to the practice of soil science.(3) Licensees shall not undertake any type of work that he or she is not competent to undertake unless the licensee discloses his or her lack of training, experience, or education in writing to all appropriate parties prior to undertaking the work.(4) Licensees shall not affix their signatures and/or seal any plans, plats, drawings, reports, or other soil science papers or documents with subject matter in which they lack competence acquired through education or experience, nor shall licensees affix their signatures and/or seal plans, plats, drawings, reports or other soil science papers or documents that were not prepared or reviewed by the licensee or the licensee's subordinate and approved by the licensee.(5) Opinions expressed by licensees for any purpose in the course of his or her professional practice shall only be based on their education and experience.(6) Licensees shall not disclose any information about the lawful business affairs or technical processes of a client or employer without the approval of the client or employer, or the client's/employer's designated representative, unless required by subpoena or in response to a complaint filed by the commissioner.(7) Licensees shall not participate in any illegal activities, or knowingly permit the publication of his or her plans, plats, drawings, reports, or other soil science papers or documents for illegal purposes.(8) Licensees shall not issue false or misleading information or statements to a client.(9) No licensee shall accept compensation or any other consideration from more than one (1) interested party for the same service without the written consent of all interested parties.(10) No licensee shall accept or offer commissions or allowances, directly or indirectly, from third parties dealing with the client or employer in connection with work for which the licensee is in responsible charge.(11) Before the execution of a contract to perform soil science services, a licensee shall disclose to the client or employer any actual or potential conflicts of interest that might affect the licensee's ability to serve the client or employer.(12) Licensees shall not engage in false or misleading advertising or otherwise misrepresent any matters to the public.(13) Licensees shall respond to all of the commissioner's written requests for information within the time frame specified on the written request.Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0780-05-06-.10
Original rule filed April 20, 2011; effective July 19, 2011; effective 10/23/2014.Authority: T.C.A. §§ 62-18-211 and 62-18-215.