Section 22-22-11 - Licensed remediation specialist, licensure procedures(a) A person may not practice as a licensed remediation specialist without a license issued by the Secretary. Any violation of this provision shall be subject to the enforcement orders set forth in § 22-22-12 of this code.(b) To obtain a license, a person must apply to the Secretary in writing on forms approved and supplied by the Secretary. Each application for examination for a license shall contain:(1) The full name of the person applying for the license;(2) The principal business address of the applicant;(3) All formal academic education and experience of the applicant to demonstrate professional expertise of the applicant;(4) If waiver of the examination is being requested, any license or certification that the person desires to be considered as part of the waiver request;(5) The examination fee; and(6) Any other necessary information prescribed by the Secretary.(c) The Secretary shall establish the date, time, and location of licensed remediation specialist examinations.(d) The applicant shall demonstrate that he or she possesses a practical knowledge of the remediation activities; procedures necessary to remediate a site; and the management of contaminants at a site, including, but not limited to, site investigation, health and safety protocol, quality assurance, feasibility studies and remedial design.(e) If the Secretary does not certify the remediation specialist applicant, the Secretary shall inform the applicant in writing of the reasons therefor. The Secretary may not deny a license without cause.(f) It is the licensed remediation specialist's duty to protect the safety, health, and welfare of the public as set forth in this article, in the performance of his or her professional duties. The licensed remediation specialist is responsible for any release of contaminants during remediation activities undertaken pursuant to the approved remediation agreement, work plans, or reports. If a licensed remediation specialist faces a situation where he or she is unable to meet this duty, the licensed remediation specialist may either sever the relationship with the client or employer or refuse professional responsibility for work plan, report, or design. The specialist shall notify the Department if there is a threat to the environment or the health, safety, or welfare of the public.(g) A licensed remediation specialist shall only perform assignments for which the specialist is qualified by training and experience in those specific technical fields; be objective in work plans, reports, and opinions; and avoid any conflict of interest with employer, clients, and suppliers. A licensed remediation specialist shall not solicit or accept gratuities, directly or indirectly, from contractors, agents, or other parties dealing directly with the employer or client in regard to professional services being performed at the work site; accept any type of bribe; falsify or permit misrepresentation of professional qualifications; intentionally provide false information to the Secretary; or knowingly associate with a person who is engaging in business or professional practices of a fraudulent or dishonest nature.(h) A licensed remediation specialist shall not charge any special fees above usual and customary professional rates for being licensed.(i) The license issued by the Secretary may be renewed every two years for any licensed remediation specialist in good standing. The Secretary, by rule, shall establish license fees.(j) The Secretary may revoke a license; suspend a license for not more than five years; or impose lesser sanctions as may be appropriate for acts or omissions in violation of this article.Amended by 2024 Acts, ch. TBD (HB 4967), eff. 6/6/2024.