Alabama Administrative Code Title 364 - ALABAMA BOARD OF LICENSURE FOR PROFESSIONAL GEOLOGISTS
The Alabama Administrative Code, Title 364, is the set of regulations governing the Alabama Board of Licensure for Professional Geologists (ABLPG). This Board is the state agency responsible for licensing and regulating individuals who practice the profession of geology in Alabama. Its core mission is to protect the public's life, property, health, safety, welfare, and the environment from danger or abuse by unqualified or unethical persons practicing geology.
The ABLPG operates under the authority of the Alabama Professional Geologists Licensing Act (Code of Alabama 1975, Section 34-41-1 et seq.). The administrative rules in Title 364 provide the detailed procedures and standards necessary to implement this Act.
Here's a breakdown of the key areas typically covered by the chapters within Title 364:
Chapter 364-X-1: Organization and Administrative Procedures.
Purpose of the Board: Clearly states the Board's role in protecting the public through licensure and setting minimum professional standards.
Composition and Selection of the Board: Details how the Board members (all licensed professional geologists, representing various sectors of the geology profession) are appointed, their terms, and the criteria for their service.
Board Meetings: Outlines the procedures for conducting official Board meetings, including notice requirements, quorums, and voting.
Official Records: Rules for maintaining Board records and public access to them.
Chapter 364-X-2: Definitions.
Provides clear definitions for terms central to the practice of geology and the Board's regulations, such as "Board," "Geologist," "Geologist-in-Training," "Geology," "Licensed Professional Geologist," "Public practice of geology," "Responsible charge of work," and "Unprofessional conduct." This chapter is crucial for understanding the scope of the regulations.
Chapter 364-X-3: Application and Examination Requirements.
Eligibility for Licensure: Detailed requirements an applicant must meet, including:
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a major in geology or a related geological science, including a specified minimum number of semester hours in geological coursework (e.g., 30 semester hours).
Experience: A minimum number of years (typically five) of full-time professional geological work experience gained after receiving a bachelor's degree, demonstrating progressive responsibility. This may include credit for graduate degrees.
Examination: Passing a written examination, which usually refers to the national ASBOG (National Association of State Boards of Geology) Fundamentals of Geology (FG) and Practice of Geology (PG) examinations.
Good Moral Character: A requirement for applicants to possess good moral character.
Citizenship/Legal Presence: Requirements related to U.S. citizenship or lawful presence.
Application Procedures: Specific steps for submitting a complete application, including required forms, transcripts, references, and fees.
Geologist-in-Training (GIT): Rules for individuals seeking a "Geologist-in-Training" certification, often as a step towards full licensure after passing the fundamentals exam.
Licensing by Reciprocity/Endorsement: Procedures for individuals licensed in other states to obtain an Alabama license, provided their qualifications are substantially equivalent.
Chapter 364-X-4: Issuance and Renewal of License.
Issuance: Conditions for the actual issuance of a license once all requirements are met.
Renewal: Procedures and deadlines for renewing licenses, often on a biennial basis.
Continuing Professional Education (CPE): Requirements for licensed professional geologists to complete a certain number of continuing education hours to maintain their license, ensuring ongoing professional development.
Lapsed Licenses: Rules for the reinstatement of expired or lapsed licenses.
Chapter 364-X-14: Professional Conduct (Code of Ethics). This is a very important chapter that sets the ethical standards for licensed professional geologists. It includes provisions such as:
Competence: Geologists must only perform services in areas where they are qualified by education and experience.
Objectivity and Truthfulness: Requirements for honesty and accuracy in all professional reports, statements, or testimony.
Sealing Documents: Rules for affixing a professional seal only to documents prepared by or under the direct supervisory control of the licensee.
Conflicts of Interest: Avoiding situations that could compromise professional judgment.
Public Statements: Guidelines for making public statements on geological matters.
Unprofessional Conduct: Detailed definition of actions that constitute unprofessional conduct, which could lead to disciplinary action.
Other Chapters (e.g., Fees, Disciplinary Procedures): There would also be chapters detailing the fee schedule for applications, examinations, and renewals, as well as outlining the formal procedures for filing complaints against licensees, conducting investigations, holding administrative hearings, and imposing disciplinary actions (e.g., reprimands, fines, license suspension or revocation).
The Alabama Board of Licensure for Professional Geologists, through these detailed administrative rules, ensures that the practice of geology in Alabama is performed by qualified individuals, thereby protecting the public and the environment from potentially hazardous or incompetent geological work.
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