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17 CAR § 285-307. Certificate of authorization (COA)
17 CAR § 285-307. Certificate of authorization (COA).
(a) The practice of or offer to practice for others, as defined in Arkansas Code § 17-30-101 or § 17-48-101, by individuals licensed under this part through a firm as officers, employees, or agents is permitted, subject to the provisions of this part, provided that:
(1) One (1) or more personnel of said firm designated as being responsible for the engineering or surveying activities and decisions is a professional engineer or surveyor under this part;
(2) All personnel of said firm who act in its behalf as professional engineers or surveyors are licensed under Arkansas Code § 17-30-101 et seq., or § 17-48-101 et seq.; and
(3)(A) Said firm has been issued a certificate of authorization by the State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Professional Surveyors as hereinafter provided.
(B) The one (1) exception to this requirement is where the firm is a sole proprietorship practicing in the name of the licensee.
(b)(1) A firm desiring a certificate of authorization shall file with the board an application, using the form provided by the board, provide all the information required by the board, and also of the individual duly licensed to practice engineering or surveying in this state who shall be in responsible charge of the practice of engineering or surveying in the state through said firm, must accompany the renewal fee.
(2) If the person in responsible charge changes during the year, an updated form must be filed with the board within thirty (30) days of the effective date of the change.
(c)(1) The COA shall expire biennially, and any firm that does not renew may later reapply for reinstatement by submitting an updated application along with reinstatement fee and up to two (2) years accumulated dues and penalties.
(2) In the event there shall be a change in any of these persons during the year, such changes shall be designated on the same form and filed with the board within thirty (30) days after effective date of said changes.
(d) If all of the requirements of this section are met, the Director of the State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Professional Surveyors may conditionally approve the application and board shall ratify the issuance of a COA to such firm, and such firm shall be authorized to contract for and to collect fees for furnishing engineering and surveying services.
(e) The requirements of this part shall not prevent a firm from performing engineering or surveying services for the firm itself or a subsidiary or an affiliate of said firm.
(f)(1) No such firm shall be relieved of responsibility for the conduct or acts of its agents, employees, officers, or partners by reason of its compliance with the provisions of this section.
(2) No individual practicing engineering or surveying under the provisions of this part shall be relieved of responsibility for engineering or surveying services performed by reason of employment or other relationship with a firm holding an authorization certificate.
(g) An engineer or surveyor who renders occasional, part-time, or consulting engineering or surveying services to or for a firm may not, for the purposes of this section, be designated as being in responsible charge of the professional activities of the firm unless the engineer or surveyor is an officer or owner of the firm.
(h)(1) Each firm that is issued a certificate of authorization shall obtain a seal.
(2) Refer to 17 CAR § 285-602(c) or (d) for seal requirements and placement on engineering and surveying documents and drawings.