COMPETENCE

Subpart 1. Standards of competence. In practicing architecture, engineering, land surveying, landscape architecture, or geoscience, or when using the title of certified interior designer, each licensee or certificate holder shall act with reasonable care and competence and shall apply the knowledge and skill that is ordinarily applied by such professionals. Subp. 2. Conformance with state and local laws and regulations. When providing professional services, a licensee or certificate holder shall not violate applicable state and local laws and regulations. Notwithstanding the duty of licensees and certificate holders to follow the law, in proceedings before the board, the board shall consider whether a licensee's or certificate holder's violation follows from incorrect advice on the meaning of a statute or regulation. In such a circumstance, the board shall consider the reasonableness of the licensee's or certificate holder's reliance on the incorrect advice in determining the appropriate sanction, if any, for the violation. Subp. 3. Qualifications for performing professional services. A licensee or certificate holder shall perform professional services only when the licensee or certificate holder, together with those whom the licensee or certificate holder may engage as consultants, is qualified by education, training, and experience in the specific technical areas involved.