Texas disciplinary actions and FAQs are available on the web.
Here are some of the FAQ and responses including items discussed on this thread:
How does an individual know when a P.E. (Professional Engineer) is required?
Refer to Sections 1001.053 and 1001.056 of the Texas Engineering Practice Act.
• When public money and structural, electrical or mechanical engineering is involved and the contemplated expenditure for the project exceeds $8,000;
• When public money and electrical or mechanical engineering is not involved and the contemplated expenditure for the project exceeds $20,000;
• Private dwellings that are exceeding eight units for one-story buildings or exceeding four units for two-story buildings;
• Other buildings having more than one story and containing a clear span between supporting structures greater than 24 feet on the narrow side and having a total floor area over 5,000 square feet. Section 1001.056
How do I find out if a license holder has had any complaints filed against him/her?
Contact the Board office and ask if a complaint has ever been filed against a professional engineer, an unlicensed person, or a firm offering to perform engineering services in Texas.
How do I sign my seal?
License holders should sign their name either above or below the seal so that the signature does not obscure the license holder’s name and license number.
When do I seal a document?
License holders should affix their engineer seal, signature, and date of execution to all documents containing the final version of any engineering work. Refer to Board Rule 137.31 and 137.33.
Can I use a computer-generated seal?
Yes. The instructions for the use of computer-generated seals are set forth in Board Rule 137.31, 137.33 and 137.35.
How should a computer-generated seal be used?
Computer-generated seals may be of a reduced size provided that the engineer's name and number are clearly legible. Refer to Board Rule 137.31(c).
If not accompanied by an original signature and date; the following text or similar wording shall accompany computer-generated seals! "The seal appearing on this document was authorized by (Example: Leslie H. Doe, P.E. 0112) on (date)." Refer to Board Rule 137.35(a).
Do I need to notify the board if I believe that someone has violated the Texas Engineering Practice Act or Board rules?
License holders shall first notify involved parties or the Board of any engineering decisions or practices that might endanger the health, safety, property, or welfare of the public. When, in an engineer's judgment, any risk to the public remains, unresolved, that engineer shall report any fraud, gross negligence, incompetence, misconduct, unethical or illegal conduct to the Board or proper civil or criminal authorities. Refer to Board Rule 137.55(c).
What do I do when I'm asked to correct or complete a project begun by another engineer?
An engineer, as a third party, may alter, complete, correct, revise, or add to the work of another engineer when engaged to do so by a client, provided: the client furnishes the documentation of such work submitted to the client by the first engineer. The second engineer of the engagement immediately upon acceptance of the engagement notifies the first engineer in writing. Any work altered, completed, corrected, revised, or added to shall have a seal affixed by the second engineer. The second engineer then becomes responsible for any alterations, additions or deletions to the original design including any effect or impact of those changes on the original engineer's design. Refer to Board Rule 137.33(i).
Can an engineer who is licensed as a civil engineer practice in mechanical engineering or similar disciplines?
Yes. A license holder may perform any engineering assignment for which the engineer is qualified by education or experience to perform adequately and competently. Refer to Board Rule 137.59(b).
Are disciplinary actions against a license holder open to the public?
Yes. Disciplinary actions against a license holder, except for an informal reprimand, are published on our web site.
Can a license holder receive a disciplinary sanction and administrative penalty?
Yes. The suggested sanctions and administrative penalties against license holders are set forth in Board Rule 139.35(b).
If I am not a licensed engineer and I am found to be illegally practicing engineering, can I be sanctioned by the Board?
Yes. The suggestion sanctions and administrative penalties against non-licensed individuals are set forth in Board Rule 139.31(a) and 139.35(c).
John