Tennessee Board discusses urgency of adopting state standards for surveying practice

The Land Surveyor Board of Tennessee convened on November 22, 2024, to discuss several key issues affecting the profession, including standards of practice and continuing education requirements. The meeting, held by the Department of Commerce and Insurance, provided a platform for board members to address ongoing concerns and propose changes to existing regulations.

The session began with a discussion on the legislative sunset of the board, with members noting that the timeline for renewal could vary from two to eight years, although no immediate changes were anticipated. This led into a review of Rule 8-25-0.031, which mandates that surveyors earn a minimum of two Professional Development Hours (PDHs) focused on ethics and standards of practice. The board acknowledged that there has been some confusion regarding whether these standards should be specific to Tennessee or if those from other states could be accepted.

A significant point of contention arose regarding the acceptance of standards from other states. Some board members expressed urgency in clarifying that only Tennessee standards should qualify for PDH requirements, arguing that this would better protect the public and ensure that licensed surveyors are familiar with local regulations. The discussion highlighted a concern that allowing out-of-state standards could lead to misunderstandings and complications during renewal periods.

Legal considerations were also raised, emphasizing that any changes to the acceptance of standards would require careful evaluation to avoid potential anti-competitive implications. The board recognized that while there are online offerings available for continuing education, the intent behind requiring Tennessee-specific standards should be prioritized to maintain the integrity of the profession.

In addition to the standards discussion, the board reviewed its current audit process for continuing education compliance. The board voted to reduce the audit percentage from 10% to 5%, citing that the current system had proven effective without revealing widespread non-compliance. This decision aims to streamline administrative processes while ensuring that standards are upheld.

Overall, the meeting underscored the board's commitment to refining regulations that govern the surveying profession in Tennessee, with a focus on ensuring that practitioners are well-versed in state-specific standards and practices. The board plans to continue discussions on these topics in future meetings, with an emphasis on clarity and public protection.