2009 Rhode Island Code
Title 5 - Businesses and Professions
CHAPTER 5-1 - Architects
§ 5-1-5 - Board – Rules and regulations – Examination and registration powers.

SECTION 5-1-5

   § 5-1-5  Board – Rules and regulations – Examination and registration powers. – (a) The board may establish any rules and regulations for the conduct of its own proceedings that it deems appropriate.

   (b) The board may establish suitable rules and regulations for the examination and registration of architects and also governing the practice of the profession of architecture. This shall not include any prohibition of employment of the registered architect as he or she chooses.

   (c) To be registered, the applicant shall be required to pass examinations and grading procedure of the national council of architectural registration boards, provided that the applicant is qualified under subsections 5-1-8(a) and 5-1-8(b).

   (d) The board shall issue certificates to individuals who have qualified to practice architecture under the provisions of this chapter. The board may establish any rules and regulations for the issuance and renewal of certificates that it deems appropriate, including rules for the issuance of certificates by reciprocity.

   (e) In addition to its rulemaking authority, the board has the power to take all action that is necessary and proper to effectuate the purposes of this chapter, including the power to:

   (1) Suspend, revoke or annul certificates of registration and certificates of authorization in accordance with the provisions of this chapter;

   (2) Investigate all complaints and charges of unprofessional conduct, including, but not limited to, conduct specified under § 5-1-13, against any licensee or any applicant for a certificate of registration or certificate of authorization, and to hold hearings, in accordance with the provisions of § 5-1-13.1, to determine whether the complaints and charges are substantiated;

   (3) Appoint one or more members of the board, legal counsel, and/or an independent investigator to act on behalf of the board in investigating the conduct of any licensee, or of any applicant for a certificate of registration or certificate of authorization, or in the alternative to appoint a probable cause committee to investigate this conduct on its behalf. The committee is to be comprised of licensees in good standing, as the board determines;

   (4) Issue subpoenas, administer oaths, and summon and examine witnesses in connection with any investigation conducted under the authority of this chapter. If a subpoena is disobeyed, the board may invoke the aid of any court of competent jurisdiction in this state to require the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of documentary evidence.

   (f) The board and its members and agents are immune from personal liability for actions taken in good faith in the discharge of the board's responsibilities, and the state shall indemnify the board and these members and agents for, and hold them harmless from, any and all costs, damages, and reasonable attorneys fees arising from or related in any way to claims or actions against them as to matters to which the immunity applies.