§ 83A-15. Denial, suspension or revocation of license. - North Carolina Statutes

§83A‑15.  Denial, suspension or revocation of license.

(a)        The Board shallhave the power to suspend or revoke a license or certificate of registration,to deny a license or certificate of registration, or to reprimand or levy acivil penalty not in excess of five hundred dollars ($500.00) per violationagainst any registrant who is found guilty of:

(1)        Dishonest conduct,including but not limited to:

a.         The commission ofany fraud, deceit or misrepresentation in any professional relationship withclients or other persons; or with reference to obtaining or maintaininglicense, or with reference to qualifications, experience and past or presentservice; or

b.         Using or permittingan individual professional seal to be used by or for others, or otherwiserepresenting registrant as the author of drawings or specifications other thanthose prepared personally by or under direct supervision of registrant.

(2)        Incompetence,including but not limited to:

a.         Gross negligence,recklessness, or excessive errors or omissions or building failures inregistrant's record of professional practice; or

b.         Mental or physicaldisability or addiction to alcohol or drugs so as to endanger health, safetyand interest of the public by impairing skill and care in professional services.

(3)        Unprofessionalconduct, including but not limited to:

a.         Practicing oroffering to practice architecture without a current license from this Board;

b.         Knowingly aiding orabetting others to evade or violate the provisions of this Chapter, or the healthand safety laws of this or other states;

c.         Knowinglyundertaking any activity or having any significant financial or other interest,or accepting any compensation or reward except from registrant's clients, anyof which would reasonably appear to compromise registrant's professionaljudgment in serving the best interest of clients or public;

d.         Willfully violatingthis Chapter or any rule or standard of conduct published by the Board, orpleading guilty or nolo contendere to a felony or any crime involving moralturpitude.

(b)        Actions to recovercivil penalties against any registrant may be commenced by the Board pursuantto Chapter 150B of the General Statutes. In determining the amount of any civilpenalty, the Board shall consider the degree and extent of harm caused by theviolation. The clear proceeds of any civil penalty collected hereunder shall beremitted to the Civil Penalty and Forfeiture Fund in accordance with G.S. 115C‑457.2.(1915, c. 270, s. 5; 1919, c. 336, s. 3; C.S., s. 4993; 1953, c. 1041,s. 1; 1957, c. 794, s. 8; 1973, c. 1331, s. 3; 1979, c. 871, s. 1; 1989, c. 81;1998‑215, s. 128.)