(a) Professional Geoscientists, Geoscientists-in-Training, and Geoscience Firms shall be entrusted to protect the public in the practice of their profession.
(b) A Professional Geoscientist, a Geoscientist-in-Training, or Geoscience Firm shall not:
  (1) Knowingly participate, directly or indirectly, in any plan, scheme, or arrangement having as its purpose the violation of any provision of the Act or the rules of the TBPG;
  (2) Aid or abet, directly or indirectly:
    (A) Any unlicensed person in connection with the unauthorized practice of professional geoscience;
    (B) Any business entity in the practice of professional geoscience unless carried on in accordance with the Act and this chapter; or
    (C) Any person or any business entity in the use of a professional seal or other professional identification so as to create the opportunity for the unauthorized practice of geoscience by any person or any business entity.
  (3) Fail to exercise reasonable care or diligence to prevent his/her partners, associates, shareholders, and employees from engaging in conduct that, if done by a Professional Geoscientist, a Geoscientist-in-Training, or Geoscience Firm, would violate any provision of the Act or the rules of the TBPG.
(c) A Professional Geoscientist or a Geoscientist-in-Training possessing knowledge of an Applicant's qualifications for licensure shall cooperate with the TBPG by timely responding in writing to the TBPG regarding those qualifications when requested to do so by the TBPG.
(d) A Professional Geoscientist shall be responsible and accountable for the care, custody, control, and use of his/her Professional Geoscientist seal, professional signature, and other professional identification. A Professional Geoscientist whose seal has been lost, stolen, or otherwise misused shall report the loss, theft, or misuse to the TBPG immediately upon discovery of the loss, theft, or misuse. The Executive Director may invalidate the license number of the lost, stolen, or misused seal upon the request of the Professional Geoscientist if the Executive Director deems it necessary.
(e) A Professional Geoscientist, a Geoscientist-in-Training, or an Authorized Official of a Firm shall remain mindful of his/her obligation to the profession and to protect public health, safety, and welfare and shall report to the TBPG known or suspected violations of the Act or the rules of the TBPG.
(f) A Professional Geoscientist or Geoscience Firm shall keep adequate records of geoscience services provided to the public for no less than five (5) years following the completion and final delivery of the service. Adequate records shall include, but not be limited to:
  (1) Documents that have been signed and sealed or would require a signature and a seal;
  (2) Relevant documentation that supports geoscientific interpretations, conclusions, and recommendations;
  (3) Descriptions of offered geoscience services;
  (4) Billing, payment, and financial communications; and
  (5) Other relevant records.
(g) Professional Geoscientists, a Geoscientists-in-Training, and Geoscience Firms must adequately examine the environmental impact of their actions and projects, including the prudent use and conservation of resources and energy, to make informed recommendations and decisions.

Source Note: The provisions of this §851.106 adopted to be effective December 15, 2010, 35 TexReg 10695; amended to be effective December 11, 2014, 39 TexReg 9539; amended to be effective March 15, 2016, 41 TexReg 1843; amended to be effective October 31, 2018, 43 TexReg 7140; amended to be effective March 6, 2022, 47 TexReg 947