Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. Department 220 — State Board of Registration for Foresters

Chapter 220-1 Organization

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-1-.01 Organization of Board {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-220-1-.01 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-220--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-1-.01}

The State Board of Registration for Foresters is composed of five foresters and one public member who are selected and appointed by the Governor.

History

• Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 12-6-42
• History. Original Rule entitled "Organization of Board" adopted. F. and eff. June 30, 1965.
• Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Nov. 15, 1983; eff. Dec. 5, 1983.

Chapter 220-2 Registration Requirements

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-2-.01 Registration References {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-220-2-.01 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-220--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-2-.01}

All applicants who are residents of Georgia are required to have three foresters currently registered in Georgia as references.

History

• Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 12-6-50
• History. Original Rule entitled "Registration References" adopted. F. and eff. June 30, 1965.
• Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Nov. 15, 1983; eff. Dec. 5, 1983.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-2-.02 Education {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-220-2-.02 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-220--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-2-.02}

(1) A baccalaureate degree from a school, college, or department of forestry approved by the board, as provided in O.C.G. A. 12-6-49(a)(1) , means the first professional degree in forestry at the bachelor's level or highest in a curriculum accredited by the Society of American Foresters.

(2) The following applies to O.C.G. A. 12-6-49(a)(2) :

(a) A degree from a school of forestry not approved by the board, as provided in O.C.G.A. 12-6-49(a)(2) , means a baccalaureate degree from an educational institution which has applied to the Society of American foresters for accreditation and has certified that its forestry curriculum meets the minimum standards for objectives, curriculum, faculty, students, administration, parent-institution support, and physical resources and facilities required for accreditation.

(b) A curriculum approved by the board, as provided in O.C.G.A. 12-6-49(a)(2) , means a two-year associate degree in forest technology or the equivalent which is recognized by the Society of American Foresters as meeting or exceeding its minimum standards relating to objectives, curriculum, faculty, students, administration, parent-institution support, and physical resources and facilities.

(3) All applicants are required to furnish official copies of their college transcripts.

History

• Authority: O.C.G.A. Secs. 12-6-47, 12-6-49, 43-1-25
• History. Original Rule entitled "Registration, College Transcripts" adopted. F. and eff. June 30, 1965.
• Repealed: New Rule entitled "Education" adopted. F. Dec. 29, 1998; eff. Jan. 18, 1999.
• Amended: F. Feb. 14, 2011; eff. Mar. 6, 2011.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-2-.03 Registration by Endorsement {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-220-2-.03 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-220--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-2-.03}

(1) The Board may waive the examination requirements for an applicant who has been registered for a minimum of five years in another jurisdiction as a registered forester provided that the requirements and qualifications for licensing and registration under the laws of the jurisdiction are substantially equivalent to those of Georgia, and the applicant has been in good standing with the jurisdiction for the entire period of licensure or registration. In order to be eligible for registration by endorsement, the applicant must hold a current registration as a registered forester in another jurisdiction.

(2) The applicant shall complete and submit an Application for Licensure by Endorsement with all attachments.

(3) A license issued by endorsement is at the sole discretion of the Board and if issued, shall be subject to all provisions of this part governing expiration, renewal, fees, continuing education, sanctions, revocation and any and all other provisions of law and rules governing or relating to foresters.

History

• Authority: O.C.G.A. Secs. 12-6-47, 12-6-49, 12-6-54
• History. Original Rule entitled "Registration, Masters Degree" adopted. F. and eff. June 30, 1965.
• Repealed: New Rule entitled "Educational Requirements" adopted. F. Feb. 13, 1978; eff. Mar. 5, 1978.
• Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Nov. 15, 1983; eff. Dec. 5, 1983.
• Repealed: New Rule entitled "Reciprocal Registration" adopted. F. Dec. 17, 1990; eff. Jan. 6, 1991.
• Repealed: New Rule entitled "Registration by Endorsement" adopted. F. Dec. 29, 2004; eff. Jan. 18, 2005.
• Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. May 26, 2005; eff. June 15, 2005.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-2-.04 Masters Degree as Equivalent of Experience {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-220-2-.04 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-220--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-2-.04}

A masters degree with a concentration in Forestry over and beyond a Bachelors Degree in Forestry shall be considered by the Board as equal to one year of forestry experience as contemplated in subparagraph (1) of Section 12-6-49(a).

History

• Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 12-6-49
• History. Original Rule entitled "Masters Degree as Equivalent of Experience" adopted. F. and eff. June 30, 1965.
• Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Nov. 15, 1983; eff. Dec. 5, 1983.
• Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Feb. 22, 1991; eff. Mar. 14, 1991.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-2-.05 Experience for Registration {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-220-2-.05 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-220--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-2-.05}

With reference to experience in the military service, because of the precise wording of the law, such experience could not be acceptable as qualifying experience. The only exception to this would be where the military experience is forestry work.

History

• Authority: Ga. L. 1959, p. 161
• History. Original Rule entitled "Experience for Registration" adopted. F. and eff. June 30, 1965.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-2-.06 Qualifying Experience {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-220-2-.06 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-220--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-2-.06}

All qualifying experience must be earned subsequent to the educational requirement as provided for in O.C.G.A. 12-6-49, or what the Board deems to be the equivalent thereof.

History

• Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 12-6-49
• History. Original Rule entitled "Qualifying Experience" adopted. F. and eff. June 30, 1965.
• Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Feb. 22, 1991; eff. Mar. 14, 1991.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-2-.07 Repealed {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-220-2-.07 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-220--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-2-.07}

History

• Authority: Ga. L. 1959, p. 161
• History. Original Rule entitled "Lapse of Registration, Re-Registration" adopted. F. and eff. June 30, 1965.
• Repealed: F. May 20, 1982; eff. June 9, 1982.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-2-.08 Examination for Registration {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-220-2-.08 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-220--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-2-.08}

(1) Examinations shall be those examinations prepared by the Society of American Foresters (SAF) and an examination prepared by or on behalf of the Georgia State Board of Registration for Foresters covering information related to the practice of forestry in the State of Georgia.

(2) Society of American Foresters (SAF) shall provide reasonable accommodation to a qualified applicant with a disability in accordance with the Americans with Disability Act. Upon approval by the Georgia Board to take the examination, applicants wishing to be considered for special testing accommodations must send a written request indicating their needs directly to SAF at: Society of American Foresters 5400 Grosvenor Lane Bethesda, MD 20814-2198

History

• Authority: O.C.G.A. Secs. 12-6-47, 12-6-49, 12-6-51, 12-6-56, 43-1-7, 43-1-25, 43-19-11
• History. Original Rule entitled "Examination for Registration" adopted. F. and eff. June 30, 1965.
• Amended: F. Aug. 15, 1988; eff. Sept. 4, 1988.
• Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Sept. 17, 1992; eff. Oct. 7, 1992.
• Amended: F. July 26, 1993; eff. August 15, 1993.
• Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Dec. 15, 2009; eff. Jan. 4, 2010.
• Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Feb. 14, 2011; eff. Mar. 6, 2011.

Chapter 220-3 Fees and Renewals

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-3-.01 Schedule of Fees {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-220-3-.01 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-220--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-3-.01}

The Board hereby adopts by reference a fee schedule that sets forth fees established by the Board. The fee schedule is available from the Board office and at the Board's website. Fees may be reviewed and changed at the discretion of the Board. A fee payment that is dishonored is subject to the provisions of Code Section 16-9-20 and Rule Chapter 295-14. A fee payment for registration or license, or renewal of a registration or license, that is dishonored will result in the registration or license being removed from active status.

History

• Authority: O.C.G.A. Secs. 12-6-46, 12-6-47, 12-6-50 to 12-6-52, 43-1-7, 43-1-19
• History. Original Rule entitled "Procedural Rules" adopted. F. Dec. 30, 1976; eff. Jan. 19, 1977.
• Repealed: New Rule entitled "Schedule of Fees" adopted. F. May 20, 1982; eff. June 9, 1982.
• Amended: F. July 11, 1984; eff. July 31, 1984.
• Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Oct. 21, 1985; eff. Nov. 10, 1985.
• Amended: F. Dec. 17, 1990; eff. Jan. 6, 1991.
• Amended: F. Sept. 13, 1991; eff. Oct. 3, 1991.
• Amended: F. July 25, 1997; eff. August 13, 1997.
• Amended: F. Nov. 1, 1999; eff. Nov. 21, 1999.
• Amended: F. July 24, 2002; eff. August 13, 2002.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-3-.02 Repealed {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-220-3-.02 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-220--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-3-.02}

History

• Authority: O.C.G.A Secs. 12-6-50, 43-1-7
• History. Original Rule entitled "Expiration of Registration; Penalty Period; Reinstatement" adopted. F. May 20, 1982; eff. June 9, 1982.
• Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Oct. 21, 1985; eff. Nov. 10, 1985.
• Amended: New Rule entitled "Initial Fee" adopted. F. Aug. 15, 1988; eff. Sept. 4, 1988.
• Repealed: F. Nov. 1, 1999; eff. Nov. 21, 1999.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-3-.03 Biennial Renewal {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-220-3-.03 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-220--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-3-.03}

(1) Every license as a registered forester in Georgia shall expire on the 31st of December each odd numbered year.

(2) Without a current license as a registered forester it is unlawful to practice professional forestry or be identified as a registered forester.

(3) Every application for renewal of a registered forester license shall be accompanied by a statement from the licensee affirming completion of the continuing education requirements provided for in Chapter 220-4.

History

• Authority: O.C.G.A. Secs. 12-6-46, 12-6-47, 12-6-51, 12-6-52, 12-6-56, 43-1-7
• History. Original Rule entitled "Expiration of Registration; Penalty Period; Reinstatement" adopted. F. Aug. 15, 1988; eff. Sept. 4, 1988.
• Repealed: New Rule entitled "Biennial Renewal" adopted. F. Feb. 12, 1990; eff. Mar. 4, 1990.
• Amended: F. July 24, 2002; eff. August 13, 2002.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-3-.04 Late Renewal {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-220-3-.04 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-220--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-3-.04}

Late Renewal applications submitted during the one-month penalty period following license expiration which are accompanied by a statement from the licensee affirming completion of the continuing education requirements provided for in Chapter 220-4 must be accompanied by a late renewal fee.

History

• Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 12-6-46, 12-6-47, 12-6-50, 12-6-51, 12-6-52, 12-6-56, 43-1-4, 43-1-19, 43-1-25
• History. Original Rule entitled "Late Renewal" adopted. F. Feb. 12, 1990; eff. Mar. 4, 1990.
• Amended: F. July 24, 2002; eff. August 13, 2002.
• Amended: F. Nov. 21, 2023; eff. Dec. 11, 2023.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-3-.05 Reinstatement {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-220-3-.05 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-220--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-3-.05}

(1) Registrations not renewed in accordance with Rules 220-3-.03 and 220-3-.04 above shall not be subject to renewal, provided, however, that the holder thereof may apply for reinstatement.

(2) An application for reinstatement shall be accompanied by:

(a) A reinstatement fee; and,

(b) Evidence, satisfactory to the Board, of the completion of continuing education as specified below:

1. Six hours as defined in Rule 220-4-.04 for each year or fraction thereof since the last renewal of the applicant's license, up to a maximum of 36 hours.

2. No more than one-fourth of the credit hours claimed can be in Category 3. Fractional credit hours will be rounded down to the nearest half hour. The hours required by this paragraph may be counted towards fulfilling the continuing education requirements of the next biennial period if they have been earned in accordance with Rule 220-4-.05 .

3. In order to be satisfactory, at least twelve of the hours required for reinstatement must have been completed during the two year period immediately preceding the date of application for reinstatement.

History

• Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 12-6-47, 12-6-50, 12-6-52, 12-6-56, 43-1-25
• History. Original Rule entitled "Reinstatement" adopted. F. Feb. 12, 1990; eff. Mar. 4, 1990.
• Amended: F. Sept. 13, 1991; eff. Oct. 3, 1991.
• Amended: F. July 24, 2002; eff. August 13, 2002.
• Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Feb. 14, 2011; eff. Mar. 6, 2011.
• Amended: F. Mar. 16, 2021; eff. Apr. 5, 2021.

Chapter 220-4 Continuing Education

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-4-.01 Reporting Requirements {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-220-4-.01 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-220--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-4-.01}

(1) Beginning with applications for renewal of licenses which expire on December 31, 1991, a registered forester must have completed twelve hours of acceptable continuing education during the two-year period immediately preceding each biennial renewal date as a condition for license renewal.

(2) An applicant for license renewal who has been initially licensed in Georgia as a registered forester for one year, but less than two, at the date of license expiration must have completed six hours of acceptable continuing education during the period between initial licensure and the expiration date as a condition for license renewal.

(3) An applicant for license renewal who has been initially licensed in Georgia as a registered forester for less than one year at the date of license expiration will not be required to complete any hours of continuing education prior to that first license expiration date as a condition for license renewal.

(4) All applicants for biennial license renewal will report having completed the continuing education required in this section as part of the application for license renewal.

(5) Failure to comply with the provisions of this section will result in nonrenewal of the registered forester license. Registered foresters whose licenses have expired for non-renewal are prohibited from identifying themselves as registered foresters and practicing professional forestry.

History

• Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 12-6-56
• History. Original Rule entitled "Procedural Rules" adopted as R. 220-3-.01. F. Dec. 30, 1976; eff. Jan. 19, 1977. R. renumbered to 220-4-.01. F. May 20, 1982; eff. June 9, 1982.
• Repealed: New Rule entitled "Reporting Requirements" adopted. F. Feb. 12, 1990; eff. Mar. 4, 1990.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-4-.02 Record Maintenance and Verification {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-220-4-.02 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-220--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-4-.02}

(1) Responsibility for documenting the fulfillment of the continuing education requirements provided for in this section rests with the licensee, and the licensee must retain for a period of four years the evidence to support fulfillment of the requirements. Such evidence shall include evidence of completion of each course or program, a description of the contents of each course or program, and verification of the number of hours of each course or program; or, for other activities which meet the requirements, such documentation as to ascertain their completion.

(2) The Board will verify on a test basis satisfactory completion of the requirements in this section. In doing so, the Board may require licensees to submit copies of the documentation described in paragraph (1) above to the Board and may require other information as it deems necessary to decide upon the acceptability of a course or program. In cases where the Board determines that the requirements have not been met, the Board may grant an additional period of time in which the deficiencies may be corrected.

History

• Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 12-6-56
• History. Original Rule entitled "Record Maintenance and Verification" adopted. F. Feb. 12, 1990; eff. Mar. 4, 1990.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-4-.03 Exemptions {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-220-4-.03 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-220--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-4-.03}

The Board may relax or suspend the requirements of continuing education for reasons of individual hardship or health of the licensee based on the licensee's written request and accompanying supporting documentation.

History

• Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 12-6-56
• History. Original Rule entitled "Exemptions" adopted. F. Feb. 12, 1990; eff. Mar. 4, 1990.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-4-.04 Definitions {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-220-4-.04 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-220--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-4-.04}

(1) Credit Hours. Credit accrues at a rate of one hour for each hour of actual contact. This shall be known as a contact hour or clock hour. Tour or field session activities will receive credit based on actual instruction time. For providers who measure continuing education activities in "Continuing Education Units" (CEU), one CEU is defined as 10 contact hours of continuing education. Credit will not be allowed for any program which in its entirety, including question and answer periods, lasts less than thirty minutes. However, credit may be rounded down to the nearest half hour, so long as it is at least one-half hour. Credit will not be given for time spent in introductory remarks, coffee and luncheon breaks, meals, travel time for tour or field session activities or business meetings where no organized course work is presented.

(2) The Board recognizes two types of continuing education activities:

(a) Live Programs: Live programs may include educational workshops, seminars, conferences, lectures, live videoconferences or telephone broadcasts, field trips, or similar functions that involves real-time interactions with instructors and other participants in the program; and

(b) Self-Study Programs: Self-study programs may include reading professional periodicals or trade journals, correspondence courses and other distance learning through various media. Credit for text-based self study is awarded at the rate of one contact hour for 10,800 words of text, for peer reviewed publications multiply number of hours by 1.5. Credit for audiovisual self-study is awarded at the rate of one hour for each hour of material, the same as for live programs.

(3) Categories. The Board recognizes continuing forestry education categories in accordance with those of the Society of American Foresters.

(a) Category 1. Live or self-study programs in forestry or forestry related subject matter including but not limited to silviculture, mensuration, forest pest management, wildlife habitat management, urban forestry, forest policy, sustainable forest management and accreditation standards, forest investment analysis, or professional ethics. Category 1 programs must satisfy all of the following conditions:

1. It constitutes an organized program of learning (including a meeting, workshop or symposium) which contributes directly to the professional competency of foresters.

2. It deals primarily with matter directly related to the practice of forestry or to the professional responsibility or ethical obligations of foresters.

3. It is conducted by foresters or individuals who have special education, training and experience by reason of which they can be considered experts in the subject matter of the program.

4. It is conducted in a setting physically suitable to the educational objectives.

5. The subject matter is applicable to foresters in general. (Activities may be approved where attendance is limited to the members of a particular company, firm, or governmental agency but only if the subject matter is broad enough to be of interest to foresters in general.)

(b) Category 2. Live or self-study programs not specifically forestry or forestry-related but which are professionally enriching or directly benefiting the individual in his or her present position. Examples include general sessions of forestry or other professional meetings or course work in areas such as real estate, public speaking, business management, or computer science.

(c) Category 3. Professional development and volunteer activities. Category 3 activities may include professional or civic activities undertaken outside of normal job responsibilities, and are related to forestry or land use and promote the profession of forestry. Examples include participation on state or local planning boards, participation on committees that are related to forestry, or publication of original forest related article.

History

• Authority: O.C.G.A. Secs. 12-6-47, 12-6-56, 43-1-25, 43-19-11
• History. Original Rule entitled "Definitions" adopted. F. Feb. 12, 1990; eff. Mar. 4, 1990.
• Amended: F. July 26, 1993; eff. August 15, 1993.
• Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Dec. 15, 2009; eff. Jan. 4, 2010.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-4-.05 Requirements {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-220-4-.05 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-220--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-4-.05}

Minimum continuing education requirements for biennial license renewal are a total of 12 credit hours of continuing forestry education. A maximum of 3 credit hours may be obtained in Categories 2 and 3 Foresters who have held their licenses for less than two years but more than one year, as described in 220-4-.01(2), must obtain 6 continuing education hours.

History

• Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 12-6-47, 12-6-50, 12-6-52, 12-6-56, 43-1-25
• History. Original Rule entitled "Requirements" adopted. F. Feb. 12, 1990; eff. Mar. 4, 1990.
• Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Dec. 15, 2009; eff. Jan. 4, 2010.
• Amended: F. Mar. 10, 2021; eff. Mar. 30, 2021.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-4-.06 Approved Programs {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-220-4-.06 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-220--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-4-.06}

(1) Category 1. Continuing forestry education hours may be obtained from the following providers or through independent study, so long as they conform with the requirements set out above. Providers described in paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) below will not require prior Board approval.

(a) Professional Associations. Continuing forestry education hours may be obtained by participating in activities sponsored by or approved by the Society of American Foresters or other professional associations. A properly authorized official of the professional organization shall certify the number of contact hours of educational content of each sponsored or approved activity.

(b) Educational Institutions. Continuing forestry education hours may be obtained by completing non-forestry degree or graduate level course work or by participating in continuing educational programs sponsored by or approved by educational institutions accredited by a regional body recognized by the Council on Post Secondary Accreditation. The educational institution shall certify the number of contact hours of educational content in each sponsored or approved program.

(c) Government Agencies. Continuing forestry education hours may be obtained by participating in in-service training, courses, or work-shops sponsored by federal, state or local agencies. The provider shall certify the number of contact hours of educational content in each sponsored activity.

(d) Board Approved Providers.

1. Continuing forestry education may be obtained by participating in activities sponsored by Board Approved Providers, so long as the provider was approved at the time the program was offered. Board Approved Providers may only offer programs in the topic areas for which they have been approved. The provider shall certify the number of contact hours of educational content in each continuing education activity.

2. In order to qualify for initial Board approval, to renew Board approval or to qualify for approval in additional topic areas, a provider must apply to the Board. The application must be on a Board-approved form and received in the Board office at least 90 days prior to any scheduled programs. The application must include the following:

(i) A description of the topic areas in which the provider plans to sponsor continuing education activities.

(ii) The names of all instructors currently offering continuing education activities, a description of the topic areas in which each instructor is qualified to teach along with a vita or other evidence demonstrating that each instructor is qualified in the identified topic area.

(iii) Program outlines, including instructors, objectives, schedules and instructional materials, for two continuing education activities the provider has presented or plans to present.

3. Board Approved Provider status shall expire four years from the date of approval and may be renewed by application to the Board. The Board retains the right to monitor continuing education programs sponsored by Board Approved Providers and will withdraw approval from providers who do not maintain the standards demonstrated in their application. Board Approved Providers shall notify the Board in writing of a change of address or of a decision to withdraw from Board Approved Provider status.

(2) Category 2. Standards similar to those required for Category 1 providers are expected for Category 2 providers except that the professional societies will be other than forestry related. The Board will not approve any other providers but will accept Category 2 courses approved by other state licensing boards in the appropriate specialty areas, such as engineering or geology.

History

• Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 12-6-56
• History. Original Rule entitled "Approved Programs" adopted. F. Feb. 12, 1990; eff. Mar. 4, 1990.

Chapter 220-5 Standards of Practice

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-5-.01 Standards of Practice {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-220-5-.01 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-220--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-5-.01}

(1) It is the responsibility of each registered forester to practice professional forestry in a manner which protects the public welfare and safety and in a manner which meets generally accepted standards of practice.

(2) For purposes of this rule, generally accepted standards of practice shall include, but not be limited to, adherence to Best Management Practices which is available from the Board office.

(3) Failure to practice professional forestry in accordance with generally accepted standards of practice shall constitute unprofessional conduct as provided for in O.C.G.A. 43-1-19(a)(6) and shall be grounds for disciplinary action as provided for by law.

History

• Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 43-1-19
• History. Original Rule entitled "Procedural Rules" renumbered from 220-4-.01. F. Feb. 12, 1990; eff. Mar. 4, 1990.
• Amended. Rule retitled "Standards of Practice". F. Feb. 24, 1995; eff. Mar. 16, 1995.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-5-.02 Professional Ethics {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-220-5-.02 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-220--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-5-.02}

(1) Definition of Ethical Conduct. Professional ethical conduct is behavior that adheres to the common sense of right and wrong within the profession. Notwithstanding the fact that ethical conduct is more than mere compliance with written law, the following code of Professional Ethics sets forth minimum standards of ethical conduct.

(2) Code of Professional Ethics. The rules set forth below establish the Code of Professional Ethics for all applicants and registrants of the board. A failure to comply with one or more of these rules is deemed to be unethical conduct.

(a) A forester shall disseminate only current and accurate information of forestry.

(b) A forester shall take all reasonable actions to stop the spreading of false, misleading or inaccurate statements concerning forestry.

(c) A forester shall give only honest truthful advice and refrain from any misleading or exaggerated statement concerning the skills or level of performance of any forester, including oneself.

(d) A forester who participates in a public or private fact finding proceeding concerning forestry shall disclose all significant, material and relevant information that is or may reasonably appear to be contrary or inconsistent with the forester's stated statement or opinion.

(e) A forester's loyalty to his/her client or employer includes a duty to keep confidential and not disclose any information about the business affairs of the client or employer, unless directed by the client, employer or required by law, regulation or other provision of this code of Professional Ethics.

(f) A forester shall provide only those services the forester is qualified to do by reason of education and experience. All services rendered shall meet or exceed minimal accepted professional standards. Any agreement to provide services below accepted professional standards should be in writing and signed by the client or employer.

(g) A forester shall disclose to a potential employer or client any business or personal interest that could influence the forester's professional judgement or give the appearance of a possible conflict of interest. The duty to disclose a business or personal interest continues during the period of employment or contract.

(h) A forester shall accept compensation for a particular service from only one client or employer. Provided however, the forester may accept dual compensation for the same service, if every client or employer is notified in writing before the particular service is performed and gives their written consent to more than one party paying for the same service.

(i) A forester who is a full-time employee of an individual or entity shall not accept compensation for forestry services, either as an employee or on a contract basis, from any third party, individual or entity. Provided however, the forester may accept compensation from a third party when the forester has first obtained the written permission of the employer and provided written notice to the third party.

(j) A forester who possesses any credible information of a violation of any board rule, to include a rule of professional ethics, shall present the information to the board within thirty days of the forester or applicant first becoming aware of the potential violation. The report to the board may be made in the form of a confidential complaint.

(3) Disciplinary Action. An applicant or registrant, who a majority of the board has determined, has failed to comply with any provision of the Code of Professional Ethics, paragraph (2) above, shall be deemed to have committed unethical conduct and maybe disciplined by the board. The disciplinary action may include a refusal to grant a license to an applicant and to revoke the license of a forester licensed by the board.

History

• Authority: O.C.G. A. Sec. 12-6-57
• History. Original Rule entitled "Code of Professional Ethics" adopted. F. Mar. 3, 1999; eff. Mar. 23, 1999.
• Repealed: New Rule entitled "Professional Ethics" adopted. F. Apr. 15, 1999; eff. May 5, 1999

Chapter 220-6 Procedural Rules

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-6-.01 Procedural Rules {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-220-6-.01 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-220--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 220-6-.01}

The Georgia State Board of Registration for Foresters hereby adopts by reference as its permanent rules Chapter 295-3 through 295-13 and any future amendments thereto.

History

• Authority: O.C.G.A. Secs. 12-6-46, 12-6-47, 12-6-57, 50-13-13 to 50-13-17
• History. Original Rule entitled "Procedural Rules" adopted. F. Feb. 24, 1995; eff. Mar. 16, 1995.
• Amended: F. July 24, 2002; eff. August 13, 2002.