Statutes, codes, and regulations
Delaware Administrative Code
Title 24 - Regulated Professions and OccupationsDepartment of StateDivision of Professional Regulation
Board of Geologists
Section 3600-10.0 - Code of Ethics

24 Del. Admin. Code § 3600-10.0

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Current through Register Vol. 28, No. 3, September 1, 2024
Section 3600-10.0 - Code of Ethics
10.1 General Provisions:
10.1.1 A geologist shall be guided by the highest standards of ethics, honesty, integrity, fairness, personal honor, and professional conduct.
10.1.2 A geologist shall not knowingly permit the publication or use of his/her work or name in association with any unsound or illegitimate venture.
10.1.3 A geologist shall not give a professional opinion or make a report without being as completely informed as might be reasonably expected considering the purpose for which the opinion or report is desired. All assumptions on which the results of the report or opinion are based shall be set forth in the report or opinion.
10.1.4 A geologist shall be as objective as possible in any opinion, report or other communication he/ she makes which will be used to induce participation in a venture. He/she shall not make sensational, exaggerated, or unwarranted statements. He/she shall not misrepresent data, omit relevant data, or fail to mention the lack of data that might affect the results or conclusions of such opinion, report or communication.
10.1.5 A geologist shall not falsely or maliciously attempt to injure the reputation or business of another geologist.
10.1.6 A geologist shall freely give credit for work done by others. A geologist shall not knowingly accept credit rightfully due to others or otherwise indulge in plagiarism in oral and written communications.
10.1.7 A geologist, having knowledge of the unethical or incompetent practice of another geologist, shall avoid association with that geologist in professional work. If a geologist acquires tangible evidence of the unethical or incompetent practice of another geologist, he/she shall submit the evidence to the Board.
10.1.8 A geologist shall not use the provisions of 24 Del.C., Ch. 36 or the Board's regulations to maliciously prosecute, harass or otherwise burden another geologist with unfounded or false charges.
10.1.9 A geologist shall endeavor to cooperate with others in the profession in encouraging the ethical dissemination of geological knowledge especially when it is in the public interest.
10.1.10 A geologist shall not engage in conduct that involves fraud, dishonesty, deceit or misrepresentation either directly or through the action of others.
10.1.11 A geologist shall not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, creed, sex or national origin.
10.1.12 A geologist shall not aid any person in the unauthorized practice of geology.
10.1.13 A geologist shall not practice geology in a jurisdiction where that practice would violate the standards applicable to geologists in the jurisdiction.
10.2 Provisions Concerning Monetary Matters
10.2.1 A geologist having, or expecting to have, any interest in a project or property on which he/she performs work, must make full disclosure of the interest to all parties concerned with the project or property.
10.2.2 A geologist's fee shall be reasonable. The factors to be considered in determining the reasonableness of a fee include the following:
10.2.2.1 the time and labor required, the novelty and difficulty of the work involved, and the skill requisite to perform the service properly;
10.2.2.2 the likelihood, if apparent to the client or employer, that the acceptance of the particular employment will preclude other employment of the geologist;
10.2.2.3 the fee customarily charged in the area for similar geological services;
10.2.2.4 the total value of the project and the results obtained;
10.2.2.5 the time limitations imposed by the client or by the circumstances;
10.2.2.6 the nature and length of the professional relationship with the client;
10.2.2.7 the experience, reputation, and ability of the geologist or geologists performing the service; and
10.2.2.8 whether the fee is fixed or contingent.
10.2.3 When the geologist has not regularly performed services for the client, the basis or rate of the fee shall be communicated to the client, preferably in writing, before or within a reasonable time after commencing services.
10.2.4 A fee may be contingent on the outcome of a project for which geological services are rendered, except for a project where a contingent fee is prohibited by law or professional ethics. A contingent fee agreement shall be in writing and shall state the method by which the fee is to be determined.
10.2.5 A division of fee between geologist and other professionals who are not associated may be made only if:
10.2.5.1 the division is in proportion to the services performed by each geologist or professional or, by written agreement with the client. Each geologist or professional assumes joint responsibility for the services performed;
10.2.5.2 the client is advised of and does not object to the participation of the geologist and/or other professionals involved; and
10.2.5.3 the total fee is reasonable.
10.2.6 A geologist shall not accept a concealed fee for referring an employer or client to a specialist or for recommending geological services other than his/her own. A geologist who engages or advises a client or employer to engage collateral services shall use his/her best judgement to ensure the collateral services are used prudently and economically.
10.3 Provisions Concerning The Relationship With The Client
10.3.1 A geologist shall not undertake, or offer to undertake, any type of work with which he/she is not familiar or competent by reason of lack of training or experience unless he/she makes full disclosure of his/her lack of training or experience to the appropriate parties prior to undertaking the work.
10.3.2 A geologist shall protect to the fullest extent the employer or client's interest, so far, as is consistent with the public welfare and professional obligations and ethics.
10.3.3 A geologist who finds that an obligation to an employer or client conflicts with professional obligations or ethics should have the objectionable conditions changed or terminate the services.
10.3.4 A geologist shall not use either directly or indirectly any proprietary information which is developed or acquired as a result of working for an employer or client in any way that conflicts with the employer's or client's interest and without the consent of the employer or client.
10.3.5 A geologist who has worked or performed a service for any employer or client shall not use the information peculiar to that employment and which is gained in such employment for his/her own personal profit unless he/she is given written permission to do so or until the employer, client, or their successor's interest in such information has changed in such a way that the information is valueless to him/her or of no further interest to him/her.
10.3.6 A geologist shall not divulge confidential information. This does not relieve a licensed geologist from the duty to report conditions required by law or regulation.
10.3.7 A geologist retained by a client shall not accept, without the client's consent, an engagement by another if there is a possibility of a conflict between the interests of the two clients.
10.3.8 A geologist shall advise an employer or client to retain, and cooperate with, other experts and specialists whenever the employer's or client's interests are best served by such services.
10.3.9 A geologist shall not terminate services to an employer or client when it will cause immediate jeopardy to the employer's or client's interests. The geologist shall attempt to give due notice of termination; however, the geologist may terminate services under any of the following circumstances:
10.3.9.1 failure to receive compensation or good evidence indicating compensation will not be received for services performed;
10.3.9.2 when continued employment will result in a violation of 24 Del.C., Ch. 36 or other illegality;
10.3.9.3 when continued employment will result in sickness or injury to the geologist or his/her dependents.
10.3.10 A geologist shall not use illegal drugs. A geologist shall also not abuse alcoholic beverages, drugs, narcotics, or controlled substances with or without a prescription such that it impairs his/ her ability to perform his/her work.

24 Del. Admin. Code § 3600-10.0

11 DE Reg. 349 (09/01/07)
13 DE Reg. 682 (11/01/09)
16 DE Reg. 437 (10/01/12)
17 DE Reg. 991 (4/1/2014)(Final)