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Understand the TBAE complaints process to keep your license safe

On Behalf of | May 27, 2022 | Construction Contracts

Texas holds engineers, architects and construction workers accountable whenever it receives complaints regarding construction sites. This process, however, may result in you losing your engineering license.

That makes it vital to understand how the process works so that you have every chance and resource to defend your creations, your liability and your license.

Submission and evaluation

According to Texas statutes, any person may file an appropriate complaint to the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners that details the project and any alleged violations.

The TBAE receives and reviews this complaint and must determine the jurisdiction, disciplinary history and priority level of the case. You may receive a notification as the respondent that the TBAE is pursuing a complaint evaluation.

Investigation of a valid complaint

If the board does not dismiss the complaint, they move forward with an investigation according to its priority. You and the complainant should receive notifications here as well as the TBAE gathers sufficient evidence to determine probable cause. They may request a response as well as certain documents from you. Failure to comply may hurt your case and result in other, separate disciplinary action.

Defending against a valid complaint

Once the TBAE begins a contested case, it is up to you and your resources to prove against the complaint. This often occurs as an informal agreement between you and the Board that establishes conclusions and potential reprimands. If you do not reach an agreement with the Board, the case proceeds to a formal disciplinary hearing before the State Office of Administrative Hearings.

Defending against these complaints is a matter of your license and possibly your career. Regardless of how trivial the complaint may be, it is important to seek out support and resources to avoid a bad outcome.