A. Section 54.1-2300 of the Code of Virginia provides definitions of the following terms and phrases as used in this chapter:

"Board"

"Onsite sewage system"

"Operator"

"Wastewater works"

B. The following words, terms, and phrases when used in this chapter shall will have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Address of record" means the mailing address designated by the licensee to receive notices and correspondence from the board.

"Alternative onsite sewage system" means a treatment works that is not a conventional onsite sewage system and does not result in a point source discharge.

"Alternative onsite sewage system installer" means an individual licensed by the board to construct, install, and repair conventional and alternative onsite sewage systems.

"Alternative onsite sewage system operator" means an individual licensed by the board to operate and maintain conventional and alternative onsite sewage systems.

"Alternative onsite soil evaluator" means an individual licensed by the board to evaluate soils and soil properties in relationship to the effect of these properties on the use and management of these soils as the locations for conventional and alternative onsite sewage systems, to certify in accordance with applicable state regulations and local ordinances that sites are suitable for conventional and alternative onsite sewage systems, and to design conventional and alternative onsite sewage systems suitable for the soils.

"Applicant" means an individual who submits has submitted an application with the appropriate fee and other required documentation for licensure.

"Application" means a completed, board-prescribed form submitted with the appropriate fee and other required documentation.

"Authorized onsite soil evaluator" means an individual holding an authorized onsite soil evaluator certification issued by the Virginia Department of Health that was valid on June 30, 2009.

"Category" means journeyman or master as applicable to the professionals under the board's purview.

"Class" means conventional or alternative as applicable to the professionals under the board's purview.

"CPE" means continuing professional education.

"Contact hour" means 50 minutes of participation in a structured training activity.

"Conventional onsite sewage system" means a treatment works consisting of one or more septic tanks with gravity, pumped, or siphoned conveyance to a gravity distributed subsurface drainfield.

"Conventional onsite sewage system installer" means an individual licensed by the board to construct, install, and repair conventional onsite sewage systems.

"Conventional onsite sewage system operator" means an individual licensed by the board to operate and maintain conventional onsite sewage systems.

"Conventional onsite soil evaluator" means an individual licensed by the board to evaluate soils and soil properties in relationship to the effects of these properties on the use and management of these soils as the locations for conventional and alternative onsite sewage systems, to certify in accordance with applicable state regulations and local ordinances that sites are suitable for conventional and alternative onsite sewage systems, and to design conventional onsite sewage systems suitable for the soils.

"Department" means the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.

"Direct supervision" means being immediately available and fully responsible for the provision of onsite sewage system services regulated pursuant to Chapter 23 (§ 54.1-2300 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia and this chapter.

"Interim license" refers to the initial issuance of professional licenses during the implementation of the onsite sewage system professionals licensure program. Such licenses were limited to four years and not renewable.

"Journeyman" means an individual who possesses the minimum skills and competency to install or maintain onsite sewage systems or assist in the evaluation of soil sites as suitable for conventional and alternative onsite sewage systems and to design onsite sewage systems, all as under the direct supervision of a master licensee.

"Licensee" means an individual holding a valid license issued by the board.

"Licensure" means a method of regulation whereby the Commonwealth, through the issuance of a license, authorizes a person possessing the character and minimum skills to engage in the practice of a profession or occupation that is unlawful to practice without such license.

"Maintenance" or "maintain" means, unless otherwise provided in local ordinance, (i) performing adjustments to equipment and controls or (ii) in-kind replacement of normal wear and tear parts that do not require a construction permit for adjustment or replacement of the component, such as light bulbs, fuses, filters, pumps, motors, sewer lines, conveyance lines, distribution boxes, header lines, or other like components. Maintenance includes pumping the tanks or cleaning the building sewer on a periodic basis. Notwithstanding any local ordinance, "maintenance" does not include replacement of tanks, drainfield piping, subsurface drainfields, or work requiring a construction permit and a licensed onsite sewage system installer. Unless otherwise prohibited by local ordinance, a conventional onsite sewage system installer or an alternative onsite sewage system installer may perform maintenance work limited to in-kind replacement of light bulbs, fuses, filters, pumps, sewer lines, conveyance lines, distribution boxes, and header lines.

"Master" means an individual who possesses the minimum skills and competency to install or maintain onsite sewage systems or evaluate soil sites as suitable for conventional and alternative onsite sewage systems and to design conventional and alternative onsite sewage systems.

"Operate" means the act of (i) placing into or taking out of service a unit process or (ii) making or causing adjustments in the operation of a unit process at a treatment works.

"Profession" means the practice of onsite soil evaluation, onsite sewage system installation, and onsite sewage system operation and maintenance.

"Professional" means an onsite sewage system installer, onsite sewage system operator, or onsite soil evaluator who is licensed pursuant to the provisions of this chapter and is in good standing with the board to practice his profession in this Commonwealth.

"Renewal" means the process and requirements for periodically approving the continuance of a license.

"Sewage" means water-carried and nonwater-carried human excrement or kitchen, laundry, shower, bath, or lavatory wastes separately or together with such underground, surface, storm, or other water and liquid industrial wastes as may be present from residences, buildings, vehicles, industrial establishments, or other places.

"Training credit" means a unit of board-approved training or formal education completed by an individual that may be used to substitute for experience when applying for a license.

"Treatment works" means any device or system used in the storage, treatment, disposal, or reclamation of sewage or combinations of sewage and industrial wastes including pumping, power, and other equipment and appurtenances, septic tanks and any works, including land, that are or will be (i) an integral part of the treatment processes or (ii) used for ultimate disposal or of residues or effluent resulting from such treatment.

"VDH" means the Virginia Department of Health.

A. All applicants seeking licensure shall must submit an application with the appropriate fee in 18VAC160-40-40. Applications shall will be made on forms provided by the board or its agent.

1. By submitting the application form and fee to the department, the applicant certifies that the applicant has read and understands the applicable statutes and the board's regulations.

2. The receipt of an application and the deposit of fees by the board does not indicate approval of the application by the board.

B. The board may make further inquiries and investigations with respect to the applicant's qualifications to confirm or amplify information supplied. All applications shall must be completed in accordance with the instructions contained in this chapter section and on the application. Applications will not be considered complete until all required documents are received by the board. If an examination is required for licensure, the applicant will not be permitted to sit for the applicable board-approved examination until the application is complete and approved.

C. The applicant will be notified within 30 days of the board's receipt of an initial application if the application is incomplete. An individual who fails to complete the process within 12 months of receipt of the application in the board's office must submit a new application. If applicable, the applicant has 12 months from approval of the application to pass the board-approved examination. Failure to pass the board-approved examination within 12 months of approval will result in the applicant being required to submit a new application to be considered for licensure.

D. The applicant shall must immediately report all changes in information supplied with the application, if applicable, prior to the issuance of the license or expiration of the application or examination period.

All fees are nonrefundable and shall will not be prorated. The date on which the fee is received by the department or its agent will determine whether the fee is on time. Checks or money orders shall must be made payable to the Treasurer of Virginia.

For licenses expiring on or after January 31, 2018, and before January 31, 2020, the renewal fee shall be $50. For reinstatement applications received after January 31, 2018, and on or before January 31, 2020, the total reinstatement fee shall be $75.

The fee fees for examination or reexamination is all examinations are subject to charges to the department by an outside vendor based on a contract entered into in compliance with the Virginia Public Procurement Act (§ 2.2-4300 et seq. of the Code of Virginia). Fees may be adjusted and charged to the candidate in accordance with this contract.

A. In addition to the specific qualifications for each profession, class, and category of licensure, each applicant for licensure shall must meet the requirements provided in this section:.

1. B. The applicant shall must be at least 18 years old.

2. C. The applicant shall disclose his must provide a mailing address, which will serve as the address of record. A post office box is only acceptable as a mailing the address of record when a physical address is also provided.

3. D. In accordance with § 54.1-204 of the Code of Virginia, each applicant shall must disclose the following information:

a. 1. All felony convictions.

b. 2. All misdemeanor convictions, except marijuana convictions, that occurred within three years of the date of application.

Any plea of nolo contendere or finding of guilt regardless of adjudication or deferred adjudication shall be considered a conviction for the purposes of this section. The record of conviction certified or authenticated in such form as to be admissible in evidence under the laws of the jurisdiction where convicted shall be admissible as prima facie evidence of such guilt.

B. The board, at in its discretion, may deny licensure to any applicant in accordance with § 54.1-204 of the Code of Virginia. The applicant has the right to request further review of any such action by the board under the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

C. E. The applicant shall must report any suspension, revocation, or surrender of a license, certification, or registration in connection with a disciplinary action or that has been subject of discipline in any jurisdiction prior to applying for licensure action taken by any board or administrative body in any jurisdiction against a professional or occupational license, certification, or registration issued to the applicant, to include any suspension, revocation, or surrender of a license, certification, or registration, imposition of a monetary penalty, or requirement to take remedial education or other corrective action. The board at in its discretion may deny licensure to any applicant based on prior suspensions, revocations, or surrenders of licenses based on disciplinary action by for any prior action taken by any board or administrative body in any jurisdiction. The applicant has the right to request further review of any such action by the board under the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

F. The applicant for licensure must be in compliance with the standards of conduct and practice set forth in Part IX (18VAC160-40-440 et seq.) of this chapter at the time of application, while the application is under review by the board, and at all times when the license is in effect.

A. Each individual applying for a license may receive credit for up to half of the required experience for:

1. Satisfactory completion of postsecondary courses in wastewater, biology, chemistry, geology, hydraulics, hydrogeology, engineering, environmental science, agronomy, earth science, environmental health, or soil science at the rate of one month per semester hour or two-thirds of a month per quarter hour; or

2. Satisfactory completion of board-approved onsite sewage system installer or, onsite sewage system operator, or onsite soil evaluation training courses, as applicable to the license sought, at the rate of one month for each training credit earned. Up to one training credit is awarded for each 10 hours of classroom contact time or for each 20 hours of laboratory exercises and field trip contact time. Training credit is not earned for breaks, meals, receptions, and time other than classroom, laboratory, and field trip contact time.

B. Education used to meet the education requirements to qualify for licensure may not be substituted for experience.

A. Upon approval of the application In those instances where an applicant is required to take an examination for licensure, the board will notify the applicant of his the applicant's eligibility to take the applicable examination upon approval of the application. The license will not be issued prior to the receipt of a passing score for the applicable examination.

B. An applicant who does not receive a passing score within one year 12 months after the date of approval of the application by the board to sit for the examination must submit a new application and meet entry requirements in effect at the time of the submittal of the new application.

C. In those instances where the applicant is required to take an examination for licensure, the The applicant shall must follow all rules established by the board with regard to conduct at the examination. Such rules shall will include written instructions communicated prior to the examination date and instructions communicated at the site, either written or oral, on the date of the examination. Failure to comply with all rules established by the board and the testing organization with regard to conduct at the examination shall will be grounds for denial of the application, voiding of examination scores, or any combination thereof.

D. A passing examination score received by an applicant is valid for a period of 10 years from the date of the examination.

Any applicant holding a valid an active, current license or certificate in another jurisdiction shall must meet the requirements of this chapter, including having equivalent experience and education. The applicant shall must pass the appropriate board-approved examination to become licensed in those instances where an examination for licensure is required.

For the purpose of this part chapter, experience requirements are expressed in terms of calendar periods of full-time employment as an operator, installer, or onsite soil evaluator in the same class for which licensure is sought.

1. A year of full-time employment is defined as a minimum of 1,760 hours during a 12-month period or a minimum of 220 workdays in a 12-month period. A workday is defined as performing or assisting in the duties of an installer, operator, or onsite soil evaluator to the extent required for the proper installation or maintenance of onsite sewage systems or the evaluation of soil and soil properties for suitability as locations for onsite sewage systems. More than 1,760 hours or 220 workdays during a 12-month period will not be considered as more than one year of full-time employment.

2. Partial credit may be given for actual hours of work experience if the applicant works less than full time.

 A. An individual holding a current license issued by the board that was valid on March 31, 2017, will be issued a master license in the same class and category of license, and with the same expiration date.

1. A conventional onsite sewage system installer license that is current on March 31, 2017, will be converted to a master conventional onsite sewage system installer license.

2. An alternative onsite sewage system installer license that is current on March 31, 2017, will be converted to a master alternative onsite sewage system installer license.

3. A conventional onsite sewage system operator license that is current on March 31, 2017, will be converted to a master conventional onsite sewage system operator license.

4. An alternative onsite sewage system operator license that is current on March 31, 2017, will be converted to a master alternative onsite sewage system operator license.

5. A conventional onsite soil evaluator license that is current on March 31, 2017, will be converted to a master conventional onsite soil evaluator license.

6. An alternative onsite soil evaluator license that is current on March 31, 2017, will be converted to a master alternative onsite soil evaluator license.

B. Any license issued pursuant to this section may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with this chapter for any violation of the regulations that occurred under the license held prior to conversion in accordance with this section.

A. No An individual shall must not install a conventional or alternative onsite sewage system without a valid onsite sewage system installer license issued by the board in the appropriate class.

B. An individual cannot simultaneously hold valid master and journeyman onsite sewage system installer licenses in the same class. Issuance of a master onsite sewage system installer license in a specific class shall will void the journeyman onsite sewage system installer license in the same class.

C. An individual cannot simultaneously hold valid conventional and alternative master onsite sewage system installer licenses or conventional and alternative journeyman onsite sewage system installer licenses. Issuance of a master alternative onsite sewage system installer license shall will void the conventional onsite sewage system installer license.

D. A journeyman onsite sewage system installer must work under the direct supervision of a licensed master onsite sewage system installer with the appropriate class of license. A master onsite sewage system installer is responsible for supervising the provision of onsite sewage system installations by any journeyman onsite sewage system installers under his direct supervision.

1. A master alternative onsite sewage system installer licensee may supervise a journeyman conventional onsite sewage system installer licensee.

E. Experience used to qualify for licensure cannot be verified by a journeyman onsite sewage system installer.

All qualifying experience submitted by an applicant in accordance with this part must be verified by one or more of the following: master conventional or alternative onsite soil evaluator, master conventional or alternative onsite sewage system installer, master conventional or alternative onsite sewage system operator, professional engineer, or, for experience gained outside of Virginia, an equivalent credential to these licenses.

An applicant for licensure as a journeyman conventional onsite sewage system installer shall must furnish acceptable documentation that one of the following qualifications has been met:

An applicant for licensure as a master conventional onsite sewage system installer shall must furnish acceptable documentation that one of the following qualifications has been met:

A. Applicants seeking licensure as a master conventional onsite sewage system installer may be exempt from the examination provided the applicant meets the requirements of 18VAC160-40-60, and provides documentation acceptable to the board of one of the following:

1. The applicant has completed a minimum of 40 hours of board-approved training, and has been actively engaged in performing the duties of a conventional onsite sewage system installer for at least six years; or

2. The applicant has been actively engaged in performing the duties of a conventional onsite sewage system installer for at least 10 years.

B. Documentation of qualifying experience may be verified by a master conventional or alternative onsite soil evaluator, a master conventional or alternative onsite sewage system installer, a master conventional or alternative onsite sewage system operator, a professional engineer, an authorized onsite soil evaluator, or, for experience gained outside of Virginia, an equivalent credential to these licenses.

An applicant for licensure as a journeyman alternative onsite sewage system installer shall must furnish acceptable documentation that one of the following qualifications has been met:

An applicant for licensure as a master alternative onsite sewage system installer shall must furnish acceptable documentation that one of the following qualifications has been met:

A. No An individual shall must not operate or maintain a conventional or alternative onsite sewage system without a valid onsite sewage system operator license issued by the board in the appropriate class.

B. An individual cannot simultaneously hold valid master and journeyman onsite sewage system operator licenses in the same class. Issuance of a master onsite sewage system operator license in a specific class shall will void the journeyman onsite sewage system operator license in the same class.

C. An individual cannot simultaneously hold valid conventional and alternative master onsite sewage system operator licenses or conventional and alternative journeyman onsite sewage system operator licenses. Issuance of a master alternative onsite sewage system operator license shall will void the conventional onsite sewage system operator license.

D. A journeyman onsite sewage system operator must work under the direct supervision of a licensed master onsite sewage system operator with the appropriate class of license. A master onsite sewage system operator is responsible for supervising the operation and maintenance of the onsite sewage system by any journeyman onsite sewage system operator under his responsibility.

1. A master alternative onsite sewage system operator licensee may supervise a journeyman conventional onsite sewage system operator licensee.

E. Experience used to qualify for licensure cannot be verified by a journeyman onsite sewage system operator.

F. No individual shall act as an alternative onsite sewage system operator of an alternative onsite sewage system that exceeds 10,000 gallons per day design flow without possessing a Class 4 or higher wastewater works operator license in addition to an alternative onsite sewage system operator license. An alternative onsite sewage system that exceeds 10,000 gallons per day design flow is required to have operations and maintenance performed by either (i) an individual who is licensed as both an alternative onsite sewage system operator and a Class 4 or higher wastewater works operator, or (ii) an individual who is licensed as an alternative onsite sewage system operator and an individual who is licensed as a Class 4 or higher wastewater works operator who are working together pursuant to an employment relationship, contract, or other written agreement.

All qualifying experience submitted by an applicant in accordance with this part must be verified by one or more of the following: master conventional or alternative onsite soil evaluator, master conventional or alternative onsite sewage system operator, master conventional or alternative onsite sewage system installer, professional engineer, or, for experience gained outside of Virginia, an equivalent credential to these licenses.

An applicant for licensure as a journeyman conventional onsite sewage system operator shall must furnish acceptable documentation that the following qualification has been met:

An applicant for licensure as a master conventional onsite sewage system operator shall must furnish acceptable documentation that one of the following qualifications has been met:

Applicants seeking licensure as a master conventional onsite sewage system operator may be exempt from the examination provided the applicant:

1. Is able to satisfactorily demonstrate that he the applicant has been actively engaged in performing the duties of a conventional onsite sewage system operator for at least four years. Documentation of qualifying experience may be verified by a master conventional or alternative onsite soil evaluator, a master conventional or alternative onsite sewage system operator, a master conventional or alternative onsite sewage system installer, a professional engineer, or an authorized onsite soil evaluator, or for experience gained outside of Virginia, an equivalent credential to these licenses; and

2. Meets the requirements of 18VAC160-40-60.

An applicant for licensure as a journeyman alternative onsite sewage operator shall must furnish acceptable documentation that one of the following qualifications has been met:

An applicant for licensure as a master alternative onsite sewage system operator shall must furnish acceptable documentation that one of the following has been met:

A. Notwithstanding the provisions of Chapter 4 (§ 54.1-400 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia, no an individual shall must not perform the duties of an onsite soil evaluator without possessing a valid license issued by the board.

B. An individual cannot simultaneously hold master and journeyman onsite soil evaluator licenses in the same class. Issuance of a master onsite soil evaluator license in a specific class shall will void the journeyman onsite soil evaluator license in the same class.

C. An individual cannot simultaneously hold valid conventional and alternative master onsite soil evaluator licenses or conventional and alternative journeyman onsite soil evaluator licenses. Issuance of an alternative master onsite soil evaluator license shall will void the conventional onsite soil evaluator license.

D. A journeyman onsite soil evaluator must work under the direct supervision of a master onsite soil evaluator with the appropriate class of license. A master onsite soil evaluator of an equal or greater class is responsible for supervising the provision of onsite soil evaluations and designs by any journeyman onsite soil evaluator under his responsibility.

E. Experience to qualify for licensure cannot be verified by a journeyman onsite soil evaluator.

All qualifying experience submitted by an applicant in accordance with this part must be verified by one or more of the following: master conventional or alternative onsite soil evaluator, professional engineer, or, for experience gained outside of Virginia, an equivalent credential to these licenses.

An applicant for licensure as a journeyman conventional onsite soil evaluator shall must furnish acceptable documentation that one of the following has been met:

An applicant for licensure as a master conventional onsite soil evaluator shall must furnish acceptable documentation that one of the following qualifications has been met:

An applicant for licensure as a journeyman alternative onsite soil evaluator shall must furnish acceptable documentation that one of the following qualifications has been met:

An applicant for licensure as a master alternative onsite soil evaluator shall must furnish acceptable documentation that one of the following qualifications has been met:

An authorized onsite soil evaluator who is verifying experience pursuant to Part II of this chapter and who holds no other license listed as qualified to verify experience may only verify experience obtained before July 1, 2009.

A. Applicants seeking to qualify for licensure based on completion of an associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree shall must submit an official transcript from the school where the applicable degree was obtained. Only degrees a degree from an accredited college or university that is approved or accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, a regional or national accreditation association, or by an accrediting agency that is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education will be considered. The following degrees shall will be considered to qualify in accordance with 18VAC160-40-250 and 18VAC160-40-270:

1. Bachelor's or, master's, or associate's degree in soil science, biology, chemistry, engineering, engineering technology, environmental science, geology, agronomy, earth science, or environmental health, wastewater works, or applied sciences.

2. Associate's degree in wastewater works, environmental science, or engineering technology.

3. 2. Bachelor's degree in a related physical, biological, environmental, or chemical science that includes a minimum of 40 semester credit hours in any combination of science and math.

B. Any applicant who has earned a degree from an institution outside of the United States shall must have the degree authenticated and evaluated by an education credential evaluation services. The board reserves the right to reject any evaluation submitted by the applicant.

A. A license shall will expire two years from the last day of the month in which it was issued.

B. Prior to the expiration date shown on the license, the board shall mail a renewal notice to the licensee's address of record. The licensee shall return a renewal notice and the applicable renewal fee. Failure to receive a renewal notice from the board does not relieve the licensee of the obligation to renew. If the licensee fails to receive the renewal notice, a copy of the license may be submitted with the required fee as an application for renewal.

C. By submitting the renewal fee, the licensee is certifying his continued compliance with the Standards of Practice and Conduct (Part IX (18VAC160-40-440 et seq.) of this chapter) as established by the board. In addition, by submitting the renewal fee, licensees are certifying compliance with the continuing professional education requirements of this chapter.

A. Prior to the expiration date shown on the license, the board will mail a renewal notice to the licensee's address of record.

B. Prior to the expiration date shown on the license, a licensee desiring to renew a license must return to the board a renewal notice and the applicable renewal fee specified in 18VAC160-40-40.

C. Failure to receive a renewal notice from the board does not relieve the licensee of the obligation to renew. If the licensee fails to receive the renewal notice, a copy of the license may be submitted with the required fee as an application for renewal.

D. By submitting the renewal fee, the licensee is affirming the continuing professional education requirements of 18VAC160-40-330 have been met, and the licensee is in continued compliance with this chapter.

A. If all the requirements for renewal of the license, as specified provided in 18VAC160-40-290, are not completed by the licensee within 30 days of after the license expiration date on the license, a reinstatement fee shall of the license will be required as established in 18VAC160-40-40.

B. A license may be reinstated for up to one year following the expiration date of the license upon submittal of the reinstatement application consisting of (i) payment of the reinstatement fee specified in 18VAC160-40-40 and (ii) proof of CPE in accordance with 18VAC160-40-330. Any licensee who fails to reinstate the license within 12 months after the expiration date shall apply for a new license and meet entry requirements in effect at the time of submittal of the new application. The individual shall be deemed to be eligible to sit for the examination for the same profession, class, and category of license as the expired license, if an examination is applicable. After one year, the license will not be reinstated under any circumstances, and the individual must apply as a new applicant and meet entry requirements current at the time of submittal of the new application.

C. By submitting the reinstatement fee application, the licensee is certifying his individual is affirming the individual is in continued compliance with the Standards of Practice and Conduct (Part IX (18VAC160-40-440 et seq.) of this chapter) as established by the board. In addition, by submitting the reinstatement fee, licensees are certifying compliance with the continued professional education requirements of this chapter.

D. Any regulated activity conducted subsequent to the license expiration date may constitute unlicensed activity and be subject to prosecution under Chapter 1 (§ 54.1-100 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia.

A. A licensee who applies for reinstatement of the reinstates a license shall will be subject to all laws and regulations as if the regulant had regarded as having been continuously licensed without interruption. The licensee shall will remain under and be subject to the disciplinary authority of the board during the entire period.

B. Any regulated activity conducted subsequent to the license expiration date may constitute unlicensed activity and be subject to prosecution under Chapter 1 (§ 54.1-100 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia.

A. The board may deny renewal or reinstatement of license for the same reasons as the board may refuse initial licensure or discipline a licensee. The licensee has the right to request further review of any such action by the board under the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

B. The board may deny renewal or reinstatement of a licensee if the licensee has been subject to a disciplinary proceeding by the board and has not met the terms of an agreement for licensure, has not satisfied all sanctions, or has not fully paid monetary penalties and costs imposed by the board.

A. Each licensee shall have completed must complete the following number of continuing professional education (CPE) contact hours during each renewal cycle. CPE provisions do not apply to for the renewal of licenses that were held for less than two years on the date of expiration.

B. CPE courses completed during the license period immediately prior to the expiration date of the license shall be acceptable in order to renew the license. The licensee may request additional time to meet the CPE requirement. However, CPE courses completed during a current license renewal cycle to satisfy the CPE requirements of the preceding licensing renewal cycle shall will be valid only for that preceding license renewal cycle and shall will not be accepted for subsequent renewal cycles. The grant of any request for additional time to meet the CPE requirement is at the discretion of the board.

C. The licensee will not receive credit for completing the same CPE course with the same content more than once during a license period renewal cycle.

D. A licensee may receive CPE credit for teaching a course that otherwise meets the requirements of this chapter; however, additional credit shall will not be given for subsequent offering of a course or activity with the same content within the same licensing renewal cycle. In addition a licensee may receive two hours of CPE no more than once during a single licensing renewal cycle for the initial development or substantial updating of a CPE course.

E. For all licenses, safety subjects shall will not count for more than one half one-half of the total required CPE hours.

The following course topics will be accepted for CPE credit for onsite sewage system installers:

1. Sewage system installation;

2. Operating and maintaining equipment;

3. Security and safety procedures;

4. General science and, mathematical, and electrical principles;

5. Administrative knowledge and procedures applicable to the profession;

6. Laws and regulations applicable to the profession; and

7. Monitoring, evaluating and adjusting treatment processes (alternative onsite sewage system installers only); and

8. Management and supervision principles (master onsite sewage system installers only; maximum of four contact hours).

The following course topics will be accepted for CPE credit for onsite sewage system operators:

1. Onsite system operations;

2. Monitoring, evaluating, and adjusting treatment processes;

3. Operating and maintaining equipment;

4. Security and safety procedures;

5. General science and, mathematical, and electrical principles;

6. Administrative knowledge applicable to the profession; and

7. Laws and regulations applicable to the profession; and

8. Management and supervision principles (applicable to master onsite sewage system operators only; maximum of four contact hours).

The following course topics will be accepted for CPE credit for onsite soil evaluators:

1. Site and soil evaluations;

2. Security and safety procedures;

3. Mapping, cartography, and geographic information systems;

4. System design;

5. Inspections;

6. General science and mathematical principles;

7. Administrative knowledge and procedures applicable to the profession; and

8. Laws and regulations applicable to the profession; and

9. Management and supervision principles (applicable to master onsite soil evaluators only; maximum of four contact hours).

In addition to the topics provided in 18VAC160-40-340, 18VAC160-40-350, and 18VAC160-40-360, a master licensee may receive a maximum of four contact hours of CPE credit for completion of training in management and supervision principles.

Any course approved by the board for substitution as training credits or formal education semester hours, as provided for in 18VAC160-40-70 or 18VAC160-40-280, shall will also be acceptable on an hour-for-hour basis for CPE contact hours. One semester hour of college credit shall will equal 15 CPE contact hours, and one-quarter hour of college credit shall will equal 10 CPE contact hours. The training credits or formal education must be applicable to the license for which CPE credit is sought.

A. For Each licensee must maintain evidence of the satisfactory completion of CPE for a period of at least two years following the end of the license renewal cycle for which the CPE was taken, the. Such documentation must be provided to the board or its duly authorized agents upon request. The following evidence shall will be maintained to document completion of the required CPE.:

1. Evidence of completion of a structured training activity, which shall consist of that contains the name, address, and telephone number of the sponsor;

2. The dates the licensee participated in the training;

3. Description of the subject matter presented; and

4. A statement from the sponsor verifying the number of CPE contact hours completed.

B. The board may conduct an audit of its licensees to ensure compliance with the applicable CPE requirements. Licensees who are selected for audit shall must provide the necessary documentation stipulated in this section.

In accordance with subdivision A 2 of 18VAC160-40-70, training courses approved by the board may be substituted for experience. All training courses must be approved by the board in accordance with the provisions of this part. Training courses may be delivered using distance, virtual, or online education technology. Training courses may be approved retroactively; however, no applicant will receive credit for the training course until such approval is granted by the board

1. Up to one training credit will be awarded for each 10 hours of classroom contact time or for each 20 hours of laboratory exercises and field trip contact time. Training credit will not be earned for breaks, meals, or receptions. A training credit awarded is equivalent to one month of experience.

2. Training courses that meet the requirements of 18VAC160-40-430 may be accepted for substitution of experience without approval by the board.

A. Training courses may be substituted for experience pursuant to the provisions of 18VAC160-40-70. With the exception of training courses provided pursuant to 18VAC160-40-430, training courses that may be substituted for required experience must be approved by the board prior to commencing in accordance with the provisions of this section.

B. Each training provider seeking course approval shall submit an application for approval on a form provided by the board. Only classroom, laboratory, and field trip contact time will be used to compute training credits. No credit will be given for breaks, meals, or receptions.

1. Organization. The board will only approve training offered by a provider that is an identifiable organization with a mission statement outlining its functions, structure, process, and philosophy and that has a staff of one or more persons with the authority to administer and coordinate the training course.

2. Training course records. The board will only approve training offered by a provider that maintains records for all participants for a minimum of seven years and that has a written policy on retention and release of records.

3. Instructors. The board will only approve training conducted by personnel who have demonstrated competency in the subject being taught, an understanding of the learning objective, and knowledge of the learning process to be used.

4. Objectives. The board will only approve courses that have a series of stated objectives that are pertinent to the tasks performed by the licensee. The training course content must be consistent with those objectives.

5. Course completion requirements. For successful completion of a training course, participants must attend 90% or more of the class contact time and must demonstrate their learning through written examinations, completion of a project, oral examination, or other similar assessment techniques.

A training provider seeking approval of a training course must submit an application for training course approval on a form provided by the board. The application must include:

1. The name of the training provider;

2. Provider contact person, address, email address, and telephone number;

3. Training course title;

4.Identification of the profession, category, and class of license to which the course is applicable;

5. Method of delivery;

6. Detailed course schedule, including begin and end times, and a list of planned breaks.

7. Instructor qualifications, including name, license number, if applicable, and a list of trade-appropriate designations, as well as a professional resume with a summary of teaching experience and subject matter knowledge and qualifications acceptable to the board.

8. Training course syllabus or outline;

9. Materials to be provided to participants;

10.Fees for the training course and materials;

11. A description of the means that will be used to assess the learning of each participant to determine successful completion of the training course, such as examinations, projects, personal evaluations by the instructor, or other recognized evaluation techniques.

A. The board shall consider the following information, to be submitted by the course provider or instructor on forms provided by the board:

1. Course information.

a. Course title;

b. Planned audience;

c. Name of provider;

d. Name, physical address, email address, and phone number of contact person;

e. Scheduled presentation dates;

f. Detailed course schedule, hour by hour including begin and end times;

g. List of planned breaks;

h. Scheduled presentation location; and

i. Identification of the profession, category, and class of license to which the course is applicable and relevancy to the identified license type.

2. Instructor qualifications.

a. Name of instructor;

b. Title;

c. Employer;

d. Board license number or numbers, if applicable; and

e. Summary of qualifications to teach the course.

3. Training materials.

a. Course objectives. A listing of the course objectives stated in terms of the skills and knowledge the participant will be able to demonstrate as a result of the training.

b. Course outline. A detailed outline showing the planned activities that will occur during the training course, including major topics, planned presentation sequence, laboratory and field activities, audiovisual presentations, and other major activities.

c. Course reference materials. A list of the name, publisher, and publication date for commercially available publications. For reference materials developed by the course provider or available exclusively through the course, a copy of the reference.

d. Audiovisual support materials. A listing of any commercially available audiovisual support material that will be used in the program. A brief description of any provider or instructor generated audiovisual material that will be used.

e. Handouts. Identification of all commercially available handout materials that will be used, as well as copies of other planned handouts.

4. Determination of successful completion. A description of the means that will be used to assess the learning of each participant to determine successful completion of training program, such as examinations, projects, personal evaluations by the instructor, or other recognized evaluation techniques. Correspondence and other distance learning courses must include appropriate testing procedures to verify completion of the course.

B. Recurring training programs. If there are plans to present the same course of instruction routinely at multiple locations with only minor modifications and changes, the board may approve the overall program rather than individual presentations if so requested by the provider.

1. The board shall consider all of the information listed in subsection A of this section except those items related to specific offerings of the course.

2. Board approval will apply only to those specific offerings certified by the provider as having been conducted by instructors meeting the established criteria and in accordance with the board-approved course outlines and objectives.

All training course providers must provide each participant with a certificate of training course completion or other documentation that the participant may use as proof of training course completion. Such documentation must contain the hours completed, the date of training, and the training course identification number assigned by the board.

A. At times established by the board, the board may require that course providers that have previously obtained course approval provide the board with evidence, in a form set forth by the board, that the provider continues to comply with the requirements of this chapter. Failure to continue to comply with the board's requirements or respond to such a request may result in the board withdrawing its approval.

B. Substantial modifications or changes to the information provided in 18VAC160-40-390 and 18VAC160-40-400 must be reported to the board within 30 days of the change. Failure to report the changes as required may result in the withdrawal of approval by the board.

C. Any change of address of the training provider shall be reported in writing within 30 days of the change.

D. The board may conduct an audit of the training provider to ensure continued compliance with this chapter.

All providers of approved training courses must establish and maintain a record for each participant. The record must include the participant’s name and address, the course name and hours attended, the course syllabus or outline, the names of the instructors, the date of successful completion, and the board's approved training course identification number. Records must be available for inspection during normal business hours by authorized representatives of the board. Providers must maintain these records for a minimum of five years.

Any change in the information provided in 18VAC160-40-390 must be reported to the board within 30 days of the change. Any change in information submitted will be reviewed to ensure compliance with the provisions of this chapter.

The board may withdraw approval of any provider a training course for the following reasons:

1. The course or courses being offered no longer meet the standards established by the board.

2. The provider, through an agent or otherwise, advertises its services in a fraudulent or deceptive way.

3. The provider, instructor, contact person, or designee of the provider falsifies any information relating to the application for approval, course information, or student participant records.

4. A change in the information provided that results in noncompliance with this part.

5.Failure to comply with 18VAC160-40-415.

6. The provider fails to respond to the board or any of its agents.

The board may conduct an audit of any board-approved training course provider to ensure continued compliance with this chapter.

A. Training courses provided by (i) federal, state, or local government agencies; (ii) accredited colleges or universities approved or accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; (iii) a regional or national accreditation association; or (iv) an accrediting agency that is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education do not require board approval to be used will be accepted for experience substitution, provided the training course information submitted to the board includes the following:

1. The course must include the continuing education hours awarded by the entity.

2. The course must be related to the profession, category, or class, if applicable, for which experience substitution is sought.

B. The board may require additional information from the provider as necessary to ensure compliance with this section. If such assurance cannot be made by the board, the training course may not be used for experience substitution, or the provider may pursue board approval pursuant to this chapter.

The board may place a licensee on probation; impose a monetary penalty in accordance in § 54.1-202 A of the Code of Virginia; or revoke, suspend, or refuse to renew any license, or place a licensee on probation in accordance with § 54.1-201 A 7 of the Code of Virginia, when the licensee has been found to have violated or cooperated with others in violating any provision of the regulations of the board or Chapter 23 (§ 54.1-2300 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia.

A. No license issued by the board shall may be assigned or otherwise transferred.

B. A licensee shall report, in writing, all changes of the address of record and name to the board within 30 days of the change and shall return the license to the board. In addition to the address of record, a physical address is required for each license. If the licensee holds more than one license, the licensee shall inform the board of all licenses, certificates, and registrations affected by the name or address change. The board shall not be responsible for the licensee's failure to receive notices or correspondence due to the licensee's failure to report a change of name or address. A licensee must report to the board, in writing, any change in the licensee’s legal name within 30 days of the change. Such report must be accompanied by documentation acceptable to the board that verifies the name change.

C. Any change in any of the requirements and qualifications for licensure found in Part II (18VAC160-40-20 et seq.), III (18VAC160-40-110 et seq.), or IV (18VAC160-40-170 et seq.) of this chapter shall be reported to the board within 30 days of the change. A licensee must report to the board, in writing, any change of address, to include the physical address, as applicable, within 30 days of the change. The board is not responsible for the licensee's failure to receive notices, communications, and correspondence caused by the licensee's failure to report to the board any change of address.

A. Licensees shall A licensee must notify the board of the following actions against the licensee.

1. Any disciplinary action taken by any jurisdiction, board, or administrative body of competent jurisdiction, including any reprimand, license or certificate revocation, suspension or denial of a license, certificate, or registration, imposition of a monetary penalty, or requirement for to take remedial education, or other corrective action.

2. Any voluntary surrendering of a related license, certificate, or registration done in connection with a disciplinary action in another taken by any jurisdiction, board, or administrative body.

3. Any conviction, finding of guilt, or plea of guilty, regardless of adjudication or deferred adjudication, in any jurisdiction of the United States of any misdemeanor involving lying, cheating, stealing, sexual offense, non-marijuana drug distribution, physical injury, or relating to the practice of the profession, except marijuana convictions, or of any felony, there being no appeal pending therefrom or the time for appeal having lapsed. Review of convictions shall will be subject to the requirements of § 54.1-204 of the Code of Virginia. Any plea of nolo contendere shall be considered a conviction for the purpose of this section.

B. Notices to The notice must be given to the board must be made, in writing, within 30 days of the action. A copy of the order or other supporting documentation must accompany the notice. The record of conviction finding or case decision shall be considered prima facie evidence of a conviction or finding of guilt.

The following acts are prohibited and any violation may result in disciplinary action by the board:

1. Violating, inducing another to violate, cooperating with another to violate, or combining or conspiring with or acting as agent, partner, or associate for another to violate any of the provisions of Chapter 1 (§ 54.1-100 et seq.), 2 (§ 54.1-200 et seq.), 3(§ 54.1-300 et seq.), or 23 (§ 54.1-2300 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia, or any of the regulations of the board.

2. Allowing a license issued by the board to be used by another.

3. 2. Obtaining or attempting to obtain a license by false or fraudulent representation, or maintaining or, renewing, or reinstating a license by false or fraudulent representation; or furnishing substantially inaccurate or incomplete information to the board in obtaining, renewing, reinstating, or maintaining a license.

3. Failing to report a change pursuant to 18VAC160-40-450.

4. A licensee having been convicted, or found guilty in any jurisdiction, or disciplined by any jurisdiction, board, or administrative body in any jurisdiction of any offense or violation enumerated in 18VAC160-40-460. Review of convictions shall will be subject to the requirements of § 54.1-204 of the Code of Virginia.

5. Failing to inform the board in writing within 30 days that the licensee was convicted or found guilty in any jurisdiction, or disciplined in by any jurisdiction, board, or administrative body of any offense or violation enumerated in 18VAC160-40-460.

6. Not demonstrating reasonable care, judgment, or application of the required knowledge, skill, and ability in the performance of the licensee's duties.

7. Having undertaken to perform or performed a professional assignment that the licensee is not qualified to perform by education, experience, training, appropriate class or category of licensure, or any combination thereof.

8. Failing to report a change as required by 18VAC160-40-450.

6. Failure to comply with the requirements of 18VAC160-40-480.

9. Negligence 7. Actions constituting negligence, misconduct, or incompetence in the practice of the profession., including:

a. Having undertaken to perform or performed a professional assignment that the licensee is not qualified to perform by education, experience, training, or appropriate class or category of licensure.

b. Not demonstrating reasonable care, judgment, or application of the required knowledge, skill, and ability in the performance of the licensee's duties.

c. Failing to adequately supervise and review work performed by unlicensed employees or journeyman licensees under the direct supervision of a master licensee.

d. Failure to obtain any permit, approval, or other document required by VDH or an independent local health department related to the design, installation, repair, or operation of an onsite sewage system.

e. Failing to act in providing professional services in a manner that safeguards the interests of the public.

8. Actions constituting engaging in improper, fraudulent, or dishonest conduct, including:

a. Making any misrepresentation or engaging in acts of fraud or deceit in advertising, soliciting, or in providing professional services.

b. Knowingly signing plans, drawings, reports, specifications, maps, or other documents related to an onsite sewage system not prepared or reviewed and approved by the licensee.

c. Knowingly misrepresenting factual information in expressing a professional opinion.

d. Allowing a license issued by the board to be used by another.

9. Failure to comply with the requirements of 18VAC160-40-500.

10. Making any misrepresentation or engaging in acts of fraud or deceit in advertising, soliciting, or in providing professional services.

11. Failing to adequately supervise and review work performed by unlicensed employees or journeyman licensees under the direct supervision of the master licensee.

12. Failure to obtain any permit, approval, or other document required by VDH related to the design, installation, repair, or operation of an onsite sewage system.

13. Knowingly signing plans, drawings, reports, specifications, maps, or other documents related to an onsite sewage system not prepared or reviewed and approved by the licensee.

14. Knowingly misrepresenting factual information in expressing a professional opinion.

15. Failing to act in providing professional services in a manner that safeguards the interests of the public.

The licensee shall must:

1. Promptly and fully inform an employer or client of any interest, circumstance, or business association that may influence the licensee's judgment of or the quality of service.

2. Not accept compensation, financial or otherwise, from more than one party for services on or pertaining to the same project, unless the circumstances are fully disclosed to, and agreed to by, all interested parties in writing.

3. Neither solicit nor accept financial or other valuable consideration from material or equipment suppliers for specifying their products or services, unless the circumstances are fully disclosed to, and agreed to by, all interested parties in writing.

4. Not solicit or accept gratuities, directly or indirectly, from contractors or their agents or other parties dealing with a client or employer in connection with work for which the licensee is responsible, unless the circumstances are fully disclosed to, and agreed to by, all interested parties in writing.

A. The primary obligation of the licensee is to the public. If the licensee's judgment is overruled and not adhered to when advising appropriate parties of circumstances of a substantial threat to the public health, safety, or welfare, the licensee shall must inform the employer and client, as applicable, of the possible consequences and notify appropriate authorities.

B. The licensee shall must sign, date, and include his the licensee's license number on all final work products prepared or reviewed and approved by the licensee. For work products performed by a journeyman licensee, the master licensee providing direct supervision shall sign, date, and include his the licensee's license number, along with the journeyman's signature, date, and license number on the final work product. A journeyman licensee shall will not submit a work project as final without the applicable master licensee's signature, date, and license number.

C. The licensee shall will not knowingly associate in a business venture with, or permit the use of the licensee's name by, any person or firm where there is reason to believe that person or firm is engaging in activity of a fraudulent or dishonest nature or is violating any law or regulation of the board.

D. A licensee who has direct knowledge that another individual or firm may be violating any of the provisions of this chapter or the provisions of Chapter 23 (§ 54.1-2300 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia shall must immediately inform the board in writing and shall cooperate in furnishing any further information or assistance that may be required.

E. Except as provided in subsection F of this section, a licensee shall will not utilize the evaluations, design, drawings, or work of another licensee without the knowledge and written consent of the licensee or organization of ownership that originated the design, drawings, or work.

F. A licensee who relies on information in VDH files or has received permission to modify or otherwise utilize the evaluation, design, drawings, or work of another licensee pursuant to subsection E of this section or this subsection may certify that work only after a thorough review of the evaluation, design, drawings or work and after he the licensee determines that he the licensee is willing to assume full responsibility for all design, drawings, or work on which he the licensee relies for his the licensee's opinion.

A. A licensee must respond within 10 days to a request by the board or any of its agents regarding any complaint filed with the department.

B. Unless otherwise specified by the board, a licensee of the board shall must produce to the board or any of its agents within 10 days of the request any document, book, or record concerning any transaction pertaining to a complaint filed in which the licensee was involved, or for which the licensee is required to maintain records. The board may extend such timeframe upon a showing of extenuating circumstances prohibiting delivery within such 10-day period.

C. A licensee shall will not provide a false, misleading, or incomplete response to the board or any of its agents seeking information in the investigation of a complaint filed with the board.

D. With the exception of the requirements of subsection A or B of this section, a licensee must respond to an inquiry by the board or its agent within 21 days.

A. Any work performed by a journeyman regulated pursuant to Chapter 23 (§ 54.1-2300 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia and this chapter shall must be under the direct supervision of the master. Such master and journeyman shall must have an employment or written contractual relationship.

B. Each master shall must maintain documentation of the employment or contractual relationship with each journeyman under the master's direct supervision. Such documentation shall must be kept for a minimum of five years and shall must include, at a minimum, the beginning and ending dates of the employment or contractual relationship.

A. For the installation of onsite sewage systems, the decision-maker and the individual executing the installation of approved permits must be licensed as a journeyman or master onsite sewage system installer in the appropriate class of license. In addition, a journeyman or master onsite sewage system installer in the appropriate class of license must be on-site.

B. For operation and maintenance of onsite sewage systems, the decision-maker must be licensed as a journeyman or master onsite sewage system operator in the appropriate class of license. In addition, a journeyman or master onsite sewage system operator in the appropriate class of license must be on-site where regulated activities are being performed.

C. For soil evaluation and design, the decision-maker must be licensed as a journeyman or master onsite soil evaluator in the appropriate class of license. In addition, a journeyman or master onsite soil evaluator in the appropriate class of license must be on-site where regulated activities are being performed.

A conventional onsite sewage system operator with the appropriate sewage handling permit issued by VDH or a local independent health department may pump an alternative onsite sewage system without the alternative onsite sewage system operator present provided the conventional onsite sewage system operator performs the pumping at the request and direction of the alternative onsite sewage system operator. The conventional onsite sewage system operator is only permitted to pump the tank and is not authorized to perform any other functions associated with the operation and maintenance of the alternative onsite sewage system.