It is the policy of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) that the primary responsibility of the engineer relative to relations with other professionals is the protection of the public health, safety, and welfare. The public is best protected when individuals, after demonstrating their competency and education, are licensed to practice in their area of competency.
Some activities that are within the scope of the practice of engineering may also be legally performed in some states by technically proficient and competent licensed individuals who are not licensed professional engineers. It is NSPE’s position that such licensed persons with demonstrated competency should not be restricted from practice in those areas.
Similarly, many activities that are within the scope of other licensed professions, such as architecture, land surveying, hydrogeology, and environmental science, are also within the scope of engineering. Accordingly, it is the position of NSPE that duly qualified and competent licensed engineers should not be restricted from practicing in areas of their competency.
It is NSPE’s position that, when there is overlap between activities that may be performed by licensed professionals, the owner should select the licensed professional he/she deems appropriate as the lead professional. Any licensed professional so selected should only practice within their area of competency and should add other licensed professionals to the team to provide the full scope of services required for the assignment.
References:
Position Statement No.10-45—Prime Professional
Position Statement No. 09-1737—Licensure and Qualifications for Practice