Title of Regulation: 18VAC50-30. Individual License and Certification Regulations (amending 18VAC50-30-10, 18VAC50-30-40, 18VAC50-30-90, 18VAC50-30-100, 18VAC50-30-120, 18VAC50-30-130, 18VAC50-30-185, 18VAC50-30-190, 18VAC50-30-200, 18VAC50-30-220).

Statutory Authority: §§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-1102 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Hearing Information:

December 19, 2012 - 10 a.m. - Department of Professional and Occupational Regulations, 9960 Mayland Drive, 2nd Floor (Board Room 3), Suite 400, Richmond, VA

Public Comment Deadline: February 1, 2013.

Agency Contact: Eric L. Olson, Executive Director, Board for Contractors, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-2785, FAX (804) 527-4401, or email contractors@dpor.virginia.gov.

Basis: Section 54.1-201 provides the authority for the board to promulgate regulations in accordance with the Administrative Process Act necessary to assure continued competence, prevent deceptive or misleading practices by practitioners, and effectively administer the regulatory system administered by the regulatory board. Section 54.1-1102 of the Code of Virginia provides the board the power and duty to promulgate regulations to carry out the requirements of Chapter 11 (§ 54.1-1100 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia. Section 54.1-1142 of the Code of Virginia authorizes the board to issue certified accessibility mechanic certificates to applicants who meet specified criteria.

Purpose: The Board for Contractors seeks to add "certified accessibility mechanic" to its regulant population. This new certification program will encompass, more specifically, areas of contracting work not previously specifically addressed in the definitions and regulations of the board. This new program will ensure members of the public are able to hire certified accessibility mechanics with the required knowledge and skill to do the work sought. Additionally, those mechanics will fall under the laws and regulations of the board.

Substance: The 2010 Acts of Assembly enacted § 54.1-1142 of the Code of Virginia. This amendment to the statutes introduces "certified accessibility mechanics" to the regulatory authority of the Board for Contractors. These regulations will define entry requirements, list fees, and set certificate maintenance procedures for this new program.

Issues: In amending these regulations, the Board for Contractors is complying with the provisions of legislation signed into law this year establishing a program to certify accessibility mechanics. After studying data relative to accident rates, inspection reports, and the licensing/education requirements in other states, the General Assembly determined a need for this level of regulation to protect the public. The primary advantage of the program is to ensure that work done on wheelchair lifts, chair lifts, dumbwaiters, private residence elevators, and limited use/limited access elevators is performed by individuals who have received sufficient training and demonstrated enough experience to reasonably assume competency in the repairs they will be completing. At the same time, the legislation takes the step to require ongoing education of those individuals in an effort to ensure that safety issues that arise as a result of technological advances are passed on to those who are responsible for repairing the devices.

The only possible disadvantage to the program may arise at the beginning with respect to the approval of continuing education classes and providers. The board initially experienced difficulty in the tradesman program with initial approval of continuing education classes and providers, but the difficulties fixed themselves and there are now over 200 providers and even double that in courses. The "certified accessibility mechanic" is a highly technical vocation and its regulant population is expected to be very computer literate and so online continuing education is expected to be offered quickly and easily. It is likely that there will be difficulties that occur during the first renewal cycle, but these should become less of a disadvantage as more training programs are approved by the board and the physical location of the regulant population is identified.

This development of this program through the legislative process was supported by industry representatives, localities, and other interested parties, all of whom were in the workgroup created by Chapter 251 of the 2009 Acts of Assembly. Testimony provided and information gathered by the work group indicated that the majority of those individuals currently employed as mechanics for wheelchair lifts, chair lifts, dumbwaiters, private residence elevators, and limited use/limited access elevators would welcome a requirement that all individuals performing this type of work meet those similar standards of training and education as already in place for nonresidential elevator companies.

Department of Planning and Budget's Economic Impact Analysis:

Summary of the Proposed Amendments to Regulation. The Board for Contractors proposes to amend its regulations to include "Certified Accessibility Mechanics" among its regulant population. The proposed amendments include adding a definition of "Certified Accessibility Mechanics", the criteria for such certification, the fees associated with such certification, the continuing education associated with such certification, prohibited acts, and the jurisdiction of the Board over such regulants. The proposed amendments also include an endorsement for "limited use/limited application" elevators.

Result of Analysis. The benefits likely exceed the costs for all proposed changes.

Estimated Economic Impact. The proposed regulations define certified accessibility mechanic as "an individual who is certified by the board who is engaged in erecting, constructing, installing, altering, servicing, repairing, testing or maintaining wheelchair lifts, incline chairlifts, dumbwaiters with a capacity limit of 300 pounds, and private residence elevators." The proposed accessibility mechanic certification is essentially a subset of the existing elevator mechanic certification. In other words, a certified elevator mechanic may do all the work that a certified accessibility mechanic would be legally permitted to do, but a certified accessibility mechanic would not be legally permitted to do all the work that a certified elevator mechanic can do.

The proposed regulations define limited use/limited application endorsement as "an addition to the certification record of a certified accessibility mechanic authorizing the certificate holder to erect, construct, install, alter, service, repair, test, or maintain limited use/limited application elevators as defined by the Uniform Statewide Building Code." The proposed accessibility mechanic certification with the additional limited use/limited application endorsement is still a proper subset of the existing elevator mechanic certification. So a certified elevator mechanic may do all the work that a certified accessibility mechanic with the limited use/limited application endorsement would be legally permitted to do, but a certified accessibility mechanic limited with the use/limited application endorsement would not be legally permitted to do all the work that a certified elevator mechanic can do.

The requirements to become a certified accessibility mechanic are less burdensome than the requirements to become a certified elevator mechanic, with or without the limited use/limited application endorsement. Thus, for the individuals and firms who are only engaged in the activities permitted under the certified accessibility mechanic definition, the proposed new certification creates a significant benefit. The requirements for the new certification are still substantial and relevant, and will likely be sufficient to ensure public safety. Therefore the proposed amendments are very likely to produce a net benefit for the Commonwealth.

Businesses and Entities Affected. Firms that employ labor who are engaged in erecting, constructing, installing, altering, servicing, repairing, testing or maintaining wheelchair lifts, incline chairlifts, dumbwaiters with a capacity limit of 300 pounds, and private residence elevators will be affected by the proposed regulations. The Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation forecasts that there will be approximately 150 to 300 applications for accessibility mechanic certification and limited use/limited application endorsement.

Localities Particularly Affected. The proposed amendments do not disproportionately affect particular localities.

Projected Impact on Employment. The proposal amendments are unlikely to significantly affect total employment.

Effects on the Use and Value of Private Property. The creation of the accessibility mechanic certification may moderately reduce costs for firms that employ labor who are engaged in erecting, constructing, installing, altering, servicing, repairing, testing or maintaining wheelchair lifts, incline chairlifts, dumbwaiters with a capacity limit of 300 pounds, and private residence elevators. Thus the value of these firms may moderately increase.

Small Businesses: Costs and Other Effects. The creation of the accessibility mechanic certification may moderately reduce costs for firms that employ labor who are engaged in erecting, constructing, installing, altering, servicing, repairing, testing or maintaining wheelchair lifts, incline chairlifts, dumbwaiters with a capacity limit of 300 pounds, and private residence elevators.

Small Businesses: Alternative Method that Minimizes Adverse Impact. The proposed amendments do not adversely affect small businesses.

Real Estate Development Costs. The creation of the accessibility mechanic certification may moderately reduce costs for firms that employ labor who are engaged in erecting, constructing, installing, altering, servicing, repairing, testing or maintaining wheelchair lifts, incline chairlifts, dumbwaiters with a capacity limit of 300 pounds, and private residence elevators. Real estate that is being developed with buildings or structures that include these elements may find their costs slightly reduced.

Legal Mandate. The Department of Planning and Budget (DPB) has analyzed the economic impact of this proposed regulation in accordance with § 2.2-4007.04 of the Administrative Process Act and Executive Order Number 14 (10). Section 2.2-4007.04 requires that such economic impact analyses include, but need not be limited to, the projected number of businesses or other entities to whom the regulation would apply, the identity of any localities and types of businesses or other entities particularly affected, the projected number of persons and employment positions to be affected, the projected costs to affected businesses or entities to implement or comply with the regulation, and the impact on the use and value of private property. Further, if the proposed regulation has adverse effect on small businesses, § 2.2-4007.04 requires that such economic impact analyses include (i) an identification and estimate of the number of small businesses subject to the regulation; (ii) the projected reporting, recordkeeping, and other administrative costs required for small businesses to comply with the regulation, including the type of professional skills necessary for preparing required reports and other documents; (iii) a statement of the probable effect of the regulation on affected small businesses; and (iv) a description of any less intrusive or less costly alternative methods of achieving the purpose of the regulation. The analysis presented above represents DPB's best estimate of these economic impacts.

Agency's Response to Economic Impact Analysis: The agency concurs with the economic impact analysis prepared by the Department of Planning and Budget.

Summary:

The proposed amendments add (i) definitions for "certified accessibility mechanics" and "limited use/limited application endorsement" and (ii) criteria, fees, and continuing education requirements associated with certification. The proposed action also includes an endorsement for limited use/limited application elevators.

Part I
General

18VAC50-30-10. Definitions.

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

"Apprentice" means a person who assists tradesmen while gaining knowledge of the trade through on-the-job training and related instruction in accordance with the Virginia Voluntary Apprenticeship Act (§ 40.1-117 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

"Backflow prevention device work" means work performed by a backflow prevention device worker as defined in § 54.1-1128 of the Code of Virginia.

"Building official/inspector" is an employee of the state, a local building department or other political subdivision who enforces the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

"Certified accessibility mechanic" means an individual who is certified by the board who is engaged in erecting, constructing, installing, altering, servicing, repairing, testing, or maintaining wheelchair lifts, incline chairlifts, dumbwaiters with a capacity limit of 300 pounds, and private residence elevators.

"Certified elevator mechanic" means an individual who is certified by the board who is engaged in erecting, constructing, installing, altering, servicing, repairing, testing or maintaining elevators, escalators, or related conveyances in accordance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

"Division" means a limited subcategory within any of the trades, as approved by the department.

"Electrical work" consists of, but is not limited to, the following: (i) planning and layout of details for installation or modifications of electrical apparatus and controls including preparation of sketches showing location of wiring and equipment; (ii) measuring, cutting, bending, threading, assembling and installing electrical conduits; (iii) performing maintenance on electrical systems and apparatus; (iv) observation of installed systems or apparatus to detect hazards and need for adjustments, relocation or replacement; and (v) repairing faulty systems or apparatus.

"Electrician" means a tradesman who does electrical work including the construction, repair, maintenance, alteration or removal of electrical systems in accordance with the National Electrical Code and the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

"Formal vocational training" means courses in the trade administered at an accredited educational facility; or formal training, approved by the department, conducted by trade associations, businesses, the military, correspondence schools or other similar training organizations.

"Gas fitter" means an individual who does gas fitting-related work usually as a division within the HVAC or plumbing trades in accordance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. This work includes the installation, repair, improvement or removal of liquefied petroleum or natural gas piping, tanks, and appliances annexed to real property.

"Helper" or "laborer" means a person who assists a licensed tradesman and who is not an apprentice as defined in this chapter.

"HVAC tradesman" means an individual whose work includes the installation, alteration, repair or maintenance of heating systems, ventilating systems, cooling systems, steam and hot water heating systems, boilers, process piping, backflow prevention devices, and mechanical refrigeration systems, including tanks incidental to the system.

"Incidental" means work that is necessary for that particular repair or installation.

"Journeyman" means a person who possesses the necessary ability, proficiency and qualifications to install, repair and maintain specific types of materials and equipment utilizing a working knowledge sufficient to comply with the pertinent provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and according to plans and specifications.

"Limited use/limited application endorsement" means an addition to the certification record of a certified accessibility mechanic authorizing the certificate holder to erect, construct, install, alter, service, repair, test, or maintain limited use/limited application elevators as defined by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

"Liquefied petroleum gas fitter" means any individual who engages in, or offers to engage in, work for the general public for compensation in work that includes the installation, repair, improvement, alterations or removal of piping, liquefied petroleum gas tanks and appliances (excluding hot water heaters, boilers and central heating systems that require a heating, ventilation and air conditioning or plumbing certification) annexed to real property.

"Maintenance" means the reconstruction or renewal of any part of a backflow device for the purpose of maintaining its proper operation. This does not include the actions of removing, replacing or installing, except for winterization.

"Master" means a person who possesses the necessary ability, proficiency and qualifications to plan and lay out the details for installation and supervise the work of installing, repairing and maintaining specific types of materials and equipment utilizing a working knowledge sufficient to comply with the pertinent provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

"Natural gas fitter provider" means any individual who engages in, or offers to engage in, work for the general public for compensation in the incidental repair, testing, or removal of natural gas piping or fitting annexed to real property, excluding new installation of gas piping for hot water heaters, boilers, central heating systems, or other natural gas equipment that requires heating, ventilation and air conditioning or plumbing certification.

"Periodic inspection" means to examine a cross connection control device in accordance with the requirements of the locality to be sure that the device is in place and functioning in accordance with the standards of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

"Plumber" means an individual who does plumbing work in accordance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

"Plumbing work" means work that includes the installation, maintenance, extension, or alteration or removal of piping, fixtures, appliances, and appurtenances in connection with any of the following:

1. Backflow prevention devices;

2. Boilers;

3. Domestic sprinklers;

4. Hot water baseboard heating systems;

5. Hydronic heating systems;

6. Process piping;

7. Public/private water supply systems within or adjacent to any building, structure or conveyance;

8. Sanitary or storm drainage facilities;

9. Steam heating systems;

10. Storage tanks incidental to the installation of related systems;

11. Venting systems; or

12. Water heaters.

These plumbing tradesmen may also install, maintain, extend or alter the following:

1. Liquid waste systems;

2. Sewerage systems;

3. Storm water systems; and

4. Water supply systems.

"Regulant" means an individual licensed as a tradesman, liquefied petroleum gas fitter, natural gas fitter provider or certified as a backflow prevention device worker, elevator mechanic, or water well systems provider.

"Reinstatement" means having a license or certification card restored to effectiveness after the expiration date has passed.

"Renewal" means continuing the effectiveness of a license or certification card for another period of time.

"Repair" means the reconstruction or renewal of any part of a backflow prevention device for the purpose of returning to service a currently installed device. This does not include the removal or replacement of a defective device by the installation of a rebuilt or new device.

"Supervisor" means the licensed master or journeyman tradesman who has the responsibility to ensure that the installation is in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, one of whom must be on the job site at all times during installation.

"Testing organization" means an independent testing organization whose main function is to develop and administer examinations.

"Trade" means any of the following: electrical, gas fitting, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), liquefied petroleum gas fitting, natural gas fitting, plumbing, and divisions within them.

"Water distribution systems" include fire sprinkler systems, highway/heavy, HVAC, lawn irrigation systems, plumbing, or water purveyor work.

18VAC50-30-40. Evidence of ability and proficiency.

A. Applicants for examination to be licensed as a journeyman shall furnish evidence that one of the following experience and education standards has been attained:

1. Four years of practical experience in the trade and 240 hours of formal vocational training in the trade. Experience in excess of four years may be substituted for formal vocational training at a ratio of one year of experience for 80 hours of formal training, but not to exceed 200 hours;

2. Four years of practical experience and 80 hours of vocational training for liquefied petroleum gas fitters and natural gas fitter providers except that no substitute experience will be allowed for liquefied petroleum gas and natural gas workers;

3. An associate degree or a certificate of completion from at least a two-year program in a tradesman-related field from an accredited community college or technical school as evidenced by a transcript from the educational institution and two years of practical experience in the trade for which licensure is desired;

4. A bachelor's degree received from an accredited college or university in an engineering curriculum related to the trade and one year of practical experience in the trade for which licensure is desired; or

5. On or after July 1, 1995, an applicant with 10 years of practical experience in the trade as verified by reference letters of experience from any of the following: building officials, building inspectors, current or former employers, contractors, engineers, architects or current or past clients attesting to the applicant's work in the trade, may be granted permission to sit for the journeyman's level examination without having to meet the educational requirements.

B. Applicants for examination to be licensed as a master shall furnish evidence that one of the following experience standards has been attained:

1. Evidence that they have one year of experience as a licensed journeyman; or

2. On or after July 1, 1995, an applicant with 10 years of practical experience in the trade, as verified by reference letters of experience from any of the following: building officials, building inspectors, current or former employers, contractors, engineers, architects or current or past clients, attesting to the applicant's work in the trade, may be granted permission to sit for the master's level examination without having to meet the educational requirements.

C. Individuals who have successfully passed the Class A contractors trade examination prior to January 1, 1991, administered by the Virginia Board for Contractors in a certified trade shall be deemed qualified as a master in that trade in accordance with this chapter.

D. Applicants for examination to be certified as a backflow prevention device worker shall furnish evidence that one of the following experience and education standards has been attained:

1. Four years of practical experience in water distribution systems and 40 hours of formal vocational training in a school approved by the board; or

2. Applicants with seven or more years of experience may qualify with 16 hours of formal vocational training in a school approved by the board.

The board accepts the American Society of Sanitary Engineers' (ASSE) standards for testing procedures. Other programs could be approved after board review. The board requires all backflow training to include instruction in a wet lab.

E. An applicant for certification as an elevator mechanic shall:

1. Have three years of practical experience in the construction, maintenance and service/repair of elevators, escalators, or related conveyances; 144 hours of formal vocational training; and satisfactorily complete a written examination administered by the board. Experience in excess of four years may be substituted for formal vocational training at a ratio of one year of experience for 40 hours of formal training, but not to exceed 120 hours;

2. Have three years of practical experience in the construction, maintenance, and service/repair of elevators, escalators, or related conveyances and a certificate of completion of the elevator mechanic examination of a training program determined to be equivalent to the requirements established by the board; or

3. Successfully complete an elevator mechanic apprenticeship program that is approved by the Virginia Apprenticeship Council or registered with the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, U.S. Department of Labor, as evidenced by providing a certificate of completion or other official document, and satisfactorily complete a written examination administered by the board.

F. Pursuant to § 54.1-1129 D of the Code of Virginia, an applicant for examination as a certified water well systems provider shall provide satisfactory proof to the board of at least:

1. One year of full-time practical experience in the drilling, installation, maintenance, or repair of water wells or water well systems under the supervision of a certified master water well systems provider to qualify for examination as a trainee water well systems provider;

2. Three years of practical experience in the drilling, installation, maintenance, or repair of water wells or water well systems under the supervision of a certified master water well systems provider and 24 hours of formal vocational training in the trade to qualify for examination as a journeyman water well systems provider; or

3. Six years of practical experience in the drilling, installation, maintenance, or repair of water wells or water well systems under the supervision of a certified master water well systems provider and 48 hours of formal vocational training in the trade to qualify for examination as a master water well systems provider.

G. An applicant for certification as an accessibility mechanic shall:

1. Have three years of practical experience in the construction, installation, maintenance, service, repair, and testing of wheelchair lifts, incline chairlifts, dumbwaiters, residential elevators, or related conveyances; 80 hours of formal vocational training; and satisfactorily complete a written examination administered by the board. Experience in excess of four years may be substituted for formal vocational training at a ratio of one year of experience for 20 hours of formal training, but not to exceed 60 hours;

2. Have three years of practical experience in the construction, installation, maintenance, service, repair, and testing of wheelchair lifts, incline chairlifts, dumbwaiters, residential elevators, or related conveyances and a certificate of completion of an accessibility mechanic examination of a training program determined to be equivalent to the requirements established by the board; or

3. Successfully complete an accessibility mechanic apprenticeship program that is approved by the Virginia Apprenticeship Council or registered with the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, U.S. Department of Labor, as evidenced by providing a certificate of completion or other official document, and satisfactorily complete a written examination administered by the board.

H. An applicant for a limited use/limited application (LULA) endorsement shall:

1. Hold a current certification as an accessibility mechanic issued by the board.

2. Have one year of practical experience in the construction, installation, maintenance, service, repair, and testing of limited use/limited application elevators and complete a vocational education program approved by the board; and satisfactorily complete a written examination administered by the board; or complete a limited use/limited application elevator training program determined to be equivalent to the requirements established by the board.

18VAC50-30-90. Fees for licensure and certification.

A. Each check or money order shall be made payable to the Treasurer of Virginia. All fees required by the board are nonrefundable and shall not be prorated. The date of receipt by the department or its agent is the date that will be used to determine whether or not it is on time. Fees remain active for a period of one year from the date of receipt and all applications must be completed within that time frame.

B. Fees are as follows:

Original tradesman license by examination	$130
Original tradesman license without examination	$130
Card exchange (exchange of locality-issued card for state-issued Virginia tradesman license)	$95
Liquefied petroleum gas fitter	$130
Natural gas fitter provider	$130
Backflow prevention device worker certification	$130
Elevator mechanic certification Certified accessibility mechanic	$130 $130
Water well systems provider certification Limited use/limited application endorsement	$130 $65

18VAC50-30-100. Fees for examinations.

The examination fee shall consist of the administration expenses of the department resulting from the board's examination procedures and contract charges. Exam service contracts shall be established through competitive negotiation, in compliance with the Virginia Public Procurement Act (§ 2.2-4300 et seq. of the Code of Virginia). The current examination shall not exceed a cost of $100 for the journeyman exam, $125 for the master exam for any of the trades, or $100 for the backflow prevention device worker, elevator mechanic, accessibility mechanic, or water well systems provider exams.

18VAC50-30-120. Renewal.

A. Licenses and certification cards issued under this chapter shall expire two years from the last day of the month in which they were issued as indicated on the license or certification card.

B. Effective with all licenses issued or renewed after December 31, 2007, as a condition of renewal or reinstatement and pursuant to § 54.1-1133 of the Code of Virginia, all individuals holding tradesman licenses with the trade designations of plumbing, electrical and heating ventilation and cooling shall be required to satisfactorily complete three hours of continuing education for each designation and individuals holding licenses as liquefied petroleum gas fitters and natural gas fitter providers, one hour of continuing education, relating to the applicable building code, from a provider approved by the board in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

C. Certified elevator mechanics and certified accessibility mechanics, as a condition of renewal or reinstatement and pursuant to § 54.1-1143 of the Code of Virginia, shall be required to satisfactorily complete eight hours of continuing education relating to the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code pertaining to elevators, escalators, and related conveyances. This continuing education will be from a provider approved by the board in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

D. Certified water well systems providers, as a condition of renewal or reinstatement and pursuant to § 54.1-1129 B of the Code of Virginia, shall be required to satisfactorily complete eight hours of continuing education in the specialty of technical aspects of water well construction, applicable statutory and regulatory provisions, and business practices related to water well construction from a provider approved by the board in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

E. Renewal fees are as follows:

Tradesman license	$90
Liquefied petroleum gas fitter license	$90
Natural gas fitter provider license	$90
Backflow prevention device worker certification	$90
Elevator mechanic certification Certified accessibility mechanic	$90 $90
Water well systems provider certification	$90

All fees are nonrefundable and shall not be prorated.

F. The board will mail a renewal notice to the regulant outlining procedures for renewal. Failure to receive this notice, however, shall not relieve the regulant of the obligation to renew. If the regulant fails to receive the renewal notice, a photocopy of the tradesman license or backflow prevention device worker certification card may be submitted with the required fee as an application for renewal within 30 days of the expiration date.

G. The date on which the renewal fee is received by the department or its agent will determine whether the regulant is eligible for renewal or required to apply for reinstatement.

H. The board may deny renewal of a tradesman license or a backflow prevention device worker certification card for the same reasons as it may refuse initial issuance or to discipline a regulant. The regulant has a right to appeal any such action by the board under the Virginia Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

I. Failure to timely pay any monetary penalty, reimbursement of cost, or other fee assessed by consent order or final order shall result in delaying or withholding services provided by the department such as, but not limited to, renewal, reinstatement, processing of a new application, or exam administration.

18VAC50-30-130. Reinstatement.

A. Should the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation fail to receive the renewal application or fees within 30 days of the expiration date, the regulant will be required to apply for reinstatement of the license or certification card.

B. Reinstatement fees are as follows:

Tradesman license	$140*
Liquefied petroleum gas fitter license	$140*
Natural gas fitter provider license	$140*
Backflow prevention device worker certification	$140*
Elevator mechanic certification Certified accessibility mechanic	$140* $140*
Water well systems provider certification	$140*
*Includes renewal fee listed in 18VAC50-30-120.

All fees required by the board are nonrefundable and shall not be prorated.

C. Applicants for reinstatement shall meet the requirements of 18VAC50-30-30.

D. The date on which the reinstatement fee is received by the department or its agent will determine whether the license or certification card is reinstated or a new application is required.

E. In order to ensure that license or certification card holders are qualified to practice as tradesmen, liquefied petroleum gas fitters, natural gas fitter providers, backflow prevention device workers, elevator mechanics, or water well systems providers, no reinstatement will be permitted once one year from the expiration date has passed. After that date the applicant must apply for a new license or certification card and meet the then current entry requirements.

F. Any tradesman, liquefied petroleum gas fitter, or natural gas fitter provider activity conducted subsequent to the expiration of the license may constitute unlicensed activity and may be subject to prosecution under Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia. Further, any person who holds himself out as a certified backflow prevention device worker, as defined in § 54.1-1128 of the Code of Virginia, or as a certified elevator mechanic or certified accessibility mechanic, as defined in § 54.1-1140 of the Code of Virginia, or as a water well systems provider as defined in § 54.1-1129.1 of the Code of Virginia, without the appropriate certification, may be subject to prosecution under Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia. Any activity related to the operating integrity of an elevator, escalator, or related conveyance, conducted subsequent to the expiration of an elevator mechanic certification may constitute illegal activity and may be subject to prosecution under Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia.

G. The board may deny reinstatement of a license or certification card for the same reasons as it may refuse initial issuance or to discipline a regulant. The regulant has a right to appeal any such action by the board under the Virginia Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

H. Failure to timely pay any monetary penalty, reimbursement of cost, or other fee assessed by consent order or final order shall result in delaying or withholding services provided by the department, such as, but not limited to, renewal, reinstatement, processing of a new application, or exam administration.

Part V
Standards of Conduct

18VAC50-30-185. Revocation of licensure or certification.

A. Licensure or certification may be revoked for misrepresentation or a fraudulent application or for incompetence as demonstrated by an egregious or repeated violation of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

B. The board shall have the power to require remedial education and to suspend, revoke, or deny renewal of a license or certification card of any individual who is found to be in violation of the statutes or regulations governing the practice of licensed tradesmen, liquefied petroleum gas fitters, natural gas fitter providers, backflow prevention device workers or, elevator mechanics, or accessibility mechanics in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

18VAC50-30-190. Prohibited acts.

Any of the following are cause for disciplinary action:

1. Failure in any material way to comply with provisions of Chapter 1 (§ 54.1-100 et seq.) or Chapter 11 (§ 54.1-1100 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia or the regulations of the board;

2. Furnishing substantially inaccurate or incomplete information to the board in obtaining, renewing, reinstating, or maintaining a license or certification card;

3. Where the regulant has failed to report to the board, in writing, the suspension or revocation of a tradesman, liquefied petroleum gas fitter or natural gas fitter provider license, certificate or card, or backflow prevention device worker or, water well systems provider, elevator mechanic, or accessibility mechanic certification card, by another state or a conviction in a court of competent jurisdiction of a building code violation;

4. Gross negligence in the practice of a tradesman, liquefied petroleum gas fitter, natural gas fitter provider, backflow prevention device worker, elevator mechanic, accessibility mechanic, or water well systems provider;

5. Misconduct in the practice of a tradesman, liquefied petroleum gas fitter, natural gas fitter provider, backflow prevention device worker, elevator mechanic, accessibility mechanic, or water well systems provider;

6. A finding of improper or dishonest conduct in the practice of a tradesman, liquefied petroleum gas fitter, natural gas fitter provider, backflow prevention device worker, elevator mechanic, accessibility mechanic, or water well systems provider by a court of competent jurisdiction;

7. For licensed tradesmen, liquefied petroleum gas fitters or natural gas fitter providers performing jobs under $1,000, or backflow prevention device workers, elevator mechanics, accessibility mechanics, or water well systems providers performing jobs of any amount, abandonment, the intentional and unjustified failure to complete work contracted for, or the retention or misapplication of funds paid, for which work is either not performed or performed only in part (unjustified cessation of work under the contract for a period of 30 days or more shall be considered evidence of abandonment);

8. Making any misrepresentation or making a false promise of a character likely to influence, persuade, or induce;

9. Aiding or abetting an unlicensed contractor to violate any provision of Chapter 1 or Chapter 11 of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia, or these regulations; or combining or conspiring with or acting as agent, partner, or associate for an unlicensed contractor; or allowing one's license or certification to be used by an unlicensed or uncertified individual;

10. Where the regulant has offered, given or promised anything of value or benefit to any federal, state, or local government employee for the purpose of influencing that employee to circumvent, in the performance of his duties, any federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance governing the construction industry;

11. Where the regulant has been convicted or found guilty, after initial licensure or certification, regardless of adjudication, in any jurisdiction of any felony or of a misdemeanor involving lying, cheating or stealing, sexual offense, drug distribution, physical injury, or relating to the practice of the profession, there being no appeal pending therefrom or the time of appeal having elapsed. Any pleas of guilty or nolo contendere shall be considered a conviction for the purposes of this subdivision. The record of a 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;

12. Having failed to inform the board in writing, within 30 days, that the regulant has pleaded guilty or nolo contendere or was convicted and found guilty of any felony or a misdemeanor involving lying, cheating, stealing, sexual offense, drug distribution, physical injury, or relating to the practice of the profession;

13. Having been disciplined by any county, city, town, or any state or federal governing body for actions relating to the practice of any trade, backflow prevention device work, elevator or accessibility work, or water well systems provider work, which action shall be reviewed by the board before it takes any disciplinary action of its own;

14. Failure to comply with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, as amended;

15. Practicing in a classification or specialty service for which the regulant is not licensed or certified; and

16. Failure to obtain any document required by the Virginia Department of Health for the drilling, installation, maintenance, repair, construction, or removal of water wells, water well systems, water well pumps, or other water well equipment.

Part VI
Vocational Training and Continuing Education Providers

18VAC50-30-200. Vocational training.

A. Vocational training courses must be completed through accredited colleges, universities, junior and community colleges; adult distributive, marketing and formal vocational training as defined in this chapter; Virginia Apprenticeship Council programs; or proprietary schools approved by the Virginia Department of Education.

B. Backflow prevention device worker courses must be completed through schools approved by the board. The board accepts the American Society of Sanitary Engineers' (ASSE) standards for testing procedures. Other programs could be approved after board review. The board requires all backflow training to include instruction in a wet lab.

C. Elevator mechanic courses must be completed through schools approved by the board. The board accepts training programs approved by the National Elevator Industry Education Program (NEIEP). Other programs could be approved after board review.

D. Water well systems provider courses must be completed through schools or programs approved by the board.

E. Certified accessibility courses must be completed through education providers approved by the board.

18VAC50-30-220. Continuing education courses.

A. All courses offered by continuing education providers must be approved by the board and shall cover articles of the current edition of the building code for the applicable license specialty. For tradesmen with the electrical specialty, the National Electrical Code; for tradesmen with the plumbing specialty, the International Plumbing Code; for tradesmen with HVAC specialty, the International Mechanical Code; for gas fitters, liquefied petroleum gas fitters, and natural gas fitters, the International Fuel Gas Code. Courses offered by continuing education providers for elevator mechanics shall cover articles of the current edition of the building code and other applicable laws governing elevators, escalators, or related conveyances. Courses offered by continuing education providers for accessibility mechanics shall cover articles of the current edition of the building code and other applicable laws governing wheelchair lifts, incline chairlifts, dumbwaiters, and private residence elevators. Courses offered by continuing education providers for water well systems providers shall cover the specialty of technical aspects of water well construction, applicable statutory and regulatory provisions, and business practices related to water well construction.

B. Approved continuing education providers shall submit an application for course approval on a form provided by the board. The application shall include but is not limited to:

1. The name of the provider and the approved provider number;

2. The name of the course;

3. The date(s), time(s), and location(s) of the course;

4. Instructor information, including name, license number(s) if applicable, and a list of other appropriate trade designations;

5. Course and material fees;

6. Course syllabus.

C. Courses may be approved retroactively; however, no regulant will receive credit toward the continuing education requirements of renewal until such approval is received from the board.