Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers, and Landscape Architects intends to consider amending 18VAC10-20, Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects Regulations. The purpose of the proposed action is to conduct a regulatory review to ensure the board's regulations are clearly written and easily understandable, reflective of changes in technology and training, and representative of current professional and industry standards. The regulations will also be reviewed for consistency, and language may be modified for ease of understanding by the general public and regulants. The board may make other changes it identifies as necessary during the regulatory review process. Although the last general review of the regulations became effective on January 1, 2016, that regulatory action was first initiated in 2010. In the time elapsed between initiation of the action and its effective date, professional and industry standards appear to have changed enough to warrant another review. Ensuring that the regulations remain consistent with current professional practice standards is essential for establishing regulants' minimum qualifications to perform their duties while protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the Commonwealth.

The agency intends to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.

Statutory Authority: §§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-404 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: April 19, 2017.

Agency Contact: Kathleen R. Nosbisch, Executive Director, Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-8514, FAX (866) 465-6206, or email apelscidla@dpor.virginia.gov.