of Professional Geologists

CODE OF ETHICS

It is the desire of the Pennsylvania Council of Professional Geologists, hereinafter referred to as PCPG, to establish a Code of Ethics for the PCPG. In that geology is a profession that serves the public, the privilege to practice as a professional geologist requires ethical conduct, scientific knowledge, experience and sound judgment. Professional geologists have a responsibility to conduct themselves in a fair and honest manner, with a commitment to meet high standards of personal integrity and generally accepted standards of performance in their work. This responsibility extends to the health, safety, and welfare of the public at large, to clients, employees and employers, to colleagues and to the profession of geology.

It is the responsibility of a professional geologist to uphold the public's trust.

A professional geologist shall not give a professional opinion or submit a report without being as thoroughly informed as might be reasonable expected, considering the purpose for which the opinion or report is requested.

A professional geologist shall be objective in any opinion, report, or other communication made; shall not accept any payment, gift, or other valuable consideration which would affect the professional geologist's objectivity; shall not make sensational, exaggerated, or unwarranted statements that may deceive the public, clients, or employers; shall not misrepresent data, omit relevant data, or fail to mention the lack of data that might affect the results or conclusions of any opinion, report, or other communication made; shall not issue a false or misleading statement even though directed to do so by a client or employer; and shall not knowingly permit the publication of reports, maps, or other documents for any unsound or illegitimate undertaking.

If a professional geologist becomes aware of a decision or action by an employer, client, or colleague which violates a law or regulation, the professional geologist shall advise against such action. If the employer, client, or colleague fails to heed the professional geologist's advice and such violation appears to materially affect the public health, safety, or welfare, the professional geologist shall contact the appropriate public officials responsible for the enforcement of such law or regulation.

A professional geologist shall be willing to volunteer for public service positions when professional experience and judgment can be beneficial to the public.

A professional geologist shall uphold the trust of a client or employer, shall practice with professional responsibility, and shall protect the interests of a client or employer so far as is consistent with public welfare and professional ethics.

A professional geologist who finds that obligations to an employer or client conflict with professional standards or ethics should have such objectionable conditions corrected or resign.

A professional geologist shall respect the confidential nature of the relationship that exists between geologists, their clients, and employers, and to the fullest extent possible, shall not divulge confidential information and shall adhere to any confidentiality agreement with a client or employer.

A professional geologist shall not engage in false or deceptive advertising or make false, misleading, or deceptive representations or claims regarding the professional geologist's qualifications or the profession of geology; shall only accept those assignments for which the professional geologist is qualified; and shall alert a client or employer when another professional's expertise will be required for an assignment.

A professional geologist shall not accept a referral fee, gift, or other form of compensation from a person who is being retained by a client or employer based upon the recommendation of the professional geologist.

A professional geologist working on an assignment shall bring to the attention of a client or employer any natural or man-induced hazards imminent to public health or safety that are associated with said assignment and that are recognizable through geologic training and experience.

A professional geologist shall promptly disclose to a prospective client any existing, potential, or perceived conflict of interest, and shall not accept an engagement with any new client if the interests of the new client are in conflict with the interests of an existing client, without the written consent of both clients.

A professional geologist who has made an investigation for a client or employer may not seek to profit economically from the information gained, unless written permission to do so is granted, or until it is clear that there can no longer be a conflict of interest with the client or employer.

A professional geologist shall offer to disclose to a prospective employer r client the existence of any owned interest which may either directly or indirectly have a pertinent bearing on such employment.

It shall be the obligation of any professional geologist, having positive knowledge of a departure from the Bylaws of PCPG or this Code of Ethics by another professional geologist, to bring substantiated evidence of such departure to the attention of the Board of Directors of the PCPG. A professional geologist shall show respect and courtesy toward colleagues and shall not use the provisions of the Bylaws or this Code of Ethics to maliciously prosecute, harass or otherwise burden another professional geologist with unfounded or false charges.

A professional geologist shall avoid plagiarism by giving credit to others for their work.

A professional geologist shall continue to upgrade technical capabilities through education and participation in professional activities; shall encourage academic and professional development; and shall encourage the dissemination of geological knowledge.

A professional geologist shall encourage qualified firms to become members of the PCPG, but shall not mislead the PCPG by supporting an unqualified applicant.

A professional geologist shall not practice geology in another state or any other jurisdiction where specific geologic registration or certification is required unless the professional geologist is in compliance with the relevant regulations of the state or jurisdiction.

12/12/91