Understanding the TBPE Complaint Process
When a complaint is made against your engineering license, the TBPE begins to investigate even before you receive notice of the complaint. When you do receive notice, you will be informed of your right to submit a rebuttal. It is important for you to understand, at this point, the clock has started ticking and the Board gives you only 21 days to respond.
The TBPE process is biased against you, the licensed engineer facing allegations of misconduct. For example, following TBPE review, if the complaint is recommended for dismissal, the complaining party will usually have a 30-day period to submit additional information for consideration prior to a Board decision. In the event the investigation takes an extended period, the Board will notify the complainant of the status of the review, but will not extend the same courtesy to you.
Throughout the complaint process, you have opportunities to respond. Following notification of the complaint, you can submit a rebuttal to the allegations. Later, if you are notified of sanctions, a reprimand, or a cease and desist order, you can refuse to sign the consent order and, instead, request either an informal conference or a formal hearing before the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH). At each stage of the process, you will make decisions that will have an ongoing impact on your future and your professional status as a licensed engineer. An experienced license defense attorney can help you make decisions that will protect your license.
