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<law><site_title>Virginia Decoded</site_title><site_url>https://vacode.org</site_url><law_id>368096</law_id><section_number>54.1-2208.4</section_number><catch_line>Professional ethics and conduct</catch_line><edition url="https://vacode.org/2026/" slug="2026" current="TRUE" last_updated="2026-08-02">2026</edition><structure><unit label="title" level="1" order_by="118" identifier="54.1">Professions and Occupations</unit><unit label="subtitle" level="2" order_by="2" identifier="II">Professions and Occupations Regulated by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation and Boards Within the Department</unit><unit label="chapter" level="3" order_by="25" identifier="22">Soil Scientists, Wetland Professionals, and Geologists</unit><unit label="article" level="4" order_by="3" identifier="3">Geologists</unit></structure><text>
						<section id="A"><p><span class="prefix-number">A.</span> The <span class="dictionary">Board</span>, in coordination with an ad hoc <span class="dictionary">panel</span> of licensed professional <span class="dictionary">geologists</span> convened by the <span class="dictionary">Board</span> and representing various geological interests in Virginia, shall have prepared and adopted a Code of Professional Ethics and Conduct that shall be published and made known in writing to every <span class="dictionary">Virginia licensed professional geologist</span> and applicant for licensure under this article. The <span class="dictionary">Board</span> may revise and <span class="dictionary">amend</span> this code as needed and shall forthwith notify each licensed professional geologist in writing of such revisions or amendments. <a id="paragraph-1370187" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/54.1-2208.4/#A"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="B"><p><span class="prefix-number">B.</span> The full <span class="dictionary">Board</span>, by majority vote, shall have the power to suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew the license of any professional geologist who, after an appropriate formal <span class="dictionary">hearing</span>, is found to have been involved in: <a id="paragraph-1370188" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/54.1-2208.4/#B"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="B1" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">1.</span> Any <span class="dictionary">fraud</span> or deceit in obtaining licensure; <a id="paragraph-1370189" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/54.1-2208.4/#B1"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="B2" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">2.</span> Any violation of the Code of Professional Ethics and Conduct or other regulations of the <span class="dictionary">Board</span>; <a id="paragraph-1370190" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/54.1-2208.4/#B2"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="B3" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">3.</span> Demonstrated gross <span class="dictionary">negligence</span>, incompetence, or misconduct in the <span class="dictionary">practice of geology</span> as a professional geologist; or <a id="paragraph-1370191" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/54.1-2208.4/#B3"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="B4" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">4.</span> Any <span class="dictionary">conviction</span> of a <span class="dictionary">felony</span> which, in the <span class="dictionary">opinion</span> of the <span class="dictionary">Board</span>, would adversely affect the <span class="dictionary">practice of geology</span>. <a id="paragraph-1370192" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/54.1-2208.4/#B4"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="C"><p><span class="prefix-number">C.</span> The <span class="dictionary">Board</span>, by majority vote of the quorum, may reinstate a revoked or suspended license to any professional geologist who makes written application to the <span class="dictionary">Board</span> showing good cause for such action. <a id="paragraph-1370193" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/54.1-2208.4/#C"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section></text><history>1981, c. 132, &#xA7; 54-967; 1988, c. 765, &#xA7; 54.1-1405; 2012, cc. 803, 835; 2025, c. 722.</history><metadata></metadata></law>
