1. A. This code expresses in general terms the level of professional conduct expected of licensees in the state of New Mexico. Such a code is no guarantee of moral actions on the part of the licensees but depends upon the integrity of each registrant or certificate holder to conduct himself or herself in a responsible and straightforward manner both in dealings with clients and other professionals.
2. B. Licensees should be more than a group of individuals offering a service to the public. They should comprise an entity with a bond between licensees based on mutual respect and a dedication to improving the quality of life for all persons.

3. C. The licensee shall:

   1. (1) exert every effort towards the preservation and protection of our natural resources and toward understanding the interaction of the economic and social systems with these resources;
   2. (2) further the welfare and advancement of the profession by constantly striving to provide the highest level of professional services, avoiding even the appearance of improper professional conduct;
   3. (3) serve the client or employer with integrity, understanding, knowledge, and creative ability and respond morally to social, political, economic, and technological influences;
   4. (4) make full disclosure to the client or employer of any financial interest, that even remotely bears upon the services or project;
   5. (5) truthfully and clearly inform the client or employer of his or her qualification and capabilities to perform services;
   6. (6) not make exaggerated, misleading, deceptive or false statements or claims to the public about his or her professional qualifications, experience or performance;
   7. (7) regard as confidential any information obtained by him or her as to the business affairs and technical methods or processes of a client or employer;
   8. (8) not give, lend, or promise anything of value to any public official in order to influence or attempt to influence the official’s judgment or action in the letting of contracts;
   9. (9) refrain from lending his or her name or stamp/seal for plans or other documents for the preparation of which he or she was not directly responsible;
   10. (10) refrain from using the advantages of a salaried position to influence the letting of contracts;
   11. (11) not knowingly make false statements about the professional work of others; and

   12. (12) refrain from engaging in any discriminatory practices prohibited by law in the employment of his or her professional and non-professional personnel and in the conduct of his or her business.

       HISTORY OF 16.44.7 NMAC:

       Pre-NMAC History: The material in this part was derived from that previously filed with the State Records Center and Archives under:

       LAB 85-1, Rules and Regulations,11-27-85;

       LAB 85-1, Rules and Regulations, 12-02-85;

       LAB 89-1, Rules and Regulations, 05-05-89;

       Rule 4, NMBLA, Registration, 07-08-92

       History of Repealed Material:

       16 NMAC 44.7, Code of Professional Conduct - Repealed 10-05-02

       16.44.7 NMAC, Code of Professional Conduct, filed 9-5-2002 - Repealed effective 09-30-16.

[16.44.7.8 NMAC - Rp, 16.44.7.8 NMAC, 9-30-16]