Do you have a working knowledge of the laws and regulations governing your profession? All too frequently I receive calls from licensed professionals asking the most basic questions many of which can be answered by reading a particular section of a law or regulation.
There is little uniformity in how licensees are regulated by various jurisdictions so the situation is compounded when you hold a license in multiple states. Professional licensees practicing in one or more states should take the time to become familiar with laws and regulations of each state simply to avoid unintentional disciplinary action. Issues that appear inconsequential, such as updating your address with the licensing authority, may turn out to be grounds for a reprimand or fine. All states look harshly at a licensee who fails to report a disciplinary action handed out in another state.
Appraiser licensing rules provide more than a few examples. Maine requires appraisers to complete a 7-hour professional standards class between January 1 and December 31 of even number years. This is a requirement unique to Maine. New Hampshire has a requirement that half of an appraiser’s continuing education must be completed in a classroom setting; again, unique to New Hampshire. Massachusetts allows all continuing education to be online; much more the norm these days. However, unique to Massachusetts, Certified General appraisers have to take half their continuing education in seminars classified as non-residential.
Reviewing the laws and regulations governing your profession is not a one-time thing as states are prone to updating them from time to time. I suggest that you annually check the website of the licensing authority for the state(s) you are licensed in for notices of changes. Ignorance of current rules and statutes will not be a valid excuse for failing to comply.
Joining an association that represents your profession is one way to keep informed. Most associations not only follow what is happening on the state level, but also act as advocates for your profession. Association staff represents a valuable member resource by being able to answer questions or point members in the right direction. Membership is best viewed as an investment in your future and not as an expense.
Stephen E. Sousa is executive vice president and chief staff officer of the Massachusetts Board of Real Estate Appraisers (MBREA), a Boston, MA based professional association for real estate appraisers founded in 1934. The MBREA is New England’s leading provider of education to both enter the appraisal profession and to meet mandatory continuing education requirements.
At MBREA, Steve directs the daily operations of the organization and participates on the executive committee and board of trustees. Steve also serves as the association’s lobbyist both on Beacon Hill and Capitol Hill.
Prior to his current position, Steve was senior vice president and associate publisher at The Warren Group and served as president of both of the state’s trade associations for mortgage bankers, lenders and brokers. A graduate of Boston College, Steve also serves as a director of the Fields Corner Community Development Corporation and as a director and chair-elect of the New England Society of Association Executives.
A resident of Dorchester, Steve grew up in Weymouth. He has three adult children and eight grandchildren ranging in age from 4 to 26.
The Landy Agency is a national leader in providing non-medical, professional liability and cybercrime insurance for accountants, attorneys, and real estate professionals. John can be reached at 781‐292‐5417 or johnt@landy.com. Visit www.landy.com for more information.
If you are an insurance producer looking to register with us or obtain coverage for your client, please visit ourPartner Resource Center for information.