Written by: Jordan Ellis
Louisiana’s professional engineers hold a critical responsibility – protecting public health, safety, and welfare through sound, ethical engineering practices. The Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board (LAPELS) enforces strict standards to ensure that licensed engineers meet this obligation.
Even seemingly minor lapses in judgment or recordkeeping can lead to disciplinary action, fines, and long-term reputational damage. Each year, LAPELS publishes enforcement actions that highlight how violations, ranging from failure to renew a license to unlicensed practice, are investigated and penalized. For engineers working in Louisiana, these cases serve as a valuable reminder of the importance of maintaining compliance and upholding ethical standards.
This article provides a detailed overview of recent disciplinary actions by LAPELS, highlighting common violations, penalties, and lessons learned. Whether you’re renewing your license or just entering the profession, understanding these real-world cases can help you avoid similar mistakes.
Related article: What are the Most Common Ethics Violations for Professional Engineers.
Ethics Course for Louisiana Engineers
This one-hour online course helps Louisiana Professional Engineers earn guaranteed PDH credit while strengthening their understanding of ethical responsibilities and state board requirements. Through real disciplinary case studies, participants will learn to identify common violations, navigate LAPELS’ disciplinary process, and apply practical strategies to maintain compliance and protect their professional license. Ideal for engineers committed to upholding public safety and the highest standards of integrity in Louisiana.
Common Violations Among Louisiana Professional Engineers
The Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board enforces professional standards by investigating and penalizing engineers who fail to comply with licensing laws and ethical responsibilities. Based on the recent case data, several types of violations appear repeatedly.
One of the most common issues is the failure to renew a license or continuing to practice engineering after a license has expired. This violation often results in monetary penalties, formal reprimands, and the requirement to pay back fees and submit documentation for reinstatement.
Another frequent violation is practicing engineering in Louisiana without obtaining the proper state license. Engineers licensed in other states sometimes assume their out-of-state credentials allow them to practice in Louisiana, but the state requires a separate license. This can lead to civil penalties and formal board action.
There are also cases involving failure to notify LAPELS of disciplinary actions taken in other jurisdictions. Engineers are required to report such events within 30 days, and failure to do so can result in additional sanctions.
These cases highlight the importance of staying informed about licensing obligations, adhering to professional responsibilities, and promptly addressing issues with the board. Even seemingly minor oversights can result in formal discipline and reputational damage.
Full Case Summary Table
Below is a summary of recent disciplinary actions taken by the Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board. Each case highlights the nature of the violation, the resulting penalty, and any associated fines.
| Case Number | Date | Summary of Violation | Penalty | Fine |
| 2024-31 | 03/18/2024 | Engineer failed to notify LAPELS of out-of-state license discipline. | Reprimand; $500 fine; $75 admin cost; must report discipline. | $500 |
| 2024-49 | 04/15/2024 | Practiced engineering with an expired license. | Reprimand; $1,000 fine; $75 admin cost. | $1,000 |
| 2024-50 | 04/15/2024 | Practiced engineering in Louisiana without a state license. | Reprimand; $2,000 fine; $75 admin cost. | $2,000 |
| 2024-54 | 04/15/2024 | PE firm offered engineering services without being properly licensed. | Reprimand; $500 fine; $75 admin cost. | $500 |
| 2024-56 | 04/15/2024 | Engineer failed to notify LAPELS of out-of-state discipline. | Reprimand; $500 fine; $75 admin cost; must report discipline. | $500 |
| 2024-57 | 04/15/2024 | PE firm practiced engineering after firm license expired. | Reprimand; $1,000 fine; $75 admin cost. | $1,000 |
| 2024-59 | 04/15/2024 | Engineer practiced without a valid Louisiana license. | Reprimand; $1,000 fine; $75 admin cost. | $1,000 |
| 2024-74 | 06/17/2024 | Engineer failed to report out-of-state discipline to LAPELS. | Reprimand; $500 fine; $75 admin cost. | $500 |
| 2023-45 | 10/16/2023 | Out-of-state PE practiced engineering in Louisiana without a license. | Reprimand; $1,500 fine; $75 admin cost. | $1,500 |
| 2023-54 | 12/11/2023 | Firm offered engineering services without proper license. | Reprimand; $1,000 fine; $75 admin cost. | $1,000 |
| 2023-62 | 12/11/2023 | Engineer practiced engineering with an expired license. | Reprimand; $1,000 fine; $75 admin cost. | $1,000 |
| 2024-43 | 04/15/2024 | Engineer failed to notify LAPELS of discipline in another state. | Reprimand; $500 fine; $75 admin cost. | $500 |
The requirement to report out-of-state discipline is a critical and often overlooked rule. Failing to disclose a prior action is a frequent cause for penalties, as demonstrated in a recent series of West Virginia PE disciplinary actions where multiple engineers were fined for this exact oversight.
Practicing with an expired license is one of the most common violations across the country, a trend that is also clearly visible in the disciplinary actions against Minnesota professional engineers.
Firms offering services in Louisiana must be properly licensed with LAPELS, and this is a standard requirement in other states as well; the Ohio engineering board also recently disciplined several firms for operating without a valid Certificate of Authorization.
Penalties Issued by the Louisiana PE Board
The Louisiana PE Board takes enforcement seriously and issues a range of penalties to uphold professional standards. Most commonly, the Board imposes monetary fines along with formal reprimands. In several cases, engineers or firms were required to pay restitution or reimburse investigative costs.
The typical fine ranged from $500 to $5,000 depending on the severity and nature of the violation. For example, working with an expired license often resulted in lower fines, while practicing engineering without a license or failing to disclose disciplinary actions in other states led to more substantial penalties. In some instances, firms had to take corrective actions such as revising marketing materials or ceasing unauthorized services.
These penalties not only serve as a punishment but also act as a reminder for all licensees to maintain compliance with the state’s rules and ethical expectations.
Here is a summary of the most common types of violations cited by the Louisiana PE Board, along with how frequently each occurred, the typical penalty, and the range of fines:
| Violation Type | Number of Cases | Typical Penalty | Fine Range |
| Practicing with an Expired License | 4 | Fine and formal reprimand | $500 – $1,000 |
| Unlicensed Practice (Individual or Firm) | 4 | Fine, reprimand, cease activity | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Failure to Report Disciplinary Action Elsewhere | 1 | Fine and reprimand | $1,000 |
| Misrepresentation or Misleading Claims | 1 | Fine, revise materials, reprimand | $2,500 |
| Holding Out as Engineer Without License | 1 | Fine, cease claims, reprimand | $1,500 |
These patterns show that both individual engineers and firms are held accountable for compliance, and that issues related to licensure status are among the most frequent causes of disciplinary action.
How Louisiana Engineers Can Avoid Violations
Staying in good standing with the Louisiana PE Board requires more than just technical competence. Administrative oversights and compliance missteps can lead to fines, public reprimands, or even license suspension. The good news is that most violations are preventable with consistent attention to licensure and ethics obligations.
Here are practical steps every Louisiana professional engineer should follow:
- Keep your license and firm registration active. Set reminders well in advance of expiration dates to avoid accidental lapses.
- Ensure proper authorization before offering or performing services. Verify that your firm is appropriately licensed, and never offer engineering services unless both you and your firm are in good standing.
- Avoid any misleading representations. Do not use professional titles or credentials in any public-facing materials (such as websites, proposals, or business cards) unless you are properly licensed.
- Disclose disciplinary actions from other states. If you’ve been disciplined elsewhere, you are required to report it to the Louisiana board.
- Respond promptly to board communications. Ignoring notices or requests for information can escalate an issue and increase penalties.
By maintaining clear records, understanding your legal obligations, and acting in good faith, engineers can reduce their risk of disciplinary action and preserve the trust that the public places in the profession.
Final Thoughts
Disciplinary actions issued by the Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board highlight the importance of staying vigilant with compliance requirements. Most violations, such as practicing with a lapsed license, misusing professional titles, or failing to register a firm, are avoidable with proactive attention and good administrative practices.
For professional engineers in Louisiana, maintaining a valid license, understanding the limits of authorized practice, and responding to board communications in a timely manner are essential steps. These responsibilities are not just bureaucratic checkboxes; they are foundational to maintaining the integrity of the profession and protecting public welfare.