Written by: Jordan Ellis
Professional engineers in Kansas are held to high legal and ethical standards designed to protect public safety and maintain trust in the profession. The Kansas State Board of Technical Professions (KSBTP) investigates complaints and issues disciplinary actions when engineers violate state regulations or fail to uphold the responsibilities of licensure.
This article reviews disciplinary cases involving Kansas professional engineers from 2019 to 2023. It explains the types of violations that lead to board action, the penalties imposed, and how engineers can stay compliant with state requirements.
If you’re a licensed PE in Kansas, or planning to become one, this guide provides important insights into the risks and responsibilities tied to your license.
Check out my article What are the Most Common Ethics Violations for Professional Engineers.
Ethics Course for Kansas Engineers
This one-hour online course helps Kansas Professional Engineers earn guaranteed PDH credit while deepening their understanding of ethical responsibilities and state board requirements. By examining real disciplinary cases, participants will learn to recognize common violations, understand the Kansas Board’s disciplinary process, and apply practical strategies to maintain compliance and protect their professional license. Ideal for engineers dedicated to upholding public safety and the highest standards of integrity in Kansas.
What Constitutes a Disciplinary Violation in Kansas?
In Kansas, professional engineers are governed by the Kansas State Board of Technical Professions, which enforces rules and statutes that promote ethical conduct and public safety. A disciplinary violation occurs when a licensee breaches these standards, either through misconduct, negligence, or failure to comply with licensing regulations.
Common violations include:
- Practicing engineering without an active license or with an expired one
- Failing to properly seal and sign engineering documents
- Misrepresenting qualifications or project involvement
- Submitting plans or reports without proper oversight or review
- Violating the Board’s Code of Professional Conduct
- Failing to respond to Board inquiries or complete required continuing education
Types of Penalties Issued to Kansas Engineers
The Kansas State Board of Technical Professions enforces a range of disciplinary actions based on the nature and severity of each violation. Penalties are intended to protect public safety, uphold the integrity of the engineering profession, and deter future misconduct.
Common types of disciplinary actions include:
- Reprimand
A formal notice of wrongdoing, usually issued for first-time or less severe violations. It becomes part of the engineer’s disciplinary record. - Fines
Monetary penalties often accompany other disciplinary measures. Fines vary widely depending on the offense and may range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. - Probation
The licensee is allowed to continue practicing but under strict conditions. This may include regular reporting to the Board or limits on project scope. - Suspension
Temporarily removes the engineer’s ability to practice in Kansas. A suspension can last until specific conditions are met or for a fixed duration. - License Surrender or Revocation
In the most serious cases, the Board may accept the voluntary surrender of a license or revoke it entirely. This is typically reserved for repeated violations, gross negligence, or criminal conduct.
Each penalty is tailored to the violation and often considers aggravating or mitigating factors such as intent, harm caused, or past disciplinary history.
Kansas PE Disciplinary Actions (2019–2023)
Here is the consolidated table of real Kansas PE disciplinary actions from 2019 to 2023, including case period, violation summary, penalties issued, and fines.
| Case Period | Violation Summary | Penalty | Fine |
| Oct 2019 | Practiced engineering in Kansas without a license | Cease and desist; Board reprimand; required ethics course | $1,000 |
| Winter 2020 | Failed to provide notification of discipline in another jurisdiction | Board reprimand; required to submit proof of license status | None |
| June 2021 | Used PE seal on documents without a valid Kansas license | Cease and desist; Board reprimand; 6 PDH ethics course | $1,000 |
| Dec 2021 | Signed and sealed engineering drawings without holding a Kansas PE license | Cease and desist; Board reprimand; required ethics course | $1,500 |
| June 2022 | Practiced engineering during a lapse in Kansas licensure | Cease and desist; Board reprimand; required PDH hours in ethics | $1,000 |
| June 2023 | Failed to renew license but continued using PE designation on public documents | Cease and desist; Board reprimand; required ethics course | $500 |
| Dec 2023 | Practiced on an expired license and falsely claimed active licensure | Cease and desist; Board reprimand; required 6 PDH ethics course | $1,500 |
This pattern of non-disclosure extends across the country, as another case involved failing to report a disciplinary action from the State of Nebraska Board of Engineers and Architects.
In one instance, both an individual engineer and his firm were separately disciplined by the board for failing to report a single disciplinary action from the Wyoming Board of Professional Engineers.
Summary of Violations by Type
To better understand the trends in professional engineering violations in Kansas, we’ve grouped the disciplinary actions by violation type. This helps highlight the most frequent issues that result in enforcement actions from the Kansas State Board of Technical Professions. The table below summarizes these violations, including the typical penalties and fine ranges associated with each type.
| Violation Type | Number of Cases | Typical Penalty | Fine Range |
| Unlicensed Practice in Kansas | 4 | Cease and desist, Board reprimand, ethics course | $1,000–$1,500 |
| Misuse of PE Seal or Title | 2 | Reprimand, cease and desist, PDH in ethics | $500–$1,000 |
| Failure to Report Out-of-State Discipline | 1 | Board reprimand, license status documentation | None |
This analysis shows that unlicensed practice remains the most common violation, often resulting in the most significant fines and corrective requirements.
How the Disciplinary Process Works in Kansas
The Kansas State Board of Technical Professions follows a structured and transparent disciplinary process to handle violations involving licensed professional engineers. The goal is to protect the public while ensuring fairness and due process for all parties involved.
- Complaint Submission
Anyone, client, colleague, or member of the public, can file a complaint with the Board alleging misconduct, unlicensed practice, or other violations of Kansas statutes and regulations. - Preliminary Review
The complaint is reviewed to determine if it falls within the Board’s jurisdiction. If it does, the matter proceeds to an investigation. - Formal Investigation
An investigator gathers facts, interviews relevant parties, and reviews records to assess the validity of the complaint. - Board Review and Action
Based on the findings, the Board may:
- Dismiss the case if no violation is found
- Offer a consent agreement to resolve the case
- Schedule a formal hearing if necessary
- Resolution and Enforcement
Disciplinary actions can include reprimands, fines, continuing education requirements, suspension, or license revocation. Consent agreements are commonly used to resolve cases without the need for a hearing. - Public Disclosure
Final actions are published in official reports and posted on the Board’s website. These reports help maintain transparency and accountability across the profession.
How to Report a Professional Engineer in Kansas
If you suspect that a professional engineer in Kansas has violated the state’s engineering laws or ethical standards, the Kansas State Board of Technical Professions (KSBTP) provides a formal process for submitting a complaint.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reporting:
- Gather Information
Collect relevant documentation and details about the alleged violation. This may include project records, correspondence, contracts, or photographs that support your claim. - Use the Official Complaint Form
Visit the KSBTP website to access the official complaint form. You must complete all required fields, including a detailed description of the violation and the names of the individuals or firms involved.
- Website: ks.gov
- Complaint Form: Direct Complaint Form Link
- Submit the Complaint
You can submit your complaint electronically or by mail. The Board accepts complaints from members of the public, clients, other professionals, and anonymous sources (though anonymous complaints may limit the investigation). - Wait for Confirmation and Review
Once submitted, the Board will confirm receipt and begin a preliminary review to determine if the matter falls within its authority. If it does, a formal investigation may be initiated. - Cooperation and Confidentiality
If additional information is needed, the Board’s investigator may contact you. All complaints are handled with confidentiality to protect both the complainant and the respondent during the process.
Frequently Asked Questions About PE Discipline in Kansas
What are the most common reasons engineers get disciplined in Kansas?
The Kansas Board of Technical Professions most frequently issues discipline for unlicensed practice, failing to renew a license, providing engineering services without proper authorization, and violations of technical or ethical standards.
Can a professional engineer be disciplined for an honest mistake?
Yes, if the mistake results in a violation of Kansas statutes or Board rules—especially if it endangers public safety or reflects a lack of due care—disciplinary action may be taken. However, the Board considers intent, impact, and corrective actions taken when determining penalties.
How will I know if a complaint has been filed against me?
If the Board proceeds with a formal investigation, the respondent will be notified in writing and given an opportunity to respond. Informal inquiries may not always result in notification unless further action is required.
Will disciplinary actions become public record?
Yes. Once a final order is issued, disciplinary actions are published in the Board’s official reports and are available on the KSBTP website. This information may also be accessible through license verification searches.
Can I contest or appeal a disciplinary action?
Yes. Engineers have the right to a hearing and may be represented by legal counsel. If the Board issues a decision, you may also appeal the outcome through the administrative or judicial review process.
How can I avoid disciplinary action?
Maintain an active license, follow the Board’s statutes and regulations, stay up to date on continuing education requirements, and practice within your area of competence. When in doubt, consult the Board’s guidelines or seek legal or professional advice.
Final Thoughts: Protecting Your License and Career
Even small oversights can lead to disciplinary action. Stay compliant by renewing your license on time, following board rules, and practicing within your area of competence. A little diligence now can protect your career and reputation in the long run.