Online News Vol. 1, Issue 3 |
Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board Division of Plumbing Contractors |
Update from the Director of the Professional Licensing Boards: This quarter we have continued to make improvements to the licensure process by implementing the first online applications. We currently have online applications available for 23 license types with plans to add more throughout the remainder of the year. There are many advantages to online applications, including ensured completion, decreased paper use, a higher degree of accuracy, and a faster application process. You can visit our website at www.sos.ga.gov/plb to see a complete list of online applications. Finally, during the third quarter we made significant progress in the outsourcing of the PLB Examination section. Outsourcing the exam function of PLB allows us to offer more testing locations for some license types, more testing opportunities and overall budget savings for the State of Georgia. More information will be available in the coming weeks as all outsourcing contracts are finalized. PLB is committed to continually seeking and implementing initiatives to enable us to provide you with the best service possible. We look forward to the opportunity to assist you in the very near future.
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The Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board Division of Plumbing Contractors is made up of five members: One is the chief plumbing inspector for a county or municipality, three master plumbers and one journeyman plumber. A consumer member associated with all divisions also attends. Typically, the Board meets six times per year. Board meetings are open to the public with the exception of executive session in which confidential matters such as complaints, disciplinary items, and applications are discussed. The Board protects the public against faulty construction installations through the licensing of contractors. The Board establishes and administers standards for the licensing of the contractors in the above professions. These standards maintain the qualifications for entry into the professions, including experience, examination, and training, and the qualifications for continued practice, including work standards and education. Each division evaluates applicants for licensure, conducts examinations, issues and renews licenses, evaluates the practice of licensees, takes disciplinary action against licensees, and enforces the requirements for licensure. Minutes from the Board meetings may be found on the Board’s website at http://sos.georgia.gov/plb/construct/. |
Board Members: H. Grady Smith, III, Division Chairman |
Board Staff: Darren Mickler
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2009 Meetings: December 16, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. The Board meets at the Professional Licensing Board office in Macon. |
Number of Active Licensees: Master Plumber - Restricted: 770Master Plumber - Non-Restricted: 4,149 Journeyman Plumber: 1,513 |
Actions Taken by the Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board Division of Plumbing Contractors August: The Board voted to approve the following applications for licensure as a Journeyman Plumber: The Board voted to approve the following applications for licensure as a Master Plumber Non- Restricted: The Board voted to approve the following cease and desist orders for unlicensed practice: The Board voted to approve the following Consent Order due to criminal convictions: The Board voted to approve the following consent order for practicing beyond the scope of practice: |
License Renewals: Licenses expire as follows: Master and Journeyman Plumbers – November 30 of even numbered years It is illegal to work as a plumber with an expired license. How do I renew my license? You may renew your license on the Professional Licensing Board website with a credit card. Click on the License Renewal icon and follow the instructions. You will be asked a series of questions including whether you have been arrested, convicted of a crime or received a board sanction since the last renewal, whether you have completed your continuing education requirements, and whether you are a U.S. citizen. Renewing your license via the website is the fastest way to renew your license. The Professional Licensing Boards do not mail paper renewals unless requested. A paper renewal form may be requested by the licensee by calling the Board office at (478) 207-2440, or submitting a written request. Licensees may also call our automated system at (404) 463-1100 and request a paper renewal form using their personal identification number included in their renewal notice. Disciplinary Issues: The Board addresses disciplinary issues on a case-by-case basis. The Board takes these matters very seriously and applies sanctions to those who violate the Georgia Construction Industry Practice Act, Board rules, and policies. It is important that licensees review all laws, rules and policies that affect their profession. These may be found on the Board’s website at http://sos.georgia.gov/plb/construct/. All public disciplinary actions will be reflected in the Board minutes which may be found on the Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board Division of Plumbing Contractors website. Grounds for denial, suspension, revocation of a license, or other disciplinary actions may be found at O.C.G.A. § 43-14-12 and at O.C.G.A. § 43-1-19. State laws and Board rules may be found on our website at http://sos.georgia.gov/plb/construct/. |
Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board Division of Plumbing Contractors Complaints Process Information: The Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board Division of Plumbing Contractors, whose members are appointed by the Governor, has the responsibility of administering the laws in O.C.G.A. § 43-14. The Board determines if applicants meet licensure requirements, promulgates rules, and considers complaints against licensees and allegations of unlicensed practice. The process for disposing of complaints is as follows: Complaint Form: Complaints must be reported to and received by the Board in writing. Written complaints may be submitted to the Board office or be submitted on-line at http://sos.georgia.gov/myverification/submitcomplaint.aspx. Documents received in connection with a complaint will not be returned. The complaint must contain sufficient factual evidence to indicate a clear violation of Georgia law or Board rule. Investigations: The Board gives serious consideration to all complaints. Further investigative action may be taken. Should you file a complaint, you may be contacted by a Board inspector or investigator for additional information. Investigative files are considered confidential for any purpose other than a hearing before the Board. However, the Board is authorized to release such records to another enforcement agency or lawful licensing authority. Notification Process: While the investigation is ongoing, the Board is unable to discuss the status of a complaint with anyone, including the complainant. When the Board has completed the case, the complainant will be notified in writing of the Board’s actions. All public disciplinary actions will be reflected in the Board minutes which may be found on the Board’s website. |
Frequently Asked Questions: A list of frequently asked questions may be found on the Board’s website. If you cannot find an answer to your question, you may contact the Board office at (478) 207-2440. |