By obtaining licensure, all individuals are expected to adhere to the set of responsibilities as enumerated in COMAR (Code of Maryland Regulations) 08.07.07. Failure to comply with any of these provisions, including any in COMAR not listed below, may be justification for the Department to take legal action against an individual licensee.

Responsibility to the Public

1. In rendering professional services, a licensed tree expert shall comply in all respects with applicable laws and regulations pertaining to tree expert services.
2. A licensed tree expert may not engage in any form of false or misleading advertising or promotional activities, including, but not limited to, the falsification or misrepresentation of:
1. The work of a licensed tree expert or of an individual employed by the tree expert;
2. The academic or professional qualifications or affiliations of the licensed tree expert; or
3. The experience or licensing status of the licensed tree expert.
3. A licensed tree expert may not use private property adjacent to a client's property as work area, or to gain access to the client's property, without the private property owner's written permission.
4. A licensed tree expert shall ensure the safe operation of all equipment used in the performance of tree expert services.
5. In the performance of tree expert services, a licensed tree expert shall make every reasonable effort to protect the safety, health, property, and welfare of the public.
6. A licensed tree expert shall cooperate fully with the Department of Natural Resources Forest Service in an investigation or adjudication of an alleged violation of tree expert statutes or regulations and, upon request, shall provide copies of documents to the Department of Natural Resources.
7. A licensed tree expert shall, within a reasonable time, inform the Department of Natural Resources Forest Service in writing of a change in address, telephone number, or employment.

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​Responsibility to the Client

1. A licensed tree expert shall perform tree expert services only if qualified to do so by education or experience.
2. In performing tree expert services, a licensed tree expert shall act with reasonable care and competence, and shall apply technical knowledge and skills according to American National Standards Institute published tree care industry standards as incorporated by reference in Regulation .02 of this chapter.
3. A licensed tree expert may not knowingly assume or accept any position in which the licensed tree expert's interests conflict with the licensee's professional responsibilities unless the facts are disclosed by the licensee and consented to in writing by the client or employer.
4. A licensed tree expert shall enter into a written contract with the client which shall clearly convey the:
1. Licensed tree expert's name, license number, name of licensee's business entity, address, and phone number;
2. Name, address, and phone number of the client;
3. Objective and scope of services;
4. Anticipated dates of the licensed tree expert's work on the project;
5. Implications of any deviation from ANSI standards incorporated under Regulation .02 of this chapter;
6. Amount and method of remuneration for the services; and
7. Dated signatures of the licensed tree expert or the licensed tree expert's designee and the client or the client's designee.
5. Any amendments to the contract shall be in writing and signed and dated by both the licensed tree expert or the licensed tree expert's designee and the client or the client's designee.
6. A licensed tree expert may not accept compensation from more than one employer for the same service unless all parties involved are informed and consent.
7. A licensed tree expert may not exploit clients served professionally by:
1. Accepting a tree care project if benefit cannot reasonably be expected to accrue to the tree or trees or to the client;
2. Continuing treatment when benefit cannot reasonably be expected to accrue to the tree or trees or to the client;
3. Charging for services not rendered;
4. Failing to fully inform clients served of the nature and possible effects of services rendered; or
5. Misrepresenting services rendered.
8. A licensed tree expert who anticipates the termination or interruption of service during the term of a contract shall notify the client promptly.

Responsibility to Other Licensed Tree Experts and the Profession

1. A licensed tree expert shall pursue all professional endeavors with honesty, integrity, fairness, and professionalism.
2. A licensed tree expert may only take credit for services performed by the licensed tree expert directly or by the licensed tree expert's firm under the licensed tree expert's supervision and direction.
3. A licensed tree expert shall adhere to and maintain standards of professional conduct that reflect in a responsible manner on the profession.
4. A licensed tree expert shall disclose associations with multiple tree care companies to each tree care company for which the licensee provides tree care services or supervision of tree care services.

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