WAC 460-25A-020   Use of senior-specific certifications and professional designations.  (1) Consistent with the model rule on the use of senior-specific certifications and professional designations adopted by the North American Securities Administrators Association, Inc. on March 20, 2008, the use of a senior-specific certification or designation by any person in connection with the offer, sale, or purchase of securities, or the provision of advice as to the value of or the advisability of investing in, purchasing, or selling securities, either directly or indirectly or through publications or writings, or by issuing or promulgating analyses or reports relating to securities, that indicates or implies that the user has special certification or training in advising or servicing senior citizens or retirees, in such a way as to mislead any person shall be a dishonest and unethical practice within the meaning of RCW 21.20.020 (1)(c) and 21.20.110 (1)(g).

     (2) The prohibited use of such certifications or professional designations includes, but is not limited to, the following:

     (a) Use of a certification or professional designation by a person who has not actually earned or is otherwise ineligible to use such certification or designation;

     (b) Use of a nonexistent or self-conferred certification or professional designation;

     (c) Use of a certification or professional designation that indicates or implies a level of occupational qualifications obtained through education, training, or experience that the person using the certification or professional designation does not have; and

     (d) Use of a certification or professional designation that was obtained from a designating or certifying organization that:

     (i) Is primarily engaged in the business of instruction in sales and/or marketing;

     (ii) Does not have reasonable standards or procedures for assuring the competency of its designees or certificants;

     (iii) Does not have reasonable standards or procedures for monitoring and disciplining its designees or certificants for improper or unethical conduct; or

     (iv) Does not have reasonable continuing education requirements for its designees or certificants in order to maintain the designation or certificate.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 21.20.450, 21.20.020 (1)(c),21.20.110 (1)(g). 08-14-006, § 460-25A-020, filed 6/19/08, effective 7/20/08.]