AccountantsPractice Privileges
Section § 5096
This section allows accountants who are licensed in another state to practice in California without getting a local license, provided they meet certain criteria. They must have practiced for a minimum period or hold qualifications similar to California's standards. Accountants can perform specific services only through a registered firm and must follow California's regulations while practicing here. If they face disciplinary actions, criminal charges, or licensing issues in other states, they must stop practicing in California and notify the board. Non-compliance can lead to penalties and a ban from practicing here for a period. Communication with the board is required, especially if there are any legal issues or disciplinary actions involved.
Section § 5096.1
If someone practices accounting in California without a California license and doesn’t meet the necessary practice privilege rules, they're considered to be doing it illegally, even if they have an out-of-state accounting license. They will be treated just like a licensed person for disciplinary measures, and the California accounting board can take action against them. Additionally, the board can revoke the ability to practice if they violate any related rules or commit acts that would lead to disciplinary action if they had a practice privilege.
Section § 5096.12
Section § 5096.2
This law explains the reasons why someone's right to practice, known as a practice privilege, can be revoked. Reasons include failing to meet qualifications, committing acts that would lead to license denial or discipline, or violating laws outside the state that would be illegal within the state. Conditions that can disqualify someone include serious crimes, disciplinary actions on licenses, professional judgments over $30,000, and other board-specified conditions. The board can exempt minor issues from being disqualifying. If a practice privilege is revoked, the individual will be notified and has a right to appeal. An individual can reapply for practice privileges after one year. The board can take disciplinary action against holders of practice privileges and can recover its costs during proceedings. Lastly, if a privilege is revoked or limited, the board must inform relevant regulatory agencies.
Section § 5096.20
This law requires a California board to update its website, allowing consumers to find information on out-of-state professionals who wish to practice in California. Before July 1, 2013, the board must provide a tool that offers at least the same information previously available, such as whether the board has taken any disciplinary action against the individual. Consumers should be able to search by name and state of licensure and must see a disclaimer if referred to an external non-affiliated website. The board must also provide a way for consumers to file complaints and ensure disclaimers are accurate by periodically checking other boards' websites.
Section § 5096.21
This regulation talks about what happens when accountants from other states want to work in California. If the California board thinks that a particular state's rules don't protect the public well, accountants from that state need to fill out a form and pay a fee to work in California. The board decides this based on how well the other state handles disciplinary issues, shares licensee information, and follows best practices. If the other state improves, the board might change its decision and let those accountants work here more easily.
Section § 5096.22
If you're an accountant based in a state under investigation by the board, you'll need to inform the California board and pay a fee before you start working in California. Normally, your ability to practice begins once you submit a notification form and pay the fee within 30 days. Notifications can be sent electronically. However, if you start working before notifying the board, make sure you inform them within five business days. If you do this, you can work from your start date unless you delay the fee payment. Not notifying within five days, or failing to pay, makes your practice illegal, and you might face fines. But, if the state's board takes action and you fail to comply within 60 days of that action, you won't be penalized for missing the notification and fee deadline.
Section § 5096.4
This law allows an individual's right to practice under a practice privilege in California to be temporarily suspended by the board or its executive officer without prior notice, mainly to investigate issues with the individual's competence or qualifications. Following this, the individual can appeal within 30 days, and any appeal will be handled according to the rules usually applied to those denied licensure. It's the individual's responsibility to prove they're still qualified to practice. This suspension isn't considered disciplinary action and doesn't stop the person from applying for a state license to practice accountancy. The suspension remains until the board or officer decides to end it, and there may be a combined process for appealing the suspension and addressing any further disciplinary action.
Section § 5096.5
Even if other rules say differently, you can't sign off on specific official reports unless you have the necessary experience outlined in another rule (Section 5095).
Section § 5096.6
This law allows the board to let the executive officer send out notices or orders, like suspension orders, on their behalf. If someone is affected by such an order, they have the right to challenge it and ask for a hearing.
Section § 5096.7
This section clarifies the meaning of terms like "license," "licensee," "permit," or "certificate" in certain areas of the law, saying that they also cover those with practice privileges unless specified otherwise. It also broadens the definition of "employee" to include partners, shareholders, and owners. Additionally, it states that "license" covers certificates and permits for the purposes of this article.
Section § 5096.8
This law states that the board's investigative powers, including those handled by the executive officer, can be used to investigate whether people are following the rules or breaking them according to this article. This includes the ability to conduct investigations, hold hearings, and issue subpoenas as needed.
Section § 5096.9
This law gives a regulatory board the power to create and adjust rules to explain or detail the provisions of a specific article. It allows the board to temporarily enact emergency regulations to quickly establish necessary procedures and policies, considering them critical to public welfare. Additionally, the board can make changes to existing procedural deadlines or expiration dates without undergoing the typical regulatory process, as this action is seen as having no regulatory impact. The Office of Administrative Law supports these measures by allowing them to bypass usual rulemaking procedures for efficiency and continuity.