Why address ASID legislative policy at this time?
Although we've supported a number of coalitions through the years and advocated successfully for legislation that advanced the profession, the variety of legislative activity in different states has led to mixed perceptions of the Society's purposes and ultimate goals. This created confusion and, absent an explicit statement from the Society, left our position open to interpretation and misrepresentation by others. Clarification was necessary.
When was this legislative policy clarified?
The legislative policy was reviewed and approved by the ASID Board of Directors on January 17, 2009, and is effective immediately. Moving forward, ASID will evaluate all legislative proposals related to the interior design profession using this policy.
Does ASID support title acts and/or practice acts?
In reality, the variation in language and nuanced provisions of specific title and practice legislation often make the distinction between the two unclear. For that reason, ASID will evaluate each individual piece of legislation to see if it meshes with ASID legislative policies. ASID supports legislation that legally recognizes the interior design profession and enables all interior designers to practice to the fullest extent of their capabilities. ASID will not support title acts that restrict the use of the title "interior designer." We will support title acts that recognize state-qualified "certified," "registered" or "licensed" interior designers. Further, ASID will not support legislation that restricts interior design services that do not affect building codes or other statutes.
What is a state-qualified interior designer?
A state-qualified interior designer is defined as an interior design professional who has met the qualifications set by the state or jurisdiction for registration, certification or licensure and holds a valid certificate of registration, certification or licensure from the state or jurisdiction. ASID advocates that the requirements to become a state-qualified interior designer include formal interior design education, experience and passage of the NCIDQ examination.
What about existing interior design laws?
If your jurisdiction currently regulates interior design, this policy does not affect current law. If you are unsure if your state regulates interior design, ASID provides resources and support to understand current state interior design laws, as no two states have the same law. To learn more about laws in your state, go to www.asid.org/legislation. ASID lends legislative support to coalitions whose efforts align with our objectives. At this time, ASID does not intend to pursue amendments to existing interior design statutes, although should a jurisdiction or the interior design legislative coalition within a jurisdiction seek to amend an existing interior design law, ASID will evaluate that initiative using this policy.
What coalitions will ASID support in the future? What about current funding?
ASID will evaluate each coalition's efforts on a state-by-state basis to determine if the legislation being pursued is in line with ASID legislative policies. Funding and other support, including chapter support, will be tied to this evaluation. Current fiscal year funding decisions at both the chapter and national levels were made prior to the enactment of this policy. As such, some initiatives that were funded this year may not be funded in the future unless they are already in compliance with this policy or are amended to comply.
Does ASID still support the NCIDQ exam?
Yes. ASID still supports the NCIDQ exam as the test for minimum competency for both recognition as a state-qualified interior designer and for professional membership in ASID. In fact, ASID legislative policy states: "ASID supports the National Council for Interior Design Qualifications (NCIDQ) as the body whose professional exam tests minimum competency for state-qualified interior designers."
Have ASID admission requirements changed?
ASID admission requirements have not changed since 2004. Currently, to qualify as an allied member an individual must present an official transcript with at least 40 semester hours of interior design education. For professional membership, the individual must present an NCIDQ certificate number, which is double checked against the NCIDQ database.